There's no question that our cats are full-fledged family
members. Their loyalty, their love, and their ability to comfort
us are unparalleled. Sometimes, though, their hair or odors can
leave an unwelcome footprint in our homes. Just as we clean up
the spills made by our kids (or our spouses!), it's up to us to
clean up after our cats. Luckily, there are any number of
products that make pet care a breeze.
Cat Litter Boxes
Cats are generally low maintenance pets, but their litter boxes
often contribute little to you home decor, and can become a
smelly nuisance. Today's litter boxes, though, can bring a touch
of whimsy to your interior design, while their functionality can
put an end to messes and odors.
One line of litter boxes comes in an assortment of patterns and
colors, from solid silver and solid black, to polka dot, leopard
print and wood grain. The litter tray door pulls out, and a
metal sifter rake pulls and lifts litter out of the tray for
easy cleaning. Another ingenious design has a triangular shape
so that you can easily place it otherwise used corner space.
If you want to make cat care even easier, self-cleaning litter
boxes are the answer. One style has an internal grill that traps
used litter. You simply roll the enclosed litter box on its side
and remove the waste tray. Another type takes self-cleaning to
the next level by having a slowly but rotating system that
quietly but continuously scoops used cat litter into a
receptacle. The ultimate litter box is one that automatically
flushes cat waste down your toilet. Instead of cat litter, this
box uses permanent granules that are washable. After your cat
uses the box, the granules are automatically washed,
disinfected, and dried. Liquid and any solid waste are flushed
down the toilet with fresh water.
Kitty Litter
When it comes to kitty litter, many cats have a preference for
one brand over another. But if you start with the right litter
or are persistent, you can find kitty litter that can help
eliminate odors while keep your cat healthy. One brand of kitty
litter on the market not only neutralizes litter box odors, but
also changes color if your cat has a urinary tract infection.
Given that urinary tract infections can quickly become life
threatening, early detection is key. It's also helpful to have
information about a potential infection to give to your
veterinarian.
Shedding Tools
Many people who love cats are troubled by allergies, or by the
cat hair that clings to furniture and clothes. Products that
help with shedding take one of two approaches: either they work
at the source of the problem (your furry feline) or they make it
a snap to clean up hair off of furniture.
Cats typically shed their undercoat (rather than the hair you
see), so a product that helps you remove hair from your pet - a
"furminator" of sorts - means you'll never see it on your couch.
These products brush out the dead hair from the undercoat (but
don't cut it), while bringing your cat's natural oils to the
surface. Because this type of product also helps stops over
zealous self-cleaning, your cat may be less likely to be
bothered by hairballs.
Cat care isn't difficult, and the great litter boxes, kitty
litter, and shedding tools make it even easier!
