If you’re the lucky owner of a cat, you’ve probably already realized this—the cat now rules the roost, not you. Once a cat moves into your house, they’re going to make themselves right at home. All your blankets now belong to them and your house plants are going to make a tasty snack.
But even if cats are a bit bossy, it is hard not to love the little furballs. They’re great companions and it can be comforting to cuddle with a purring kitty.
What you might not love, however, is how demanding and destructive they are. If you’ve found that your home is in shambles since bringing your cat home, here are some tips on how to share your home with a cat product.
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Train them not to dig the furniture (or carpet)
Cats dig at furniture or carpet for multiple reasons. It helps clean the dead husks off their claws, it stretches their muscles, it marks their territory, and it feels good.
The only problem is, their claws can quickly destroy your furniture or your carpet. Instead of stopping the behavior completely, you need to teach your cat where they can scratch.
You’re going to need a scratching post or a corrugated cardboard scratcher. Place the scratchers around the house and encourage your cat to use them by sprinkling catnip on them. Or you can use smell that cats hate as a deterrent to keep their claws out from your furniture and carpet.
Develop a schedule
It might be cute the first few mornings that your kitty wakes you up begging for food, but after a while, it is going to get old.
Cats have a general sense of time. While they can’t tell time, they certainly understand the general rhythm of the day. Once they realize they should get fed before the sun is up, they’re going to get you up.
You’re going to want to develop your cat’s schedule around your own. Feed them at a time that works for you and keep it consistent.
Scoop litter daily
Most pet owners keep the litter box hidden away in the basement because they hate the smell of it.
However, if you actively take care of the litter box, it shouldn’t smell. Get in the habit of scooping out any clumps of litter least a day.
Once a week, you’re going to want to do a deep clean of the litter box. Empty the litter completely, soak the box in warm soapy water, and refill it with clean tofu cat litter. This will help prevent the litter box from stinking up your home.
Vacuum once a week
Cats shed a lot. You’ll find cat hair on your carpets and your furniture. And if you don’t keep on top of it, you’ll even find it in your kitchen cabinets!
You’re going to want to vacuum once a week to help cut down on the amount of fur.
If your cat seems to be constantly shedding, though, you should use a stick vacuum (such as the Bissell Poweredge Pet Vacuum) throughout the week. Stick vacuums are lightweight, making them convenient for the times you don’t want to get out your main vacuum.
Give them their own furniture
Just like us, cats love sleeping on soft surfaces. You’ll find them sleeping on your living room couches, your bed, and your pillows.
If you don’t want cat hair on belongings, get them their own furniture! Cat condos, cat hammocks, and cat beds give your kitty a place to lay.
Of course, they still might want to cuddle with something that belongs to you. If you’re having trouble breaking them of the habit of sleeping on your furniture, try putting a blanket or sweatshirt that smells like you on the cat’s furniture.
Keep them engaged with toys
Finally, cats are very curious creatures. If you discover your cat climbing your window shades or attacking your pillows, they might not be trying to be naughty. They could just be bored.
To keep your cat stimulated, you’re going to need cat toys. Most cats love catnip, crinkle balls, plastic balls, and wand chasers.
