Watch what you use to clean house - your pet's health may depend on it

Posted September 21, 2019 8:00 am

Do you consider your feline's health when 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 when it grooms.

Think of the multitude of surfaces your feline's feet touch within your home. If you have a normal curious feline, that means just about everywhere. Think of the areas your feline eats, naps and plays in - and you'll realize it's 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. Exposure can also cause 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 your feline walks in before the floor is dry. Now, your pet has the cleaning product on its paws. Then, 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 and health stores carry animal-safe cleaners. The outcry for environmentally safe cleaners has been so great, even big box stores carry a limited amount.

You can make your own window and floor cleaner using distilled white vinegar and water. A safe glass cleaner is important, because our feline friends always sit with their nose pressed on the window.

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 Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Freshening Spray that 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 & Hammer Carpet & Room Pet Fresh Odor Eliminator 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 & 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 your pet's company more because it will have continued good health. As such, you will spend less money on veterinary bills by keeping toxins our of your home.

Upcoming

• Dine 2 Donate at Riccardo's, 1170 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, from 4-10 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 25, and the restaurant will donate 25% of its total sales to the Buddy Foundation (based on pretax purchase), from every order received with a flyer. Reservations are recommended, call (847) 891-7777. Can't make it? To-go orders are included also. This offer not valid with any other offers or coupons and the flyer must accompany order/payment. For a flyer, visit https://thebuddyfoundation.org/assets/docs/events/Riccardos20190925.pdf.

• The Buddy Foundation will host Bowling for Buddy from 1:30-4:40 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Arlington Lanes, 3435 N. Kennicott Ave., in Arlington Heights. Admission in advance is $30 for adults and $15 for children, ages 12 and younger, and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, salad, dessert and soda. There will be a surprise raffle, prizes and more. Proceeds will benefit Buddy's animals. To register or for information, visit www.TheBuddyFoundation.org. Hope to see you there.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. Its mission is to provide immediate safety and care to stray and abandoned cats and dogs. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.

Peter came to Buddy off the streets with Bert. Bert was adopted some time ago and Peter was left behind. Peter did not take well to this and became angry and reclusive. A number of volunteers have spent a lot of time with Peter and he has recently improved. He can now occasionally be seen out in the room if no one is in there. He will also come out for a few of the volunteers. Although he is making progress, it is going to take a very special, patient person to become his best friend. Courtesy of The Buddy Foundation

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