How to clean a cat tree? Cats are intelligent animals that like to play. Having extensive gardens or backyards is ideal for them as it allows them to get enough space to run and play. This type of play is beneficial for an animal with over 3,000 neurons. It also helps strengthen their muscles and keep them healthy.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a backyard. Having a cat tree is an excellent alternative if you don’t have a lot of space. They can use vertical space and can function for various purposes.
To keep your cat tree looking its best, make sure that it’s clean and safe for your pet. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll teach you how to clean a cat tree.
Why Do You Need to Clean the Cat Tree?
You need to clean the cat tree of your furry friend to keep her safe and free from diseases. Cats love climbing trees. If you allow them to run around outside, they will often go up and down branches while chasing each other. Having an expansive backyard is not ideal for most cat owners. Having a cat tree in their yard is their favorite spot.
Although the design of a cat tree varies, most of its features are usually the same: a high perch, a small bed, a scratching post, and toys. However, it is essential to keep the tree clean to prevent its appearance from becoming unhealthy and foul. A well-kept cat tree will also help maintain its feline companions happy and healthy.
Read also: 2 Best Cat Trees for Small Apartment [Buying Guide]
What Do You Need to Clean the Cat Tree?
You will need a box cutter, a scratcher, a vacuum, a rubber stain remover, and a hydrogen peroxide solution to clean cat trees.
If your furniture piece is a tower, it’s best to split it into sections so that you can vacuum the pieces thoroughly. Doing so will help remove all of the loose pet hair and dander. You can take several steps to loosen the pieces for easier removal.
While wearing a rubber glove, rub the glove over the surface and bring it to the desired area. Jiggle off the excess water and allow the glove to get lightly moist. Vacuum it.
Mix water and a kitchen sponge or cloth to get the best results. Press out the excess water and rub the surface to gather the hair. You can either vacuum or pick up the hair using your hands.
After removing all the fur, it’s time to tackle the stains that may have developed. Mix a small amount of water and cat shampoo to get the best results.
Mix a small amount of water and cat shampoo to get the best results. After thoroughly cleaning the area, allow it to dry completely. Clean and dry the unit, and then reassemble it. Repeat these routines monthly or more frequently to maintain your pet’s healthy and clean environment.
How to Clean a Cat Tree Properly?
Getting the proper care of your cat’s tree can extend its lifespan. It can also help improve the appearance of your home and provide a safe environment for your pet. Below are some of the methods you can take to keep your cat tree looking its best.
Disassemble Tree
If you want to keep the cat tree’s various nooks and crannies clean, it’s better to remove it and take it apart. You need multiple tools to do this, and there are also cat trees that you can disassemble by hand. However, if you’re not confident that you’ll be able to do it, skip this step.
Repair Loose Ends
Cats trees are prone to get damaged and worn out over time, and loose ends can get in the fabric’s natural flow. Remove the loose ends and replace them with store-bought scratchers to keep the tree looking its best.
Using a box cutter, you can easily remove the old and apply the new Jute around the scratched post.
Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
If you’re a cat owner, the chances are good that your cat tree has plenty of cat hair. There are likely various places in the tree where the hair grows. Before vacuuming it, make sure that you thoroughly clean the fabric and Jute to remove the hair. It will help keep the tree looking its best.
Vacuum
Using a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment, vacuum the cat tree’s fabric covers and corners. Before doing so, make sure that all cat hair removes. You will then need to repeat the process several times.
Remove Stains
Before working on a tree, ensure that you have all of the necessary equipment and chemicals. If there are any stains on the tree’s fabric, you can use a stain remover to remove them. However, make sure that the product you use is suitable for the job.
In some cases, you can also remove the fabric cover. However, it would help if you first choose a machine wash and straightforward option to get the best results. It will allow you to choose from a wider variety of stain removal products.
Roll Lint
Aside from fabric covers, you can also use a lint roller to clean other not washed surfaces. It can remove unwanted hair and fibers from various areas, such as the cat tree. It is also possible to thoroughly clean the surface of scratched fabrics using a few rolls of the rolling tool.
Wash Fabrics
If you’re planning on removing the cover of your fabric, then make sure that you thoroughly clean it before washing it. Doing so will help keep the material looking its best. Bleach and laundry detergent are also effective ways to get rid of dirt and clean the fabric. However, if the instructions don’t explicitly state that you should dry the cat tree in the tumble dryer, let it air dry.
Wipe Down Surfaces
To keep the area clean and disinfected, use a cat-safe cleaning spray. You should also remove the fabric covers around the tree to prevent the spread of bacteria. It’s also crucial to remember that cats often jump on the tree and clean their litter boxes.
Remove Odors
For quick and effective odor removal, sprinkle baking soda over the fabric. You should place it in a clean and dry place for at least 10 minutes. After that, allow it to sit for an hour. A commercial odor neutralizer is also helpful in removing odors.
Keep baking soda away from your cat’s reach when sitting on the tree. You don’t want your feline friend to breathe in or eat it. Just vacuum it up and leave it to sit for a few minutes.
Disinfect
To properly clean a cat tree, you must first spray it down with a solution of hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning the tree, you can then use a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to kill harmful microorganisms.
You can apply the disinfectant on a surface and let it work, or pour hydrogen peroxide on top of it and let it do its work. Keep your cat away from the tree to avoid getting scratched.
FAQs
Is Using Vacuum Cleaner Sufficient to Clean the Cat Tree?
Using a vacuum cleaner is not sufficient to clean a cat tree. If your cat tree has been dirty since you bought it, you need to clean it thoroughly. Fur will most likely cover the areas of the tree that have carpet.
Unfortunately, vacuum-cleaning can’t keep the tree clean. After a long time, the natural fur material will eventually get stuck to the tree. However, by deep cleaning, you can remove the dirt and hair from the tree.
Will a Dirty Cat Tree Affect the Health of the Cat?
A dirty cat tree can affect the health of your pet. It can also attract harmful bacteria and germs. There are various ways to clean a cat tree, and these include using a vacuum, scrubbing the tree, and applying a coat of disinfectant.
Conclusion
How to clean a cat tree? After a cat tree is present for a while, it can take some time to clean it. Doing so will enable you to save time and effort by not having to pull the whole thing apart at once. One of the ideal ways to keep your cat tree looking its best is by regularly cleaning it. Aside from regular cleaning, you can also make repairs and update it as needed.
