These 30+ Cat Hacks That Will Make Every Cat Owner’s Life Easier

And Reducing the Smell

While sight is not the only consideration for a litter box, the strong odor it can produce is one of its biggest drawbacks. Since it’s essentially a bathroom for your cat, this is to be expected.

There are ways to reduce the odor from your litter box. If you enjoy tea, you might have some green tea leaves on hand that you can use. Adding green tea leaves when you replace the litter can help eliminate bacteria and reduce the smell.

Create Your Own Scoop

Keeping the litter box clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent odor. Regularly scooping the litter between changes can greatly help with this.

You might already know this, but in an emergency, you can use a plastic milk jug to create a DIY scoop for your cat litter. If you want to put in a bit more effort, you can cut sections of the scoop to make a sieve-like scooper.

Use Citrus

Physical objects like foil or tape aren’t always necessary to keep your cats out of restricted areas. For example, if your cat is destroying your plants, there are other methods you can use.

Try placing some orange peels in the pot to deter your cats from being attracted to it. This can help protect your plants, but it may not be a strong enough deterrent for plants that are toxic to cats. It’s best to avoid having such plants within their reach.

But Not Too Much

In addition to using citrus to repel cats from plants, it’s important to be cautious and avoid causing them undue anxiety.

If you notice that your cat seems anxious or hides after you’ve finished cleaning, it’s a good idea to check the cleaning products you’re using. Your lemon-based floor cleaner might be causing stress for your cat, as their highly sensitive sense of smell can make the strong citrus scent overwhelming.

Tackling Accidents

Even the most well-behaved cat can occasionally make a mess. When this happens, it’s important to act quickly and thoroughly to sanitize the affected area and eliminate any lingering odors. Having vinegar and baking soda on hand can be very helpful in these situations.

Start by saturating the affected area with a mixture of vinegar and warm water in a 1:3 ratio. After five minutes, remove the solution and sprinkle baking soda on the surface to help reduce the odor. Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum the area to finish the process.

Building a Ladder for Your Cats

As mentioned earlier, climbing is a favored activity for cats, and you’ll likely notice this behavior soon after becoming a cat owner.

To prevent your curtains from getting damaged, it’s important to offer your cats plenty of climbing options. You can create a cat ladder using a board and some twine. Wrap the twine around the board securely, then place the board in a stable location for your cats to climb.

Organizing the Cat Food

An uncovered cat food container isn’t very secure, as curious cats and their keen sense of smell can easily access it. Additionally, it can attract unwanted pests.

Many people prefer using a plastic container to store and keep their cat food fresh. However, it might be worth considering a plastic jug instead. This way, you can easily pour out the right amount of food at mealtime.

Upgrade Your Cat Toys

Many cat owners have a variety of toys for their pets, and some of the most popular ones include balls with bells inside.

You can turn an idle cardboard box into an engaging toy for your cat that also serves as a puzzle. Just cut some openings in the box and place a ball inside. This will keep your cat entertained for a considerable time.

A Grassy Bed

Letting cats outdoors carries many risks, so many cat owners choose to keep their pets indoors to ensure their safety.

Keeping your cats indoors doesn’t mean they have to miss out on natural elements. Many cats enjoy a bit of indoor greenery, such as grass, which is easy to grow. It brings a touch of the outdoors inside and can even serve as a comfy bed for your cat.

Another DIY Scratcher

Another inexpensive item that can become a surprisingly satisfying toy for your cat is a toilet brush—specifically, just the brush part.

After removing the wand arm, you can bend the stiff-bristled brush into a scratching toy. This allows your cat to play and groom themselves with it. Just be sure to use a new brush to keep everything hygienic!