Cats are known for being clean animals and this isn’t just confined to how they are constantly washing themselves, but also to the environment in which they live. If you own a cat, there are some basic hygiene rules that you need to keep in mind when caring for the areas in which your feline friend lives and sleeps.
1. Keep your cat’s bedding clean. Check when you first launder it that the cat isn’t allergic to any detergent that you use, and then make sure that you wash any blankets every few weeks – more frequently in the summer and absolutely anytime you’ve had to de-flea your cat. Once you’ve washed them, it doesn’t hurt to spray a little flea spray on the underside where the cat won’t lick, but don’t overdo it or the cat will decide to sleep elsewhere!
2. Food and water should be always kept fresh. Never leave food lying around in the open air where it’s a target for flies. If your cat doesn’t eat it all, cover it and place in the fridge and offer it later in the day. Water should be always available – especially in the summer when it’s hotter – and should be renewed at least twice during the day.
3. Kitty’s litter tray is probably the place where your cat is the most particular over it being clean. There are very few cats that will use a dirty litter box – this is their toilet and like humans, they are particular about where they go when they need to go! Litter boxes should be cleaned at least once a day if you have the kind of litter that becomes solid when wet and other kinds of litter need to be replaced as advised on the packaging. Any poop should be lifted out immediately you notice it.
Cats don’t usually smell, but if you don’t pay attention to their environment, you will find that your home does take on a “cat smell” that others may notice. As long as you keep the cat’s areas clean and fresh, this shouldn’t be a problem.