These 30+ Cat Hacks That Will Make Every Cat Owner’s Life Easier
Loosen Hair With Rubber Gloves
Cat hair is an inevitable part of being a cat owner. If you’ve ever cleaned up after your cat, you know how easily it can cling to furniture.
Even after vacuuming, you might still struggle to remove cat hair caught in the cushions. Before you begin, put on a pair of disposable or rubber dish gloves and run your hands over the furniture to help loosen the pet hair.
Leave Your Carrier Out
Many pet owners dread taking their cats out in carriers, as most cats dislike being in them and become distressed.
While it might be tempting to hide your cat’s carrier to avoid stressing them out, this could backfire. If you leave the carrier out and make it a cozy spot for your cat to curl up in, they’ll develop more positive associations with it, rather than only seeing it right before a vet visit.
Keeping Them Busy
One thing that’s abundant in many homes is empty toilet paper rolls. We all end up with them eventually, right?
You can recycle empty toilet paper rolls into cat toys with a simple DIY project. Just place a few cat treats inside the tube and fold the ends closed. Now your cat has a puzzle with a tasty reward!
Add a Few Pinecones
If you’re not a fan of citrus, there are other methods to keep your cats away from your houseplants.
Similar to keeping your cats off countertops, you can make the soil in your plants an unpleasant surface to walk on. Instead of using tape, try crumbling some pinecones on the soil. This will create a rougher texture, making it less appealing for your cats to explore.
Keep Dryer Sheets Around
If you need to look sharp or want to wear black, you might find yourself reaching for the lint roller. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find when you need it.
When you’re in a pinch or need a more versatile solution than a lint roller, try using dryer sheets from your laundry room. You can either toss a dryer sheet in the dryer or quickly wipe down your clothes with it as you head out the door.
Have a Variety of Toys
When your cats start getting into mischief, boredom is a common culprit.
If your cat starts acting out despite having toys, boredom might still be the issue. Providing a variety of toys can keep them more engaged and less likely to create chaos around the home. Try some of the DIY toys we’ve discussed to give your cats more options!
Add a Rubber Mat
Even with the cleanest litter box, you might still find litter granules scattered around the house.
This happens because litter sticks to your cat’s feet as they leave the box. By placing a rubber, gridded mat in front of the litter box, you can help catch the litter on their feet before they track it across your floor.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative
When you’re buying cat litter often enough, you’ll want to find a cheap but safe alternative when you can. What can you turn to?
To save money, consider swapping your cat’s traditional litter for alternatives like horse pellets. They are less expensive per unit and can be used in much the same way. Simply add them to your litter box as you would with regular litter.
Redesigning a Bookshelf
If you have an old bookshelf you’re not sure what to do with, consider turning it into a space for your cats. You can create a makeshift cat tower without the need to buy an expensive one.
You’ll need something to cut the shelves with for this project. From each shelf, cut out a square, but don’t cut the shelf all the way through. Just create an opening that your cat can fit through.
A Little Reassurance
When you have to leave the house and your cat behind, you can’t explain where you’re going like you would with a child or partner. Your cat also misses you when you’re away.
If your cat gets anxious when you’re away, they might find comfort in an unusual place. Consider leaving your dirty laundry out; rolling in your scent can help soothe a lonely pet.
