Instructions
Keep the temperature in your cat's room well regulated. Not only will this add to your cat's comfort, but will keep food and water from becoming too hot or too cold. A moderate temperature also avoids high temperatures that cause litter boxes to release a more potent odor, according to "Cats for Dummies."
Place a mat or rug beneath your cat's food and water dishes. Instead of having to scrub your flooring every time a spill occurs, the mat or rug can be removed and washed separately.
Consider buying an enclosed litter box or litter box with high sides. Cats instinctively bury their waste products and often kick litter from their boxes. An enclosed box or box with high sides will keep litter from taking over the room.
Place a high pile rug beneath your litter box, particularly if the box is not enclosed or does not have high sides. The high pile of the rug traps litter particles, which can then be vacuumed or beaten out of the rug at a later date.
Keep the room well ventilated. This keeps the air moving and prevents odor buildup. A box of baking soda placed in an inconspicuous spot that is inaccessible to your cat also works to draw odors out of the air.
Tend to your cat's litter box on a daily basis. Owners who use nonclumping litter may need to completely change the litter, while those who opt for a clumping formula may need to scoop the box daily and change the litter once or twice a week.
Sweep and vacuum or mop on a regular basis to remove food and litter particles. Vacuuming and sweeping also prevents the buildup of pet fur in the room's corners and under furniture.
Clean up accidents as they occur. The longer urine or feces sits, the harder it is to remove the resultant stain and accompanying odor. Use an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down the organic matter that composes these messes.
Wash your pet's bedding on a regular basis. Avoid using fabric softener, particularly when washing the bedding of cats with allergies. Washing a cat bed or blanket once a week to once a month cuts down on odors and dander.
How to Keep Your Cat's Room Fresh & Clean
Busy households create all sorts of stress for cats. Owners of sensitive cats or cats with anxiety problems may find it useful to give the cat its own room. The care and upkeep is a bit different than the care and upkeep of other rooms. The basic principles of cleaning frequently keep a cat's room fresh.