Home Cleaning Checklist for Cat Owners

Pet lovers are a special breed of people - we love our pets, but they add extra household chores to our already busy lives. You can keep your home looking and smelling immaculate, with just a little extra work each week. Here is a list of the top things you should clean when you have a cat to keep your house ready for guests at any time.

Litter Box

The litter box is an obvious place to focus some extra attention on. Clean your litter box at least twice a day, and use scented litter if possible. Another great option is to use a self-cleaning litter box. But, be careful - sometimes these litter boxes are scary to cats. They are really helpful, though - your litter box will stay clean with very little effort on your part.

Under Furniture

Cats like to hide under furniture. Run a vacuum under your furniture a couple of times a week to pick up the fur that accumulates below. You may also want to pick up a self-run vacuum device - set it and forget it.

On Furniture

Cats like to be in high places. Don't forget to run a lint roller or fur-catching device over the backs of couches, easy chairs and on your bed. Cat fur will accumulate in a period of days, so you want to make sure you catch it all.

Baseboards

Cat fur likes to accumulate on floors right next to the baseboards, where it's hard to pick up in the course of regular vacuuming. Use the pet hair attachment or hose on your vacuum at least once a week along the baseboards, so you don't have dust and fur piled up in this area.

Bedding and Toys

This is another obvious place to clean. Keep your cat's bedding and toys and play houses clean. If they can't be stuck in the washer and dryer, spray some upholstery deodorizer on them.

Smells

Many pet owners can't smell that they have a pet living with them, because they are used to it. However, even though it may not be an offensive odor, it may still be obvious to visitors. Consider a scent warmer, or a plug-in room freshener to keep the air in your home smelling fresh and clean at all times. Candles are not a good choice, as kitty can knock them down and start a fire or hurt herself.