Deep Clean, Refresh, and Reset Every Part of Your Cat’s Life
Spring is the season of fresh starts, and your cat deserves one too! Beyond the vacuum and mop, cats need a holistic spring reset: from deep-cleaned litter areas to dusted-off fountains, washed bedding, de-furred cat trees, and updated food storage. Enjoy this all-in-one guide to spring cleaning and seasonal care for cats.
1. Deep Clean the Litter Box Area
A clean litter box is essential for your cat’s health, especially as you tackle your spring cleaning. Even with daily scooping and weekly cleanings, the litter area still needs a full refresh.
- Empty all litter completely.
- Scrub the box, mat, and scoops with fragrance-free soap and hot water. You can also use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner for this step.
- Vacuum and wash litter mats.
- If you use an automatic litter box (such as a Litter-Robot), disassemble and deep clean each component. Check for clogs or hair buildup.
- Let it air dry in the sun if possible to kill lingering bacteria.
- Replace with fresh litter, ideally switching out the entire box if it’s over 6-12 months old and shows signs of wear.
- Disinfect nearby floors and walls with an enzymatic cleaner. Remember, floor cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or phenols are toxic to cats!
2. Wash Beds, Blankets, and Soft Furnishings
Your cat’s cozy corners hold more than fur–they can trap allergens, bacteria, and oils. One of the easiest and most important things you can do during your spring cleaning is wash your cat’s bedding.
- Wash all washable beds, blankets, hammocks, and cushion covers using unscented, hypoallergenic detergent on a hot cycle.
- If your cat has asthma or allergies, use an unscented detergent and consider replacing heavily used bedding every 6-12 months.
- Spot clean or use a vacuum (with a HEPA filter) to clean cat towers, fabric-covered perches, and unwashable items.
- If anyone in the home has cat allergies, consider using a product by Pacagen or Allerpet.
3. Refresh Cat Water Fountains
Hydration is key to your cat’s health, so make sure their water sources are part of your spring cleaning routine. Fountains are a hydration game-changer, but they must be properly cleaned and maintained.
- Take apart your cat water fountain, descale it, clean the pump, and replace the filter. This should be done during each cleaning, but especially during the spring shed season!
- Soak the pump and parts in vinegar-water to remove buildup.
- Scrub with a small brush and rinse thoroughly.
- Replace filters monthly (or sooner if you have multiple cats).
4. Grooming Tools & Spring Coat Transition
Cats shed their winter coat in spring, so your grooming routine needs an upgrade.
- Clean brushes, combs, and nail clippers with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Rinse well.
- Replace any tools that are rusty, bent, or missing teeth.
- Use a de-shedding brush or grooming glove weekly (or more frequently for long-haired cats).
- Trim claws more often if your cat is indoors-only.
- Wipe your cat’s coat with pet-safe grooming wipes to reduce allergens.
5. Scrub and Sanitize Bowls and Storage Containers
Biofilm forms on unwashed bowls, which can cause bacterial buildup and illness. For these reasons, food and water bowls should be cleaned daily.
- Wash food bowls after every meal with hot, soapy water.
- Disinfect weekly using a diluted vinegar rinse or pet-safe disinfectant.
- Replace plastic bowls with ceramic or stainless steel.
- Wash food scoops, treat containers, and kibble bins.
- Vacuum crumbs and spills around feeding stations to prevent mold growth and bug infestations.
- Use airtight containers to store dry food and keep it fresh during temperature shifts.
6. Wash or Replace Toys
Over time, toys collect grime, bacteria, and slobber. Spring is the perfect time to wash, rotate, or replace them.
- Soak hard toys in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Wash soft toys on a gentle cycle (in a pillowcase) and air dry.
- Toss anything damaged, fraying, or unsafe.
- Consider a toy rotation box: put out a few at a time to keep playtime novel. I rotate toys in and out every 2-3 weeks to keep my cats intrigued.
7. Clean Windows and Reevaluate Cat Enrichment Zones
Natural sunlight and window views reduce stress for indoor cats. Additionally, cats love to sunbathe and birdwatch in spring!
- Wipe down windows and sills with a natural, cat-safe cleaner.
- Set up or reposition a window perch or blanket.
- Vacuum window sills and perches.
- Dust and tighten suction-cup or clamp-on perches.
- Consider adding a bird feeder outside for visual enrichment, or a reflective screen for safety.
- Check to ensure all window screens are secure.
- Spring is a great time to rearrange furniture or add a catio!
8. Vacuum and Clean All Cat Furniture
Fur, dander, and dirt collect fast on towers, hammocks, and scratchers.
- Vacuum thoroughly using a brush attachment.
- Wipe down plastic or wood elements with a damp cloth.
- Replace old sisal rope or carpeting as needed.
- Sprinkle with baking soda, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum for odor control.
- Rotate cat furniture between windows or rooms to give your cat new views.
9. Dust Cat-Safe Plants and Remove Toxic Ones
Cats love to nibble on greens. Let’s make sure they’re safe!
- Gently dust plant leaves with a damp cloth to reduce allergens.
- Double-check all indoor, patio, and balcony plants with the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List.
- Remove or elevate any potentially harmful plants.
- Consider wall-mounted planters or shelves out of reach.
Cat grass or catnip plants are great spring additions that can enrich your cat’s environment.
10. Check Cat Tech and Smart Devices
If you use automated pet gadgets, this is the time to inspect, clean, or replace components.
- Clean sensors and lenses on pet cams or treat dispensers.
- Wipe down automatic feeders, update timers, have chargers on hand, and change batteries.
- Back up app data and ensure your pet tech is fully functional.
11. Reevaluate Wellness: Vet Visits, Supplements, Parasite Prevention
Spring is parasite season, and also a time to reset your cat’s care routine. While you’re spring cleaning, it’s a great time to check your cat for any signs of health issues.
- Check flea, tick, and heartworm status—especially for outdoor cats.
- Refill prescriptions or supplements.
- Schedule your cat’s annual wellness check-up.
- Update microchip info and ID tags.
- Weigh your cat and assess body condition. Consider revisiting your cat’s diet if their weight has changed.
12. Clean the Air: Purifiers, Filters, and HVAC Systems
Spring cleaning isn’t just about your cat—it’s about the whole family’s well-being. Spring allergens + cat dander = stuffy noses for humans and cats. Here’s how to freshen the air:
- Change HVAC filters (especially if you live in a multi-cat household).
- Clean ceiling vents, baseboards, and grilles that trap fur and dust.
- Invest in a HEPA air purifier for spaces where your cat spends the most time. Look for models with activated carbon for odor control.
- Keep windows screened and dusted if your cat loves sunbathing nearby.
Use vent covers to prevent fur buildup in your central heating/AC system.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your cat’s world in spring is about more than sparkle—it’s about health, comfort, and safety. A deep seasonal reset will benefit your home, your cat, and your bond.
From litter box to window perch, water fountain to HVAC vent, every detail matters. Your cat may not thank you with words, but they’ll show you with zoomies, headbutts, and long, relaxed sunbaths.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on my personal experiences as a professional cat sitter, cat owner, and cat foster. This is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations for your cat.] For more blog content, click here.
