Painful Bladder Problem In Cats
I'm allergic to my cat. What do I do?
If your eyes get red and your nose runs when you’re around your cat, you’re not alone. Many cat owners are allergic to their pets, but there are some things you can do to minimize the sniffles and sneezes.
Allergy shots may help you tolerate your cat better, but they're not your only option. You can also minimize the cat's dander.
For starters, put your mattress and pillow in airtight covers and keep the house well vacuumed. Each day, ask someone else in the family to brush the cat and wipe her with a damp sponge. The animal can be bathed every two weeks, too, with a mild shampoo. If that’s not enough, your vet may be able to recommend products that reduce the allergens found in dander and saliva.
– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM
Allergy shots may help you tolerate your cat better, but they're not your only option. You can also minimize the cat's dander.
For starters, put your mattress and pillow in airtight covers and keep the house well vacuumed. Each day, ask someone else in the family to brush the cat and wipe her with a damp sponge. The animal can be bathed every two weeks, too, with a mild shampoo. If that’s not enough, your vet may be able to recommend products that reduce the allergens found in dander and saliva.
– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM
How to Control Litter Box Odor
Q. How do I control litter box odor?
A. There are a number of things you can do to control litter box odor.
Clean litter box regularly
Clean the litter box at least once a day and change the litter at least once a week. Although it is never going to be on your list of 'My Favorite Things to Do,' removing the waste and changing the litter is often the best way to control odors.
Ventilate the area
Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area, in a room with a window you can leave partially open would be best.
A. There are a number of things you can do to control litter box odor.
Clean litter box regularly
Clean the litter box at least once a day and change the litter at least once a week. Although it is never going to be on your list of 'My Favorite Things to Do,' removing the waste and changing the litter is often the best way to control odors.
Ventilate the area
Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area, in a room with a window you can leave partially open would be best.
Add more litter boxes
If you have more than one cat, consider getting more litter boxes. The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household.
Use a deodorizer
Add baking soda, or better yet, add an enzyme product such as Nature's Miracle Litter Treatment to the litter. The Nature's Miracle uses natural enzymes that actually 'eat' the odor-causing bacteria.
Use a product like Pet-Clear Crystals to eliminate odor from the air. You may also want to consider installing an automatic air deodorizer.
Get a self-cleaning box
Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. These completely automatic boxes rake away waste into a self-contained bag 10 minutes after your cat leaves the litter box. They are a little pricey, but if you hate or are unable to clean the litter box regularly and want to keep your home odor-free, this is the best solution on the market.
If you have more than one cat, consider getting more litter boxes. The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household.
Use a deodorizer
Add baking soda, or better yet, add an enzyme product such as Nature's Miracle Litter Treatment to the litter. The Nature's Miracle uses natural enzymes that actually 'eat' the odor-causing bacteria.
Use a product like Pet-Clear Crystals to eliminate odor from the air. You may also want to consider installing an automatic air deodorizer.
Get a self-cleaning box
Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. These completely automatic boxes rake away waste into a self-contained bag 10 minutes after your cat leaves the litter box. They are a little pricey, but if you hate or are unable to clean the litter box regularly and want to keep your home odor-free, this is the best solution on the market.