Eliminating Stains and Odors Caused by Cats

When you have pets, you have the occasional stain and odor. It's to be expected. With cats, you could have anything from urine, diarrhea, vomit, and hairballs. Especially hairballs. And all of these things leave stains and odors that we all wish we could get rid of. The stains are especially frustrating, since they always seem to occur in the worse possible locations. I recently had to eliminate a vomit stain from the middle of my light-colored carpet. Not pretty, and not easy to get out.

There are several problems when  it comes to removing pet stains and the odors that accompany them. The first is time. In order to remove a pet stain completely, you have to get to it quickly. So don't wait until tomorrow to tackle that stain. The second problem is the odor. Not only is a lingering odor unpleasant, but if there is any odor left and the stain is cat urine, your cat will probably return to that same area and soil it all over again. Finally, the product you use to remove the stain and odor must be non-toxic and safe for cats. Otherwise, your cat might become ill from the cleaner.

Taking all these things into consideration, you'll have to select the product you'd like to use to remove pet stains. You'll want to have this on hand at all times so you don't risk having a stain set or discolor the area before you can get to it. Personally, I recommend Fizzion. Fizzion is a revolutionary product, removing stains and odors completely. It even works on stains that are years old. It certainly got the old stains out of my silver carpet.

But the best thing about Fizzion is that it works on all pet stains. Vomit, urine, you name it, Fizzion can handle it. At least, it has around here. There are other products on the market as well, usually available at your local pet store. Avoid grocery store brands. They're not as good as what your pet store or vet carries.

Whichever product you choose, make sure you tackle those stains your cat left immediately and thoroughly.

Best Cat Shampoos

Cats, like most other pets, need to be kept clean and healthy. One of the best ways to keep your cat clean is to give it a regular bath. To do this, you’ll need a pet shampoo. You can walk into most supermarkets and purchase a generic pet shampoo, but it probably won’t be the best, and it may be formulated for dogs and not intended for cats at all. Instead of purchasing whatever you find, take a moment to review three of the best cat shampoos on the market and choose one that will work for you and your cat.

Clean Cat Shampoo with Chamomile

Some cats truly hate water, which means they hate bathing. If you’re unfortunate enough to have one of these cats living in your home, you might want to try Clean Cat Shampoo. This unique blend contains several ingredients that may calm your cat, including chamomile, nettle, and just a little catnip. This can result in a more pleasurable bathing experience for your feline companion. It is also a shampoo that promotes and protects the natural oils found on cats, keeping your cat healthy and happy. In addition, its natural ingredients are perfectly safe for your cat and the environment.

Earthbath for Cats

Most cat shampoos should not be used on kittens under six months of age. Earthbath is safe for any cat over the age of six weeks, which makes it ideal for bathing your new kitten. This completely natural shampoo is biodegradable and only uses ingredients that are proven safe for both cats and kittens. Some of these ingredients include: Vitamin E, cherry essence, aloe vera, purified water, and some coconut cleansers. These ingredients help the shampoo to achieve a pH balance suitable for a cat’s delicate fur. It also lathers easily, reducing scrubbing and even the time your cat will have to spend in the bath (a plus for cats who hate water!). Earthbath is environmentally friendly and does not contain harsh chemicals.

Four Paws Organic Citrus Shampoo

For cats that have itchy skin or smell bad, try Four Paws Organic Citrus Shampoo. Its natural ingredients will help soothe skin that has been irritated by fleas, ticks, mites, or other insects. However, it is not a treatment for these things. But it can be used to treat the rashes or inflammation that results from these infestations after treatment has been administered. It is also a good treatment for dry skin, and its sweet citrus scent can leave your smelly cat with a light and delightful fragrance.

Remember to never use human or dog shampoo on your cat. A shampoo designed for cats will protect the fur and skin, promote good health, and make your cat truly shine. Proper bathing will also help your cat remain free of mats and tangles and reduce itching. However, keep in mind that you don’t have to bathe your cat every day. They are generally very clean animals, so bathing every two to three weeks is probably sufficient unless your cat tends to get dirty more often than this. Regardless of how often you bath your cat, choose the product that best suits your needs and the needs of your cat.

Best Cat Carriers for Air Travel

Travel is stressful on people and cats alike. In order to reduce this stress and ensure your feline companion is safe and comfortable, you’ll have to spend some time picking the best cat carrier for your needs. There are hundreds of different cat carriers on the market, many of which are suitable for air travel. However, before you purchase one, there are several factors to take into consideration.

Your primary consideration when selecting a carrier for air travel will always be the airlines. If you purchase the wrong carrier, you may find yourself stuck at the airport with a carrier the airline will not allow. Most airlines have similar requirements, but check your airline beforehand. Make sure the carrier you select meets their standards. And always check that the carrier has been certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Most adequate carriers will have a sticker to prove that the carrier is Live Animal Regulation recognized. If not, the manual should say so. This certification ensures that the carrier is suitable for both cabin and cargo usage.

You’ll need a carrier that is the correct size for your cat. This doesn’t mean selecting the first carrier that your cat fits into. In fact, many airlines have specific requirements when it comes to the appropriate size. A carrier that is too small will result in a cat that feels cramped and confined. Your cat may even be injured trying to move. On the other hand, a carrier that is too large will not only cost you more but endanger your cat. In the event of an accident, your cat might be injured as it is tossed around the too-large carrier.

To choose the correct size, place your cat in the carrier before purchase. Your cat must be able to sit up, lie down, roll over, and turn around with no difficulty. The carrier should be just large enough to allow these movements. If it’s any larger, choose the next size down.

When selecting a carrier, purchase the best you can afford. Look for a carrier that is sturdy and durable, preferably with hard sides (tough polypropylene plastic is the best choice). Cardboard or fabric carriers are not usually allowed by the airlines, and they do nothing to ensure the safety of your cat. Some airlines will allow fabric carriers if your car carrying your cat in the cabin, but always check this with your individual airline first.

When examining the construction of your carrier, check the ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, your cat could become ill or overheat. Some cats have died on airlines due to improper air circulation, so always be sure your carrier makes the grade. There should be ventilation on three sides of the carrier, preferably four, as well as the top. Ventilation is generally provided through slits in the sides of the carrier and through the door, so make sure these slits are large enough to allow air but not large enough for your cat to stick its head into.

Check the handle before you buy, placing your cat inside the carrier and carrying the entire thing around the store for several minutes. You want to make sure that the handled won’t snap or otherwise break when you’re carrying your cat around the airport. Ensure that there is no warping of any plastic parts when the carrier is lifted. This includes examining the handle, plastic bolts, and even the sides of the carrier. If there is any warping, choose a different model.

Perhaps the most important point on your carrier is the door. Every year, countless pets escape their carriers and are lost or killed. Don’t let your cat be one of them. Examine the door carefully. The best doors will always be steel mesh, allowing for security and ventilation. Make sure the door closes snugly and that the hinge operates the way it’s designed to. You’ll also need to be confident that your cat can’t open the door. To evaluate this, take the carrier home and set it up as you would for a long plane ride. Then lock the cat in the carrier. If he gets out, take the carrier back. The last thing you need is for your cat to be escaping while locked in the cargo hold.

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you cat will be safe and secure during air travel. Taking the time to select the right carrier for you and your feline companion will result in a relaxed and happy plane ride.