Cats — we love them like family, but let’s face it. We could do without all of the smells that come along with them. How to Control Cat Odors Naturally

From litter boxes to bad breath to just general cat odor, could be the one thing guests remember most about your house. Here we have gathered for you some of our favorite tips to maintain your house odor free and make cohabitation much easier.

1. Keep your house clean.

It might be obvious but not for everyone. Cleaning your house on a regular basis is a must if you want to get rid of unwanted cat odors. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and washing fabrics are a few of the most important tasks that you must 2-3 times per week if you want to get rid of unpleasant odors.

2. Keep your cat and his stuff clean.

Cats might not need baths often, however, brushing will keep your furry friend fresh and will go a long way in keeping your home smelling likewise. Even little things like nail clipping and tooth brushing can have a great impact.

Not only your cat but also all his stuff need to be kept in perfect shape. Cat bed, toys, dishes all of its accessories need to be maintained as well. Clean your animal’s bedding, toys, dishes, cage, and litter box on a weekly basis.

3. Keep the litter box clean

Cat litter is tricky, so here are a few tips to maintain it clean:

• If you have the space it’s recommended that you have one litter box per cat.
• Make sure that you choose a little box that is large enough, to ensure that your cat doesn’t accidentally go outside of the box, and preferably choose one with a cover and filter to help contain any odors and keep the smell under control.
• Scoop the litter box at least once daily. If this isn’t possible, consider one that automatically does the work for you but don’t forget to empty it at least once a day.
• Place the litter box in the most contained spot in the house, whether that be the basement, bathroom, or even a closet. How to Control Cat Odors Naturally

Also, these simple tips will make cleaning even easier:

• Air Out Your House. Even in the colder months, opening windows and doors at least once a day just for 10 minutes can make a huge difference in your home’s air quality.
• Cover any odors. Use air neutralizers and masking scents like cleverly placed dryer sheets, carpet fresheners, scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, and sprays.
• Change Your Filters. Install a HEPA air filtration system and replace any filters in your home on a regular basis. Additionally, be sure that the air ducts are periodically cleaned.
• Take Care of Your Furniture. We don’t recommend allowing your cat on your furniture, but if you must, then choose your furniture wisely. Prefer leather instead of fabric and metal instead of wood, as they are more pet friendly, durable and easier to clean. If your cat has a favorite place to repose, a pillow is much easier to clean than a sofa cushion.

If you’ve tried all of this and still have a strong cat odor in your house, it may be time to call the professionals. The house might need a strong cleaning before you can use all these tips.

Do you have any other tips or tricks to minimize your cat’s odors? We’d love to hear them. Feel free to write your thoughts in the comments below…

Photoshoot: Caleb Woods, Litter Robot