Cats can be very good at relieving themselves — so long as there is no one around to complain about the resulting mess. But should this happen, or when you’re simply too busy to get right down to cleaning up, what do you do? You could try using a vacuum cleaner, but cats’ hair gets everywhere, and vacuums aren’t always best for carpeted floors.
Or maybe you’ll turn to soap and water, which isn’t much use if the cat pooped on a hard surface (and let’s face it, they usually did). The most common approach seems to be to wipe up the mess yourself, though this can be a bit tricky because even if the cat poops in a corner, you may find it difficult to reach all parts of the room. That said, here are some tips to make things easier for you.
- Do not take your pet outside without first removing fecal matter
- Remove any food residue from bowls, spoons and other items
- Use paper towels or cloths to clean up vomit and feces
- Remove any foreign objects, such as glass fragments that have been left on surfaces by pets with vomiting
- Take your animal to see a veterinarian immediately if it has diarrhea
- Keep your pet warm in case of shock
- Monitor for signs of illness while you are waiting for professional help
- Wash your hands after handling animals or their waste
- Clean up urine
- Rinse off vomit and feces
If possible, keep the area where the cat pooped away from people and traffic
With these guidelines in mind, read on to learn how to remove a cat from an area.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners avoid products containing ammonia, chlorine bleach and sodium hypochlorite. They also recommend wearing rubber gloves when dealing with chemicals like these.
- Do not take your pet outside without first removing fecal matter
Removing the feces will prevent a potentially serious bacterial infection called Pasteurella known to occur when cats defecate in areas such as gardens or grassy fields. To avoid this problem, take your pet directly to a vet if it appears sick or injured, or if you suspect that your cat has become ill.
Never allow your cat outdoors if it looks ill, smells badly due to injury or shows any sign of discomfort, such as limping. In addition, never give your cat something to eat or drink near a source of open water, since bacteria can cause severe stomach problems.
- Use paper towels or cloths to clean up vomit and feces
Vomit can be removed quickly and easily by wiping up the substance with a damp towel or cloth. Afterward, flush out the toilet bowl with hot water. To remove dried-on stains, dip a small piece of soft material into a little liquid detergent and scrub gently until the stain disappears.
For tougher spots, mix 1 tablespoon vinegar plus 2 teaspoons salt into ¼ cup water and pour over the affected area with a sponge. Scrub well and rinse thoroughly. Feces can sometimes be cleaned up more effectively with a paste made of baking soda and water.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on a wetted cloth and then sprinkle a few drops of water onto the mixture. Rub the paste over the feces and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing. This method works especially well on tough stains. For both vomit and feces removal, it’s important to wear latex gloves.
- Remove any foreign objects, such as glass fragments that have been left on surfaces by pets with vomiting
To remove anything else that might remain on surfaces, including broken glass or other sharp debris, pick up the item and hold it firmly between thumb and forefinger. Then carefully direct the object toward the trash can, letting it drop into its final resting place. Don’t worry about dropping pieces of glass that are less than half an inch wide many of them just bounce harmlessly against the floor.
- Take your animal to see a veterinarian immediately if it has diarrhea
Diarrhea can result from numerous causes, ranging from viral infections to allergies, and it often signals another health issue. Cats who experience frequent bouts of diarrhea should see a veterinarian to determine the underlying reason. If the diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, however, call your local emergency service for advice.
- Keep your pet warm in case of shock
Any sudden change in body temperature requires immediate medical attention. When a person experiences fever, he or she feels hotter than normal. A dog or cat feels warmer only because its core body temperature rises slightly. However, a sudden rise in temperature caused by illness can lead to shock. Your cat may seem fine initially, yet within a short time it can begin to sweat heavily and collapse. Call 911 or contact your local emergency services number immediately.
- Monitor for signs of illness while you are waiting for professional help
When you wait for professional assistance, pay close attention to your pet’s behavior. Signs of illness include weakness, lack of appetite, drowsiness, restlessness and lethargy. If your pet begins to exhibit any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Wash your hands after handling animals or their waste
In order to protect yourself and others, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently whenever you come in contact with animal excrement or saliva. Washing your hands properly will reduce the risk of passing along illnesses through contact.
- Clean up urine
Urine can be cleaned up with a variety of household materials. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and cold water, and add a teaspoonful of dishwashing liquid. Apply the solution with a sponge and scrub the area vigorously. Repeat this process until the urine starts to foam.
Next, apply a dry spotter to the stained area and cover with a cloth. Leave it alone overnight, and repeat the procedure the next day. Finally, lightly rub the area with petroleum jelly and then blot excess fluid with absorbent sheets. Change the bedding once again.
- Rinse off vomit and feces
You don’t want to touch the stench of a cat’s vomit. Soak a cloth or paper towel with warm sudsy water and wring out. Place the soaked swab over your palm and press it tightly against the vomit. Let stand for a moment, and then squeeze out the excess moisture. Repeat this step three times.
Next, soak a fresh cloth or paper towel with cool water and wring out. Dip the rag into the water and gently dab at the vomit with it. Continue doing this until the vomit stops. Afterwards, throw the used cloth or paper towel into the trash can. If you notice any remaining odor, run the soiled rag under cool running water.
To clean up feces, moisten a cloth or paper towel with warm sudsy water, wring it out and lay it flat on top of the fecal matter. Press down lightly so the towel absorbs the stool. Gently move the towel back and forth across the entire area to remove the feces completely. Again, discard the towel if it becomes saturated with waste.
Finally, if you have access to a bathtub, fill it with warm water and add two tablespoons of mild laundry detergent. Submerge the whole bottom of the tub in the solution and scrub with a brush. Once finished, rinse and air dry the area thoroughly.
- If possible, keep the area where the cat pooped away from people and traffic
This goes without saying. It would be pretty embarrassing to watch someone trip over a large pile of cat poop, wouldn’t it? And that’s exactly why keeping the stool contained is imperative. Just imagine how you’d feel if someone tripped over your own. Now think how embarrassed you’d feel if your friend had done this.
It happens everyday, but it doesn’t mean we have to accept it. As soon as the cat leaves the area, sweep up or mop up whatever you can. If you have enough room, create a barrier to contain the stool. This could be a box or a bag. Whatever you decide, just make sure you know where the stool went!