Sharing your home with pets can bring its fair share of mess, from shedding fur and muddy paws to lingering odours. Below some practical advice on keeping homes clean and fresh, from Carolann Terceira, CEO of Noah’s Ark.
Q: Is it possible to minimise pet odour?
Absolutely. For cats, odour control starts with the litter box. Choosing the right litter, cleaning regularly and finding a suitable location all make a difference.
Litters fall into three main categories: clay, silica and plant-based. Each has advantages for odour control, cleaning, disposal and environmental impact. Plant-based litters, including paper, corn, pine and cassava, are popular with our customers.
Scoop daily and place the litter box somewhere quiet where your cat feels comfortable. Some households benefit from having one more litter box than cats. Automatic litter boxes and odour-trapping waste containers, such as the Litter Genie, can make cleaning easier.
A good litter mat also helps prevent litter being tracked through the house.
For dogs, regular grooming and paw cleaning are essential. Paw washers are particularly useful for removing sand and mud after beach trips.
Q: How does regular grooming help keep the home cleaner?
Brushing removes loose hair before it ends up on furniture, floors and clothing. Keeping long hair around a dog’s paw pads trimmed also reduces the dirt carried indoors.
Regular grooming improves your pet’s comfort and health while making household cleaning easier.
Q: What grooming routines help reduce shedding, dander and odours?
A good de-shedding tool, used regularly alongside a shampoo designed for shedding and odour control, can make a remarkable difference.
For households concerned about cat allergens, Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is formulated to reduce allergens in cats’ hair and dander. Customers have reported noticeable improvements after switching.
Q: What should owners look for in shampoos and cleaning products?
The more natural, the better. Pets can have sensitive skin, and harsh ingredients may cause irritation.
At Noah’s Ark, our shampoos are detergent-free, and we recommend choosing products suited to each animal’s needs.
Dogs with facial folds, for example, benefit from specialised products such as Squishface. Gentle ear wipes are useful between baths, while natural shampoo bars containing apple cider vinegar are another favourite.
Q: Which areas of the home need particular attention?
Pet beds are a priority. Choose beds with removable, washable covers and use pet-safe laundry cleaners.
For accidents on carpets, remove solids immediately, blot up liquid and apply an enzymatic cleaner. Avoid using ordinary detergent first, as it can interfere with the enzymes. These cleaners break down odours that might otherwise attract pets back to the same spot.
Door mats help catch dirt, while car seat covers protect upholstery. Lilly Brush pet hair removers are particularly effective for removing stubborn hair from carpets and furniture.
Q: What simple habits help keep homes fresh?
Consistency is key. Scoop litter boxes daily, groom regularly and clean accidents promptly.
For older dogs or puppies, washable pads placed inside their beds can absorb accidents and reduce laundry.
Small animals can also learn good habits. Rabbits can be litter-trained, while some birds can learn to relieve themselves on command.
I taught my Moluccan cockatoo, Puff, to respond to a hand signal before leaving her cage. It made keeping the house clean much easier!
Q: What products can help pet owners?
At Noah’s Ark, we stock everything from natural cat litters, automatic litter boxes and Litter Genies to de-shedding tools, shampoos, paw washers and enzymatic cleaners.
For birds, seed catchers prevent scattered food and bedding reaching the floor, while specially designed bowls discourage parrots from tossing their dishes.
For small animals, absorbent bedding and litter boxes help control moisture and odours while making cages easier to clean.
Noah’s Ark on Reid Street, Hamilton, is open seven days a week. Its store on Marsh Lane, Devonshire is open Monday to Saturday. For more information, call 236-1533.
