Spring cleaning with your cat 

As the daffodils and snowdrops start to bloom and the sun stays out a little longer than it used to, the arrival of spring might be the perfect sign that a refresh is needed. For those with feline friends, spring cleaning can come with some challenges. From tackling furballs to freshening up the litter box, here are some top tips on tidying while keeping your cat happy and comfortable…

Preparing your cat

Establish a routine

Our cats love routine, as it gives them a sense of predictability, so try to stick to a consistent cleaning schedule during your spring-cleaning efforts. You can set specific times for the different chores or tasks, helping minimise disruptions to your cat’s day and keeping their stress levels low. 

Groom regularly

Spring is prime shedding season for cats, so keep on top of grooming your feline friend to help avoid a furry mess in your home. For long-haired cats, you should use a stiff-bristled brush or a de-shedding rake to collect their old undercoat. The coat of a short-haired cat will benefit from a bristle brush, which can loosen any dead hairs that are close to the skin. 

Spring is also a great time to cut out any mats or detangle clumps you might find in their fur from the winter mud and rain. 

Remember: Make grooming sessions a positive experience by offering your cat their favourite treats and plenty of praise.

Cleaning product choice & usage

Only use cat-safe products 

Before you start cleaning, make sure that your cleaning products are cat-friendly, as many formulas may include chemicals that are toxic to our feline companions. Cats are curious creatures by nature, which can be bad news with dangerous products being kept around the house.

Many of the household names we’re so used to cleaning with can have a harmful effect on the surrounding environment as well. There are plenty of different ingredients we should be avoiding for the health of our feline friends and the world we share, so we thought we’d list some brands you could consider instead: 

• OceanSaver: Born from a deep love of the sea, OceanSaver offer plant-based and non-toxic alternatives to the cleaning products already in our homes.
• Ecover: On a mission to make cleaning even cleaner for us, our homes, our communities, and our world.
• Eco-mate: Cleaning products made with consideration for the environment, bottled in paper and giving you one less plastic to worry about.

Using and storing cleaning products 

We know that sometimes we can’t avoid having to use these products, so here are some tips on keeping your cat safe when you do: 

Close the door: If you have just cleaned a specific room of the house, close the door to keep your cat away from the smell and wet surfaces. 

Open the windows: Be sure to open any windows or vents to help ventilate the room and get rid of any dangerous fumes. 

Store products out of reach: Storing your cleaning supplies in a secure cupboard will ensure your cat is kept safe and sound. This includes any sponges, brushes, gloves, or other products you’ve used to clean, too.

Make sure you keep these out of reach:

• Bleach.
• Oven cleaner.
• Dishwasher tablets.
• Drain unblockers. 

How to clean your cat’s living space

Clean your cat’s litter box

Your cat’s litter box should be your starting point. Empty the litter box completely and wash it with warm water and cat-safe soap or washing up liquid, making sure to remove any residue. 

Top tip: You can use a litter mat underneath the tray to trap litter scatter and make cleanup easier.

Choose litter wisely

When selecting litter for your cat's litter box, a low-dust, unscented variety can help minimise any respiratory problems for you and your cat. If you're switching to a new type of litter, you should introduce it gradually by mixing it with the old litter, to help your cat adjust to the new smells and texture. 

Freshen up feline fabrics

Wash your cat's bedding, blankets, and favourite sleeping spots to remove dirt, debris, fur, and any lingering smells. If your cat has a scratching post or cat tree, remember to give it a good hoover and scrub, too! This will help remove any bits.
Don’t forget: Use pet-safe cleaning products and avoid anything scented, as these can be overwhelming for cats with sensitive noses. 

Or why not use a sprinkle of baking soda on fabric surfaces? Simply let it sit for a few hours, and then hoover it up. For lingering odours, you could mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and mist where needed, then simply blot with a clean cloth. And voila, a nicer smelling experience for all, humans and felines alike. 

Look out for dangers 

As you clean, check for any potential dangers that could harm your cat, such as loose cables, small objects, toxic plants, or open windows and doors. Keep harmful items out of reach, secure any escape routes, and take extra care when using electrical appliances (like your hoover). 

Top cleaning hacks with cats

Here are just some hacks to make the task of cleaning quicker and easier: 

• Line your litter tray – This can make the task of changing your cat’s litter a lot quicker and more pleasant than usual.  
• Use a lint roller – These are perfect to pick up hair from almost any surface or fabric, from sofas to trousers.
• Rubber gloves are handy – Simply wear a damp pair and sweep your hands over any hairy areas, use your fingers to get into any awkward spots.
• Baby wipes for emergencies – Good to get any hairs off fabrics when you’re short on time and energy.
• Window squeegee – This rubber blade is ideal for raking up the cat hair that tends to collect on flat surfaces (like stairs or sofa cushions). 

That’s it! With a little planning, patience, and the right approach, you can tackle your cleaning while keeping your cat (and the environment) happy and safe. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a clean and fresh home just in time for the warmer weather.