Natural cleaners will help prolong the health of your feline

Do you consider your cat’s continued good health when you are choosing household cleaning products? Perhaps you should.

Many cleaning products contain toxins and chemicals. Your feline can ingest a toxin through its respiratory system or by grooming.

Think of the multitude of surfaces your cat’s feet touch within your home. If you have a normal, curious feline, that means just about everywhere. Just think of the areas your cat eats, naps and plays. Unless you close off a room, that is probably every room in the house, including the bedroom.

Exposure to chemicals over time can cause health problems such as allergies, metabolic disorders and cancer, if your pet does not have an immediate toxic reaction.

Let’s face it. Our felines love to be clean and are always grooming. They also like to find the cleanest place in the home. Perhaps you just cleaned the kitchen floor and in walks the cat before the floor is dry. Now your pet is acquiring a cleaning product on its paws. Next, the paws go in the mouth and on the fur. A potential for disaster or, at minimum, a trip to the veterinarian.

Look for “green” cleaning products that have all natural ingredients and are enzyme-based. Most pet supply stores and health stores carry animal-safe cleaners. The outcry for environmentally-safe cleaners has been so great even big box stores carry a limited supply.

You can make your own window and floor cleaner using distilled white vinegar and water. A safe window cleaner is important because, where are our feline friends always sitting? Yes, it is with their nose pressed up to the window you just cleaned for their pleasure.

I would like to share with you a few of the animal-friendly products I have tried with good results. The old standby is Simple Green. This product can even be found at most hardware stores.

Mrs. Meyer’s has a range of natural cleaners and freshening sprays. My favorite is Clean Day Freshening Spray, which is aromatherapeutic with calming oils. A little spray freshens their bedding instantly. Clorox Anywhere and natural Green Works by Clorox have a nice, clean scent and are safe.

Perfect Planet hardwood and laminate cleaner from Weiman also has a clean scent and cleans evenly. For cleaning carpet and upholstery, Arm and Hammer Pet Hair Vac-away actually does what it claims to do. Spraying before vacuuming allows you to pick up more hair, and the clean smell lasts for hours after you vacuum.

Oreck Vacuum shops also offer a pet deodorizer that assists in the vacuuming process. Their deodorizer vacuums up much more efficiently than Arm and Hammer, but is a bit more costly. The aroma is clean and fresh and, for me, worth the extra cost.

Another handy product to have when you have animals is Oreck’s dry mist spray. It clears the air of any unwanted scent in a second.

Toxic-free cleaning products will save you money over the long haul. You will enjoy pets’ company more because your pet will have continued good health. As such, you will spend less money on veterinary bills by keeping toxins out of your home.

AdoptablesKachew is a 3-year-old black feline that has a coat as long as any MainCoon I have ever seen. She is elegant and loves other cats. She was rescued before winter several years ago as a larger kitten and was allowed sanctuary in a garage until Buddy had room for her. She remained shy until recently. She sits atop a cat tree for hours on end, just waiting for someone to come in and lavish some attention on her. She has become a cuddler.Pepper is a friendly, large, classic blue tabby who is 4 years old. He was front-paw declawed by his previous owner who had to surrender Pepper when he went into assisted living. His previous owner could no longer care for himself, so it goes without question he could not care for Pepper either. This big boy is one nice lap cat.Santa Claws PhotosEvery Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claws will be at the shelter from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a photo opportunity for your pets and family. Do dress to fit the spirit of the season. Photos will be taken for a donation of $7.50 and will be framed. Get started on your family portrait so you can make cards. We will also have a bake sale.Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 36492433 Kachew