You probably have a set cleaning routine for your house, your clothes and your dishes. Cleaning these things likely happens once a day (dishes), once a week (clothes) and every two weeks or so (house). But how frequently do you clean kitty’s things – toys, beds, litter boxes and food/water bowls?
Germs, bacteria and allergens can accumulate on your cat’s things particularly if he goes outside. Here are some cleaning guidelines to keep both you and kitty safe.
Toys
Look through your cat’s toys and discard any that are falling apart or are grossly dirty. A plush toy can likely be washed with warm water and soap or in the washing machine and dryer. Rubber or plastic toys can be scrubbed with soap and water or washed in the top rack of the dishwasher. Just be sure to rinse them well after going through the dishwasher to remove any soap residue.
Beds
Wash pet beds in hot water and detergent at least once a month to kill parasites and bacteria. If your cat has any kind of minor infection or irritation (for example, an ear infection, skin irritation or flea infestation), wash the bed(s) more frequently. Check the manufacturer’s washing instructions. If the pet bed is too big to fit in your washing machine, laundromats have oversize washers. If you put towels or blankets on furniture for kitty to sleep on, these should be washed monthly as well.
Litter Boxes
A clean litter box is critical in making sure kitty doesn’t develop any hard-to-solve litter box issues. Scoop litter twice a day (morning and evening) and top up litter material when necessary to maintain an appropriate depth. Change all the litter once a month or more often if you notice odors or if the litter is not clumping properly. When you change the litter, wash the box with soap and hot water and dry thoroughly before adding the new litter. Use soap that does not have a strong scent as most cats don’t like fragrant aromas.
Food/Water Bowls
Food bowls and the associated spoons, scoops or measuring cups should be washed with soap and hot water after every use. Or run them through the dishwasher. Water bowls can quickly accumulate bacteria and airborne dust and mites. Change water daily and wash bowls thoroughly with soap and hot water every couple of days.
Furniture and Carriers
If a cat carrier is only used to take kitty to the vet it doesn’t need much cleaning. However it’s a good idea to wipe it down after a vet visit just to remove smells from the vet’s office. If your pet travels in a carrier while ill, disinfect the carrier before using again.
Cat trees can also harbor germs and should be vacuumed periodically to remove hair and dander.
Kitty is a fastidious creature and establishing a cleaning routine for his “stuff” will keep him happy, healthy and more protected from household germs and allergens.