5 simple tips for cat owners to keep your home smelling fresh: litter is one of the biggest risk factors

We love them, and maybe that's why we dare to admit that it's less so if we can't get rid of the cat smell in the apartment when we get home from work. At the same time, we would like to point out at the very beginning that the smells that appear due to keeping them in the apartment are not the fault of the cats. It is only up to us what kind of conditions we provide for them and ourselves.

But we are also aware that it is difficult to balance the many expectations and duties in such a way that everyone’s needs are fully satisfied. And of course, sometimes it also happens that we do everything, but we don’t know where we messed up. Therefore, today we have collected some tips so that you can achieve the greatest results with the smallest energy investment in terms of the cleanliness and odor-freeness of the apartment.

1. As regards the general cleanliness of the home

If any pets live under the same roof with us, we also have to spend more time on the cleanliness of our home. Vacuuming is now due daily. Most housewives feel that they would prefer to tear out their each hair one by one after reading this, but they certainly won’t be vacuuming every day. We thought exactly the same way, until we got a vacuum cleaner that makes cleaning less strenuous.

It might cost a little more money, but you will never regret the investment. Lightweight, preferably wireless, with a relatively quiet but powerful engine. Feel free to read reviews on the Internet. It’s even better if it also has a head that you can use to remove hairs from the sofa.

To combat Eau de Meow effectively, it might be a good idea to get a hand steamer (which you can also use for clothes when you travel, for example) with which you can  steam fabrics such as throw pillows, chair cushions, sofa covers and curtains between washes . Not only do you disinfect this way, but you also get rid of unpleasant odors.

The cat’s bed, blankets and toys should be thrown into the washing machine every week or two, and those that cannot be washed should be rinsed in soapy water. It can be useful to wash the bowls after feeding, just like our own. Dried or scattered food residue will soon smell.

2. Keep your pet clean too

Another very important thing is that the kitten is always well-groomed and clean. This is important not only for their own well-being, but also for the cleanliness and good smell of the home. Here we wrote more about how you bath your cat at home so that you don’t suffer permanent battle injuries.

Regular brushing is very important, especially for long-haired breeds; and if the cat goes out tooo, it may be worth increasing the number of baths, if you consider it justified. Many people also like to use waterless shampoos between baths. You can also do a test with these to see if it works.

3. Everything stands or falls on litter tray

Cats are extremely clean animals, so if they have a problem with the toilet situation, you will also have serious problems in a short time.

It is a permanent rule that the number of litter trays should always be the number of cats + 1. Keep them in easily accessible, quiet places, far from each other.

The size of the box or tray is also decisive, because if it is small, the cats will definitely feel uncomfortable in it, which may lead them not using it. Covered or automated boxes make many cats nervous, so according to our experience, this should also be avoided.

It is also recommended to experiment with the type of litter. Silicone products are one of the best in terms of odor retention, but they also have some drawbacks. We wrote more about the properties of the different types here.

The litter should be scooped out at least once a day. This is beyond dispute! But if you have time, you can easily do this several times, it won’t be a problem.

At least once a month, the litter tray must be completely emptied, washed, and then filled with fresh litter. This can be done more often, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you still have questions about litter, you can find out everything about it in our comprehensive article here.

4. Ventilate!

It’s an underrated tip, and we tend to forget it or neglect it when the bad weather hits. Two 10-minute ventilations a day, in the morning and when you get home from work, will do wonders for odors.

5. Scent it!

We recommend diffusers, bottle with stick or plug in type of fragrances. But before you use this tactic, we suggest that you check with your vet what he or she recommends.

Unfortunately, it may happen that your cat happen to be allergic to certain smells or products, or it may simply irritate its little nose. However, with a little experimentation, you will surely find something that works for both of you.