Having pets at home is both a pleasure and a responsibility. Even the most well-behaved pet requires extra cleaning, and if it has challenging behavior, then you will have even more problems.
In this article, we will learn how to keep your apartment clean in Cyprus (and not only in Cyprus) if you have a pet. The author of this article is the owner of four cats (I rent an apartment), so I have personal experience owning cats and will share some tips based on my own experience.
A small note: if you cannot tolerate unpleasant odors, noise, and shedding, then it is better not to have pets. Even the most well-behaved cats and dogs will leave traces of their residence in the house.
Perfect cleanliness is impossible when you have pets
My experience living with a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, and canaries, has proven that there is no perfect cleanliness in a house with pets, except for those animals listed in the last part of the article. All other pets shed fur, scratch surfaces, sometimes emit unpleasant smells, and get dirty, leaving messes that require cleaning.
Therefore, those who want to have a pet should remember that perfect order in the house is not achievable. However, it is possible to keep furniture, repairs, and other things intact if you are a responsible pet owner.
Training and Instincts
There is a popular East Slavic phrase: "Well-bred animals do not spoil anything." It implies that educating your pet can prevent problems with damage to furniture and things. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
As the author, I have had cats, ferrets, rodents, and even a dog. Out of these, only the dog was trainable, while the rest of the animals had very strong instincts that training could not overcome.
It is important to understand that animals have instincts that pets cannot ignore. Only a few breeds of dogs such as companion dogs, service dogs, and descendants of bull terriers can be trained to prioritize obedience to their owners above instincts.
Therefore, owners need to understand and find ways to outsmart their pets' instincts. This is especially important for owners of cats and ferrets as these small predators are intelligent but not naturally inclined to obey rules or people. However, they can be taught basic rules and be trained to be clean.
It is important to note that animal behavior can be corrected through training and other methods.
One such issue that pet owners face is their pets chewing and scratching everything. The methods used to correct this behavior will depend on the type of pet and animal. However, with patience and effort, any pet can be trained not to damage household items.
Dog
For dogs, there are two common reasons why they may ruin furniture: curiosity as puppies and boredom as adults. To address both issues, owners can take the following steps:
- Keep puppies in a closed area or spacious cage until they are 5-6 months old.
- Distract puppies every time they try to chew something by providing plenty of toys and treats.
- Train adult dogs to understand the "No" command and provide adequate toys and exercise to prevent boredom.
It is important not to call puppies and then scold them as they may associate punishment with responding to their name. Adult dogs may still damage things in the owner's absence due to boredom or excess energy, which can be addressed by providing adequate exercise and toys.
The second problem often occurs with active dogs, such as hunting and shepherd breeds, terriers, retrievers, and some others. These dogs require a lot of exercise, including running, training on equipment, catching frisbees, and so on. Especially active breeds such as Jack Russell Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Husky, Dalmatian, and Border Collie are often involved in dog sports like agility, which is considered the most popular.
Cat
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, just like eating or peeing. Therefore, it is senseless and cruel to prohibit this behavior and scold the cat. However, this instinct can cause cat owners to have to replace their sofa, wallpaper, or curtains more than once every six months. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully observe your pet and provide it with the correct scratching post that it will actually use.
Author's note: I have four cats, but only one of them uses the classic scratching post. The others have more specific preferences.
The first thing to understand is how your cat sharpens its claws: vertically (standing up on its hind legs) or horizontally. Depending on this, you should buy or make a vertical or horizontal scratching post.
The second thing to consider is the choice of material. Not all cats like jute or similar materials, and felt may not suit every cat. Observe what your cat likes to scratch the most: sofa, chair, wallpaper, carpet? Try to find something that your cat likes to scratch the most and make the scratching post from that material. If the scratching post is comfortable for your cat, it will be more likely to use it instead of your furniture.
From the author: one of my cats loves to tear up sofas, and wallpaper, and rugs, and in general, anything. Therefore, in the house I have a whole arsenal of things about which he can sharpen his claws.
The third factor is training, or retraining if your cat has already developed a habit of scratching furniture. Yelling or hitting your cat is not an effective approach, as it will only scare your pet and won't help it understand what it did wrong. Instead, catch your cat in the act and take it to the scratching post, gently guiding its paws to it. After each successful use of the post, praise your cat to reinforce positive behavior.
Here's a tip: Cats can be wary of new smells, so before introducing a new scratching post, let it sit in your home for a week to absorb the familiar scent.
Catnip can also be helpful in attracting your cat's attention to the post, but avoid using valerian as it is highly addictive and won't encourage your cat to use the scratching post.
Finally, it's important to note that one scratching post may not be enough for your cat. Even if you only have one cat, you may need to provide multiple scratching options to satisfy its needs. As an example, one of my cats loves to scratch everything, so I have multiple scratching posts and pads available throughout the house.
Sometimes, nothing seems to help. The cat has chosen a sofa and persistently works on it, not paying attention to all the scratching posts around.
What can be done in this case:
- 1. Gift this sofa to your cat.
- 2. Buy a cat scratching deterrent.
- 3. Cover sofas with thick bedspreads. Remove curtains. If possible, avoid using wallpaper and opt for wall painting instead, which is more relevant in Cyprus due to high humidity.
- 4. Close access to things. However, cats hate closed doors and may meow quite annoyingly at them.
All of the above measures do not mean that you need to cut your cat's claws. This procedure is carried out once every 2-3 weeks with a special nail cutter. After cutting, the nails need to be polished so that they are not sharp. This can be done with a regular nail file, or you can purchase a special one at a pet store.
It's important to note that the radical method - removal of claws (onychectomy) - is recognized as cruel to animals. In Cyprus, you are unlikely to find clinics that perform this procedure.
Ferret
Ferrets are generally not very likely to scratch furniture. However, they can chew curtains, sheets, and other textiles they can find. Additionally, due to their anatomy, they cannot jump high, so they can damage chairs or sofas by climbing on them.
To protect your property from a ferret, you need:
- Put all things in closets.
- Hang curtains higher from the floor - so that the ferret cannot jump on it, gnaw them or climb up them.
- Buy enough toys for distraction and chewing (this can be a special hard treat).
- Close the sofas and chairs with bedspreads - or attach improvised "ladders" to them so that the ferret can safely climb onto them.
Ferrets are more likely to steal than to mess things. They arrange several hiding places in the house and drag inedible and edible things there. Problems arise with the latter (smell and rotting), so the owner needs to regularly check the “hooks” of their pet and clean them in a timely manner. As a rule, hiding places are arranged with ferrets in the hollow parts of armchairs and sofas, in rarely opened cabinets and behind furniture.
How to wean an animal to shit in the house?
If the animal defecates in the house, this can create an unpleasant odor that eats into furniture and even walls. Therefore, accustoming to the correct trips to the toilet is almost the most important aspect.
Important: If the animal is soiling inside the house, the first thing you need to do is to make sure it doesn't have any medical issues. Cystitis, urolithiasis, constipation, certain viruses, and other factors can cause the pet to avoid the litter box or prevent it from holding its urine or feces. Scolding or punishing the animal for this behavior is not recommended; instead, take the pet to the vet for a check-up.
Dog
After the end of the vaccination quarantine, which usually lasts about 3.5 months, the puppy can gradually be taken outside for walks. However, it usually takes until the age of 6-7 months before the puppy learns to relieve itself exclusively outside. During the first few months of living in the house, accidents are bound to happen.
To solve the issue of house soiling, the following steps can be taken:
- 1. Limit the puppy's movement to one room or a special crate. Remove any carpets temporarily.
- 2. Cover the area where the puppy is allowed to walk with disposable absorbent diapers. Gradually reduce their number until the puppy learns to use only one.
Even up to 10-12 months of age, a teenage dog may have accidents inside the house. In such cases, it is important to scold the dog, but not excessively, as it is a natural instinct for dogs to relieve themselves.
If an adult animal suddenly starts defecating in the house, there may be several reasons:
- It requires more frequent walks.
- It may be ill (such as cystitis, urolithiasis, kidney disease, incontinence, etc.).
- Sexual hunting, especially in male dogs.
- Territory marking or conflicts between two males.
- Displaying resentment or dominant behavior.
Each reason requires its own approach to resolve the issue. First, ensure that the dog is taken out regularly with equal intervals between walks. Ideally, dogs should be walked 2-3 times a day. Some small breeds may be trained to use a litter box indoors.
If the dog is ill, it should be treated by a veterinarian. Sexual hunting and territorial conflicts can be resolved by castration. If the animal is being used for breeding purposes, it should be kept separate from other males.
Resentment is often shown by smaller breeds that require delicate training and respect. However, many breeds tend to demonstrate dominant behavior, especially in male dogs during puberty. In such cases, consulting with a dog trainer or behaviorist is recommended as each breed requires a specific approach.
Cat:
As a rule, kittens are taught to use the litter box by their mother cat. This happens when the kittens are about 1.5-2 months old. If you adopt a kitten from a cattery or family at the age of 2.5 months, they likely already know how to use the litter box. Your task is only to show them where the litter box is located in the new home.
Animals living on the street may take longer to get accustomed to the litter box. They usually prefer litter that is similar to sand or earth. However, a cat is a clean animal that prefers to use the litter box as their designated toilet area. So, sooner or later, a cat taken into a house from the street will learn to use the litter box properly.
Cats may poop for various reasons, and identifying the cause can help owners solve the problem and eliminate unpleasant odors in the house. Possible reasons include:
- A urinary tract disease, which can make the cat associate the litter box with discomfort during urination or defecation or make it unable to reach the tray on time.
- Marking territory to establish boundaries with other animals or humans.
- Sexual hunting, which involves leaving odorous marks to attract mates.
- Disliking the litter box, possibly due to unpleasant smells, unsuitable filler, high sides, etc.
There is much debate online about the benefits and drawbacks of neutering cats. Some people argue that it is inhumane and deprives animals of sexual pleasure. However, many veterinarians and experienced cat owners support neutering for various reasons, such as:
- Neutering does not prevent cats from mating, but it does prevent unwanted kittens from being born.
- Empty estrus in cats can lead to various health problems, such as polycystic ovaries, pyometra, and cancerous tumors of the reproductive system.
- Responsible breeding requires careful management to prevent frequent pregnancies and childbirth, which can exhaust the cat's body and increase the risk of diseases, and after 8 years, conscientious breeders still sterilize a cat, as neither the mother nor the offspring may be healthy in old age.
- Unneutered cats can become aggressive and dangerous with age.
Therefore, neutering a cat that is not intended for breeding between 8 and 12 months is more humane than risking the cat's health.
The author has personal experience with neutered and unneutered cats. One cat shows no interest in mating, while the other successfully mates with other cats. An unneutered cat became aggressive at the age of 9, injuring people, and an unsterilized cat developed pyometra with peritonitis in old age, barely surviving.
Sometimes, cats may poop for no apparent reason, leaving the owner a message that needs decoding. Possible reasons include:
- Dislike of new objects or scents, such as a new sofa.
- Feeling threatened by new pets, newborns, or visiting guests.
- Craving attention and affection, particularly if left alone frequently.
- Seeking revenge for a perceived offense or punishment.
If the reason for a cat's inappropriate pooping behavior is unclear or the owner cannot resolve the issue, consulting a zoopsychologist is recommended. This specialist can provide advice on how to handle non-standard or incomprehensible situations.
Author's note: There have been several instances where cats have pooped in unexpected places for apparently unknown reasons. One of my cats used to regularly poop on the bed of a friend who lived with us for a while. Neither before nor after the friend left, the cat did not defecate anywhere else. Similarly, a friend's cat used to leave feces on the carpet when left alone until a second cat was introduced - then the behavior stopped. It was obvious that the cat was feeling lonely and was trying to communicate this.
It is not recommended to punish a cat by poking it with your nose, scolding it, yelling at it, or hitting it. Such actions are ineffective and can be harmful. The animal may become afraid of the owners, take revenge or behave aggressively. The stress caused by severe punishment can also lead to the development of serious illnesses. Many veterinarians have noted that in families where cats are punished, pets tend to get sick more often.
The only way to address a cat's misbehavior is to identify and address the underlying cause. If nothing seems to help and the cat continues to defecate in the house at random locations, it may have a mental disorder and veterinary treatment may be necessary.
Ferret
Ferrets can be successfully trained to use the litter box. These small predators are not inclined to leave marks outside of their sexual hunting period and can control their urge to go to the toilet.
However, it is not possible to train ferrets like cats. There are two fundamentally different points:
- Firstly, the ferret himself chooses a place to relieve himself, and the owner can only place the litter box there. In some cases, it is possible to move the tray 1 centimeter a day to where the ferret needs it, but in other cases, it will be up to the ferret's preference.
- Secondly, ferrets need more litter boxes. It is better to buy 3-4 small trays and place them where the pet goes to the toilet.
One advantage of ferrets over many cats is that they can use the same litter box repeatedly, and the smell of their urine and feces is not as strong. So you do not have to clean up after your ferret after each defecation; you can simply schedule cleaning the litter box once a day.
Rodents
Rodents do not control urination and defecation, so accustoming them to one place of need is simply impossible. In this case, the only solution is to restrict their movement by using a cage or some kind of fenced area in the apartment that is regularly cleaned and washed.
How to remove pet fur?
Fur, which can be found everywhere, becomes "decoration" of clothes. Most often it can be found on furniture, carpets... actually everywhere.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to completely get rid of pet fur, but its amount in the house can be minimized by following simple recommendations:
- Brush your animal regularly. Brushing 1-2 times a week is enough, during the molting period it's better to do it daily. Non-show animals are saved by the Furminator. You can also use the service "express molt" in a grooming salon.
- If heavy shedding persists, make sure the animal is healthy. Also, heat above 30 degrees can provoke hair loss in some cats and dogs, and it's impossible to stop this process before a cold snap.
- Use modern home cleaning devices: a robot vacuum cleaner (always with a washing function), a powerful vacuum cleaner with special "chips" for pet owners, and a dust absorber (it "sucks in" wool flying in the air).
- Wash floors and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth - wet cleaning is a must!
Many believe that the establishment of hairless breeds of cats and dogs will solve the problem. In a sense, it will solve the problem, but another issue will appear. Bald animals have an increased secretion of sebum, so they leave behind greasy spots where they sit and lie down. Plus, these pets require increased care: they need to be bathed often, they are prone to skin problems such as pimples and peeling, and they cannot tolerate cold and direct sunlight (as they can get burned).
Other unforeseen factors:
An animal can get dirty in the house for various reasons.
We present the most basic ones:
- Excessive salivation: occurs in certain breeds of dogs and is not controllable. The owner should leave less textiles in the house and regularly wipe surfaces from dog saliva.
- Vomiting: can happen to any animal at any time and in any place. It happens more often in cats, as they lick, swallow hair, and then burp hairballs (trichobezoars). In this case, it is better to remove carpets from the floor or leave those that are easy to clean.
- The smell of fur: occurs in many breeds of dogs, rodents, and ferrets. As a rule, owners quickly get used to it and do not notice it. However, a guest who comes to the house will immediately notice that a dog or ferret lives in the house. You can remove this smell by regularly cleaning the cage and the apartment, airing it out, and taking good care of your pet.
It should be noted that any pet that is carefully monitored, receives proper care, and is regularly vaccinated and treated against parasites (helminths, fleas, ticks), will have fewer issues with unpleasant odors and illnesses.
The most hassle-free pets
Some animals do not make sounds, do not emit strong odors, and do not move around the apartment. They are not able to damage anything in the house or disturb the peace of the owner, as they live in an aquarium.
- Here are some examples:
- Fish - they are the most noiseless and harmless to the apartment.
- Amphibians and reptiles - frogs, snakes, lizards, and turtles.
- Arthropods - decorative cockroaches, spiders, centipedes, and scorpions.
- Shellfish - for example, snails.
Of course, having a pet is a joy. And when it causes minimal trouble in terms of its care and maintenance, it is doubly joyful! If you pay enough attention to your pet, you can teach it to behave correctly and not cause any damage to your apartment in Cyprus. Moreover, it is quite possible to rent an apartment with a well-behaved pet, or even several animals. It is only necessary to add a few additional clauses to the standard lease agreement.
Interested in housing in Cyprus? Check out the DOM! The agency's website contains the largest real estate database in the country - more than 30 thousand residential and commercial properties throughout the island! Here you will find information about the latest development projects. Choose and contact professional boxers who will help you make the right choice!
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