From fur on the sofa to litter tray smells and the occasional muddy paw print, having a cat means there are a few extra things to think about when it comes to keeping your home fresh.
The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference.
Whether you’ve got one cat or a whole collection of furry friends, these cleaning tips for cat owners can help you keep on top of everyday mess and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home.
1. Stay on top of the litter tray
It’s probably the most obvious one, but keeping your cat’s litter tray clean is one of the easiest ways to keep your home smelling fresh.
Remove waste regularly and give the tray a proper clean as often as recommended for the type of litter you’re using. Don’t forget the area around the tray too, as litter can easily get tracked onto the surrounding floor.
A litter mat underneath the tray can help catch stray pieces before they make their way around the house.
Our tip: Keep a small handheld vacuum nearby so you can quickly clean up any litter that escapes.
2. Vacuum regularly to keep on top of cat hair
Cat hair has a habit of getting absolutely everywhere.
Even short-haired cats can leave fur on carpets, rugs, sofas and bedding, particularly when they’re shedding. Regular vacuuming can stop it from building up and help your home feel much fresher. Pay particular attention to your cat’s favourite spots. If they spend most of their day curled up on the sofa, that’s probably where you’ll find most of the fur!
Don’t forget less obvious places such as underneath furniture, along skirting boards and in corners.
3. Give soft furnishings some extra attention
Your cat’s favourite blanket might be cosy, but it can also become a magnet for fur, dander and smells.
Wash pet blankets and removable covers regularly, following the care instructions. For furniture that can’t go in the washing machine, vacuuming regularly can help remove loose hair and dirt.
A lint roller is also handy for quickly freshening up sofas and chairs between deeper cleans.
4. Choose pet-safe cleaning products
When you’re cleaning a home shared with a cat, it’s worth thinking about what’s in the products you’re using.
Cats are curious creatures and can walk across freshly cleaned floors, lick their paws and investigate just about anything that catches their attention. Some household cleaning products and ingredients can be harmful to pets, so always check the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where possible, choose cleaning products that are specifically labelled as suitable for use around pets. Keep cleaning products safely stored away and allow surfaces and floors to dry properly before letting your cat back into the area.
It’s also worth being particularly careful with products that contain strong fragrances or essential oils, as some can be unsuitable for cats.
5. Create a simple cleaning routine
The best cleaning tips for cat owners are the ones you can actually stick to.
Instead of waiting until fur, litter and dust have built up, try breaking cleaning into smaller jobs throughout the week.
For example:
Every day:
• Remove waste from the litter tray
• Quickly tidy around food and water bowls
• Pick up any obvious fur or mess
A few times a week:
• Vacuum your cat’s favourite areas
• Clean around the litter tray
• Wash or refresh pet bedding
Regularly:
• Give floors a thorough clean
• Clean soft furnishings
• Dust surfaces and less obvious areas
• Give the whole home a deeper clean
A little and often approach can make keeping a cat-friendly home feeling fresh much more manageable.
A fresh home and a happy cat
Having a cat doesn’t mean you have to accept a home covered in fur or smelling like a litter tray.
With a few simple habits, regular cleaning and a little extra attention to your cat’s favourite spots, it’s perfectly possible to keep your home feeling fresh, clean and welcoming.
And if you’re struggling to keep on top of everything, there’s no shame in getting a little help. At The Magnificent Cleaners, we provide professional domestic cleaning services designed to take some of the pressure out of keeping your home clean and fresh.
So, whether you’re looking for a one-off deep clean or a regular helping hand, get in touch and let us take care of the cleaning while you get back to the important stuff.