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The Bowl-Free, Natural Way to Feed Your Cat

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When your cat “hunts” for its food, it’s happier and healthier.  Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder is the fun and easy way to feed your cat as nature intended – by hunting! Manage scarf and barf, alleviate anxiety and destructive behavior, and prevent litter box issues with this veterinarian designed feeder by Doc & Phoebe.

Bowl feeding can cause many downsides for your cat – aggression, scarf and barf, night walking, etc. Your cat’s stomach is the size of a ping-pong ball – the size of a mouse. In nature, cats spend 80% of their waking hours hunting for food. Cats need to hunt, catch, and play with at least 5 small meals a day.

The Indoor Hunting Feeder is a complete bowl replacement for one cat. Hunt, catch and play with five small meals a day.

The Benefits of Hunting

1 – Prevent bad behavior.

Cats redirect the hunting instinct into bad cat behavior. Exercising natural hunting instinct improves your cat’s mood and preserves your furniture!

2 – Sleep through the night.

Your cat will hunt for feeders at night, instead of hunting you!

3 – Stop scarf and barf.

Your cat’s stomach is the size of a ping-pong ball. Hunting multiple small portions eliminates scarf and barf.

4 – Litter box solutions.

Cats show distress by peeing outside of the litterbox. Hunting feeders relieve stress and can eliminate this terrible problem.

5 – Weight management.

Portion control + exercise = healthy weight.

6 – Prevent boredom.

Your cat will happily spend the day hunting, receiving much-needed exercise.

So how exactly does it work? The feeding system comes with five plastic feeders, each one with a removable, washable mouse “skin” that simulates the feel of real prey. Simply portion your cat’s food into the five feeders and hide them throughout the house. At first, you can hide the mice in easier to find locations until your cat gets the hang of it, then graduate to more challenging spots.

Your cat will use its sense of smell to find each mouse, grab it and toss it around until the food spills out so that just the right amount fills your cat’s stomach. By repeating this multiple times throughout the day, your cat will stay physically and mentally stimulated while eating properly portioned meals.

We love that the mouse skins are washable, and the plastic food dispensers and scoop are BPA-free and can be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher. Multiple sets can also be used in a multi-cat household!

Cats can become obese, lazy, anxious and even destructive or sick in the absence of hunting and interacting with their food. So what are  you waiting for? Doc & Phoebe’s new Indoor Hunting Feeders are available for your kitty now at the Brookside Barkery & Bath!

CBD For Dogs

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Like responsible pet parents that we are, we just can’t stand watching our furry friends being in pain or suffering in any shape or form.

Every since cannabis has become so popular among humans for treating a number of medical conditions, holistic veterinarians started wondering if this magical herb can also help our pets.

As it turns out, dogs seem to respond very well to this one specific chemical in cannabis – cannabidiol. CBD for dogs has become a new occurrence, and as it seems our furry friends are loving it.

However, when it comes to marijuana for dogs, pet parents have to be extra careful. Unlike CBD, the most famous cannabis compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is toxic and dangerous to dogs. In fact, dogs are very sensitive to it, and you should avoid it at all costs.

On the other hand, CBD seems to bring forth a feeling of calmness and balance in all mammals, including dogs. It’s not psychoactive like THC, and what’s also interesting, it fits perfectly in our dog’s bodies through its positive interaction with an endocannabinoid system that very much resembles our own.

Here are just a few health benefits CBD can have for your dog:

  • helps with allergies and skin issues
  • reduces anxiety
  • reduces learned fears and phobias
  • reduces aggressive behavior
  • boosts appetite and relieves digestive problems
  • helps with arthritis, joint, and mobility issues
  • helps dogs battle cancer and tumors
  • helps heal glaucoma
  • relieves seizures and epilepsy

This infographic from the Greencamp Blog is a fantastic guide for pet owners who are considering trying CBD for their own furry family member:

CBD for dogs

If your dog is in need of a natural way out of a medical condition, stop in the Barkery and let a nutrition specialist find the best CBD hemp product for your pet.

 

Essential Oils for Skin Care

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Most abnormal skin conditions include some amount of inflammation or infection. Veterinarians are trained to utilize anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressives to manage these conditions, but essential oils, some of which have been revered since biblical times, can be very effective and safe if utilized properly. Essential oil usage is often a choice now requested by many natural-minded pet parents, and this article by Integrative Veterinary Care explains why.

What is an Essential Oil?

These oils are not the lipid or fatty oils from the plant, but rather the life blood of the plant. An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid which contains the volatile aromatic compounds from the plant.

Using oils to manage skin conditions is where essential oils shine the most. Many skin conditions produce an odor, so what could be better than using a treatment that smells good, too? It’s the volatility of the essential oils which makes them aromatic.

The aromatic oil carries the components which protect the plant form adversaries. A natural chemical might repel an insect or kill a fungus. These same plant constituents can be used protect us or our animal patients.

It is also these same constituents that can be analyzed with tools such as gas chromatography to identify the specific “finger print” of an essential oil. The combination of these natural chemical constituents is what gives particular oils their unique properties for use, effectiveness, safety or danger.

Do They Work?

Natural product producers cannot make claims that their products are used to prevent, manage, or cure disease. The FDA only allows that these claims be made by drug manufacturers. But many holistic veterinarians practice with essential oils and maintain testimonials that support the efficacy of essential oils.

Top 12 Essential Oils For Skin

These top twelve essential oils support healthy skin and have been found in research to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or immune supportive properties. Indeed, pharmaceutical companies have isolated some of these constituents in order to manufacture drugs. Further study of each chemical constituent can guide you toward additional uses of the oil.

1. Lavender

Almost every essential oil discussion begins with lavender because its applications are so universal. It is soothing emotionally and physically. It does not burn irritated skin when applied topically, even if the skin is burned, chafed, or rashy. It can help to relax a pet that is frenzied due to chronic itching. It has been used internally, but make sure that it is pure and not perfume grade.

Methods of Application:

When applied “neat” (undiluted) to the skin, the smell and taste of lavender can deter licking. Pet owners love this feature, as they may not need to use an E-collar. Lavender on a pet has calming effects, and both the pet and owner can benefit from the aroma. Lavender not only penetrates the skin, but also the nasal passages and the blood brain barrier. Fur is a wick to the effectiveness, and can be diffused actively with a cold air diffuser or passively through the air when applied topically. You should never use heat with essential oils, it will damage the natural chemistry.

You can also dilute lavender with coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, or well-shaken water to disperse and cover a  larger body surface area. Another option is to add essential oils to your pet’s shampoo. This can be soothing and provide immediate relief. The skin is a huge surface area which allows for the transfer of chemical constituents into the body and toxins out of the body.

2. Frankincense

Frankincense is distilled from resin and includes several varieties such as Boswellia carteri or Boswellia sacra. It is high in alpha-pinene and limonene. This has been used for centuries to support healthy skin and immune systems.

3. Copaiba

Copaiba is sold as an essential oil, but is essentially a sap from a tree in an Amazonian culture where this is their anti-inflammatory medicine. It is very high in beta-caryophyllene.

4. Chamomile (Roman)

Chamomile is ideally steam distilled from its flowers/ Roman chamomile is very high in isobutyl angelate and isomyl methacrylate. These have anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and skin regenerative properties in addition to being calming.

5. Citronella

Citronella is also steam distilled, but from its leaves. It is high in geraniol and limonene. Citronella is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, an insect repellent and a deodorant.

6. Tea Tree

Also called Melaleuca alternifolia, this oil is commonly used and commonly feared. It is very high in terpinene and terpinenol. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, immunostimulant, analgesic, a neurotonic and protects against radiation. Fears may be unfounded and due to negative experiences with contaminated or poorly distilled product.

7-11. A Blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary

This popular combination contains oils which are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and can numb tissues on contact. Clove can be as high as 87% eugenol. Cinnamon is also high in eugenol, but approximately 50% trans-cinnamaldehyde. These natural chemicals make this a “hot” oil, which can burn skin, but at the same time be antimicrobial and increase blood flow. It’s best used diluted or with a blend.

Eucalyptus radiate, also distilled from leaves, is antiinfectious and anti-inflammatory. Rosemary is another antimicrobial agent, and both can help decrease hair loss. Avoid using if a pet is epileptic.

12. Neem

Neem oil is highly revered as a natural skin care product, but it is not an essential oil. It is a cold pressed vegetable oil which contains essential fatty acids (EFAs), triglycerides, vitamin E, calcium, steroids and some essential oil constituents. Neem oil penetrates deep into the skin to moisturize and heal.

Dosing:

The amount of water and number of drops of oil will depend on the species, size, and age of the pet, and the oil. It would be difficult to do a full body soak on a horse or a mastiff, but easier to soak a hoof or a paw. Horses respond well to essential oil, but we must be cognizant of a potential sensitivity to an oil when it comes to dogs and cats. One drop of oil can go a long way, and it’s best to see your pet responds first. Roughly, we suggest beginning with one drop per ten pounds into the soak water. Multiple oils can be combined.

If essential oils have peaked your interest, consider adding an essential oil treatment to your next grooming or bath appointment. Brookside Barkery has specially formulated essential oil blends for achy joints, nerves, or dry and itchy skin that can bring your pet relief.

Why Your Cat Doesn’t Want to Be Held

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According to the most recent estimates, over 47 percent of US households include at least one cat, and the total number of pet cats is over 94 million. That means nearly half the families in the US are sharing living space with an animal whose behavior can, at times, seem impossible to interpret. If you have a cat at home, you’ve probably scratched your head a few times at his or her behavior. If so, you might find Dr. Becker’s answers to common cat parent questions helpful.

Why Does My Cat Seem to Avoid Eye Contact With Me?

Looking one another directly in the eye is a type of human greeting that doesn’t come as naturally to other species. Have you ever wondered why cats seem to gravitate toward the only people in the room that don’t like them? It’s probably because those people aren’t looking at them!

Gazing directly into the eyes of another creature may be considered a way of asserting dominance, so it’s possible your kitty feels threatened by prolonged eye-to-eye contact.

Every kitty is different, but as a general rule, once a cat is settled into a new household and is given consistent care and a dependable daily routine, he’ll learn to trust and bond with at least one family member. On the flip side are cats who follow their people around, demanding attention in the form of eye contact and petting.

If your kitty isn’t confident or comfortable in his environment, staring at him can make him feel anxious. A better approach is to glance away when a cat meets your gaze to show that you aren’t a threat.

Why Does My Cat Blink Slowly at Me?

Has your cat every done the slow blink with you where she looks at you, blinks in slow motion and then (sometimes) looks away? Interestingly, just as a voiding direct eye contact is normal for cats, so is the slow blink.

“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy calls this the “I Love You Blink.” It’s a slow, intentional blink, and it’s your one and only way to meet your kitty at the “communicative fence.” According to Jackson, when your cat closes her eyes in your presence, she’s saying, “I allow myself to be vulnerable to you, a potential predator.”

To share the “I Love You Blink” with your cat, look at her with your eyes open, close, then slowly open. This is your way of telling your cat that you love her with your eyes. You’ll notice that your cat will return the slow blink to you.

Why Does My Cat Seem to Hate Being Held?

Cats are natural predators, but they’re also prey. Predators restrain prey animals, which is why your kitty needs to maintain his ability to move freely and escape. It’s also why your cat may feel stressed when you hold him, even though you’re being affectionate.

Cats like to have all interactions on their own terms, so it’s best to let your kitty come to you. Of course, some cats love to be cuddled, but many do not, and can only tolerate it for brief periods.

The right way to pick up an agreeable cat is with one hand under the chest and other supporting the back legs. Hold him gently against your upper body so he feels secure. If he pushes away, looks toward the door, flattens his ears or twitches is tail, that’s your cue to put him down quickly and gently.

Why Do Cats like Boxes?

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Is your cat always trying to get into a box no matter how big or small the space is? Watching a 20 pound cat attempt to squeeze into a tissue box can be the most comical thing you see all day. Ever wander why it is your cat is so fond of boxes? This article from pet360.com tells us why.

There are several reasons why cats love boxes, but the big one is safety and security, says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of TheCatCoach.com.

“All animals have different coping mechanisms,” she says. “This is a cat’s way of dealing with stress. If she’s feeling overwhelmed or in trouble, she can retreat to a safe, enclosed space where she can observe, but can’t be seen.”

In fact, a recent study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that boxes can actually help reduce a cat’s stress levels. A group of new shelter cats were randomly assigned to either receive a box or not. After just a few days, researchers reported that the cats that were given boxes recovered faster and adapted to their environment more quickly than the cats without boxes.

So if you’re adopting a new cat, bringing your cat to a new place, or leaving your cat for the day, Kreiger suggests setting up a few boxes. “It’ll instantly give them controlled, secure hiding places where they feel protected and calm,” she explains.

Another reason your cat loves boxes: warmth. A cat’s normal body temperature can range from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees, which is higher than humans. That means that they’re most comfortable in settings anywhere from 86 to 97 degrees, says Kreiger. Humans keep their homes around 72 degrees, though, so cardboard boxes provide insulation for your cat, she says.

So what’s the best setup for your cat’s cardboard box? Kreiger says to place the box a couple of feet from a wall with the opening turned toward it. You can leave treats inside and a towel, too. If your cat doesn’t handle new situations or your absence well, you can leave a t-shirt or blanket that has your smell on it in the box.

Remember that safety comes first, Kreiger says. Remove any staples, tape, and handles from the boxes before letting your cat enjoy playtime.

Don’t want an ugly brown box always sitting in your living room? Stop by the Barkery and get a cat specific hideaway.

Make your Cat Smile: 7 Simple Tips

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Cats are known for being finicky. Ever wonder what you can do to make your cat a little happier? We have 7 tips from moderncat.com that will make your kitty smile.

 

1. Let your cat graze

Plant cat grass so your cat can nibble indoors. Cat grass is not only a digestive aid, it’s a delicacy—most cats simply enjoy the taste. For the uninitiated, cat grass is a fiber-rich cereal grass, usually barley, oats, wheat or a combination thereof and can easily be grown indoors in pots.

2. Provide the appropriate number of litter boxes—one per cat

Cats greatly prefer not to share litter boxes. By providing a litter box for each cat (and cleaning them regularly!), you’ll reduce the chance of litter box mishaps. Cats eliminating inappropriately is one of the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. Prevent the frustration of bathroom “accidents” by giving your cat his own place to go.

 

3. Brush your cat every day

This accomplishes several things: bonding, the loosening of hair and thus the prevention of hairballs, and it allows you to check in with your cat and note any changes or sore areas so you can alert your vet if need be. If, at first, your cat isn’t super keen on brushing, have some treats on hand to sweeten the deal and make sure she associates grooming time with something good. Bonus: brushing will significantly reduce the amount of cat hair adhered to surfaces/blowing around your home!

 

4. Set aside time to play with your cat every day

Spending time actively engaging with your cat every day will cement your bond and keep your cat mentally and physically active. Many people erroneously think their cats don’t like to play but chances are they’re just doing it wrong. Try out different playing styles (both up high and slithering along the floor, as well as an assortment of toys. If you have more than one cat, separate them then play with them one at a time. Cats sometimes won’t play with another cat present.

 

5. Install a window perch

Allow your indoor cat a vantage point from which to bask in the sun’s rays streaming through the window and watch the birds and squirrels outside. This keeps them mentally engaged.

 

6. Microchip your cat

 

All cats, both indoor and out, should be microchipped. If your cat slips out the door and goes missing, having her microchipped greatly increases the odds of your reunion.

7. Clean the litter box daily

Would you want to use a filthy bathroom? ‘nuff said.

Need a new toy for your kitty? How about a brush or even grooming to keep their coat shiny? The Barkery has you covered! We have everything to keep your cat happy, stop by today and check us out!

 

15 Tips That Will make Your Cat Adore You

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Everyone knows that cats can be stingy with their affection. Ever feel like you cat just doesn’t care about you? Believe it or not there are things you can do that will change your cat’s ways! These 15 tips from PetMD will make your kitty adore you.

Signs Your Cat Loves You

Even though your kitty is standoffish sometimes and may even disappear for hours, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. To learn to love like a cat, simply watch what she does and imitate her, understand that she’s a child who never grows up, and appeal to her senses. Here’s how:

Cat Watching

Be on the lookout for these affection-showing moves:

The head bump. It’s her way of saying hello, by using the oil glands in front of her ears to greet you as if you’re a cat and leave her scent on you. She sees you as one of her clan, so bump her right back.

The butt presentation. When your cat backs up to your face and lifts her tail, she’s waiting for you, her mom, to clean her. If you gently blow at her rear end, she’ll think that this is what your cleaning style is and will go on about her business.

Kneading you or “making biscuits.” If you maneuver yourself into the right position, you’ll get a free massage out of this one. This is another sign that Kitty-Face thinks you’re her mom, since she’s trying to get milk out of you. It also means she’s happy.

Licking you. Your cat may think you taste good, but grooming is actually a social practice to establish a common scent among a clan of cats. In other words, she’s claiming you as one of her own. The exfoliation is an extra added bonus.

Gumming you. This is another way Kitty-Face blends her own scent with yours, establishing a common “family scent.” Take advantage of it by feeling all of her teeth to gain her trust for when you actually need to be in her mouth.

Appeal to Her Sense

Show her you love her through your touch and your voice.

Sing to her. In your little kitty voice. Whether you have talent or not. She doesn’t care.

Greet her.Tell her “hi” and say her name, even if you just saw her a minute ago. She’s choosing to be near you, which is a big deal to a cat.

Meow back.Imitate her sound exactly, and she’ll think you’re one of her kind.

Carry on a conversation.She meows, you talk. Just make up what she’s asking and answer what you think she wants to know.

Tell her what she wants to hear. Cats seem to know what the word “beautiful” means, especially in reference to them. Hearing it makes them very content.

Give her a neck massage. Kitties are very alert and watchful, holding their head up almost constantly. Relax her with a gentle neck massage to pamper her.

Hold her hand. Stroke her paw, both on top and underneath on her toe pads, and loosely wrap your hand around her paw. This should feel good to both of you.
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH HER INNER KITTEN

Nurturing her inner kitten will strengthen your parent-child bond and provide hours of fun.

Play fetch. Cats like this game almost as much as dogs, especially Bombays. Rather than balls, toss items they can easily fit into their small mouths, like toy mice.

Turn the faucet on. Drinking water is good for your cat, and is even more fun from a running tap. Plus a flowing stream encourages water play.

Indulge their sense of fun. Being brought a palmetto bug may not be much fun for you, but it’s Kitty-Face’s way of showing you what a great huntress she is and that you’re worthy of her prey. And in the world of kitty, that’s a very big compliment.

You’ll probably come up with even more ways of bonding with your cat as you get to know her on a deeper, more intimate level. But one thing’s for sure, you’ll have a very happy kitty — a cat that loves you!

The Barkery has all the tools you’ll need to make your cat love you. Stop by today and check out our selection of essentials for your cat from food to toys!

The Purrfect Companion

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The power of pet therapy is thought to be stronger than any medication, not only for people going through tough times or in poor health, but also for the elderly as well. Proven to increase mental alertness, build self-esteem, and decrease loneliness, pets can provide a warm and fulfilling relationship that older people—or indeed all of us—desire. Moderncat.com will explain why cats are beneficial to the elderly.

“Pet ownership for older people can be very beneficial by giving them something to love and care for, as well as a companion in the home, especially if they live alone,” said Dr. Sonny Presnal, Director of the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “I don’t believe there are any appreciable risks, providing that good decisions are made in the choice of a pet for older people.”

Having the responsibility of caring for a pet can be a healthy situation for most elderly people. Sometimes, a pet can be the only reason that he or she feels a need to get up in the morning; it provides them with a sense of purpose. “It gives older pet owners something to care for, which in the case of a dog may mean they are out taking the dog on a walk instead of sitting in the house,” said Presnal. In addition, there are many studies that attribute pet ownership to relieving stress, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and bettering mental health.

Not only do pets help the elderly overcome various health ailments, but also they can significantly decrease their owners’ sense of loneliness. As you probably already know, pets are automatic people magnets and are often a great conversation starter. People love talking about their pets, and others love interacting with the pets they encounter. This can often lead to new friendships and can provide beneficial social interactions that elderly people may not have otherwise had the chance to experience. This, in addition to simply having something to care for, significantly decreases loneliness and accompanying depression.

When choosing a pet, you must take into consideration the limitations of the elderly person’s physical and mental health. “A large, active dog may not be suitable for older people, due to the risk of injury to the owner from an accidental collision that may cause them to fall,” said Presnal. “Fractures from falls can be very dangerous for older people, especially hip fractures.”

A young puppy or kitten may not be a suitable choice either, due to their high maintenance requirements. An older dog or cat that has matured past their ball of energy phase can be a perfect companion. Not only does adopting an older pet benefit their owner, but may save the pet from euthanasia, as often people are (unfortunately) not interested in adopting older animals.

A concern that many elderly people considering pet ownership face is the possibility that they will no longer be able to care for their pet later on. This can happen if their health suddenly decreases, or if the animal becomes in need of extensive veterinary care. “There are many mobile veterinary services available for older persons who may not drive or who otherwise have problems transporting their pets for veterinary care,” said Presnal. There are also programs, such as the Stevenson Center, that provide for the physical, emotional, and medical needs of companion animals when their owners can no longer do so.

The Stevenson Center, which Presnal directs, is a unique program that has veterinary students who live at the center to provide companionship and care for the resident pets at night and on weekends and holidays. “As part of the CVM, the resident pets receive the ultimate in veterinary care at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,” said Presnal. “We believe the level of care and companionship is unequaled by any other similar program.”

It is proven that animals can help enrich the lives of their owners both physically and emotionally, and this can be especially true for the elderly. The right pet can provide them with a sense of purpose, nonjudgmental acceptance, and companionship that both animals and humans need to stay happy and comfortable.

How to Clean Cat Urine

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The lingering, pungent odor of cat urine is enough to make a homeowner with carpeted floors weep in despair. Besides the unhealthy air you’re breathing, the “mark” beckons your kitty to return again and again to that same spot. PetMD tells us here how to get rid of it for good.

Play Detective

Black lights are unique in their ability to detect urine, blood, sweat, and other gross bodily fluids that contain fluorescent molecules. Pick one up at most any store – pet store, hardware store, discount department store. Wait until nighttime, turn out all your lights except for the black light, and mark the spots with something heavy (rocks work well) that your cat won’t disturb. Then get to deodorizing so whatever product you choose can work overnight.

Stop the Stink

Few things smell as bad as cat urine ripening in your home, which has made products reputed to de-stink your carpets a hot commodity. Enzyme-based cleaners and odor removal products claim to render the odor inactive (in my experience, they do not), and sealers (like Kilz) are reported to lock the odor away in walls and floors. But rather than spending a lot of money on chemicals that are bad for you and your animals, consider using cheaper and time-tested cleaners from your grandparents’ day.

Go Natural

Some natural and reportedly extremely effective remedies include:

  • Pour ammonia on the offending areas, allow to dry, cover with baking soda, let it sit for a while, and then vacuum.
  • Saturate the spot with hydrogen peroxide, pile baking soda on top, and let it sit for a couple of months (seriously!).
  • Give it a heavy spray-down with white vinegar.

Granted, the ammonia and vinegar routes can be pretty stinky on their own, but the smell will dissipate much sooner than any urine odor will.

Bring Out the Big Guns

If none of these methods work and your house still smells like a litter box, it’s time to bring out the big guns of serious measures and considerable expense. Rent a commercial steam-cleaning vacuum to deep clean the carpets and go over the areas slowly and repeatedly. Combine this with purchasing an ozone machine, which improves the air and makes the whole house smell as if it’s never been urinated in. If you have the unfortunate experience of neither of these methods solving the problem, a professional may have to be brought in to rip up the carpet and pad, scrub and seal the floor underneath, and replace it all. Short of moving out, this is the method that’s practically guaranteed, although it is extreme and very expensive.

Be Thorough

Whichever way you choose to get rid of the stench, you absolutely must, unequivocally, be completely thorough. This pointer cannot be emphasized enough. If Kitty-Face so much as gets the slightest whiff of having urinated there before, the call of the wild will make her do it again. And after all the work you did to get rid of it in the first place, being forced to do all of it all over again has been known to reduce some urine cleaners (namely, me) to tears. It’s a good idea to block off the room from your little spraying feline until the cleaning and deodorizing process is complete and no odor remains. Otherwise, she may decide to thwart your efforts by re-spraying.

Animal Odor-It’s Science

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If you have an animal companion, odors of one kind or another will become an issue at some point. It’s just the nature of the beast, so to speak. Pet MD’s article on animal odor will show scientifically what causes these odors, shedding some light on the not so pleasant smells that may be enveloping your home.

First, it’s important to understand what odor is and where it comes from. It seems simple, but the science of odor is actually very complex. Once you understand something about this science, it becomes clear why so many so-called odor eliminators fail to live up to their names.

Bacterial-based odors are the most prevalent in our environment and can be the most difficult and frustrating to eliminate. What your nose identifies as the odor is actually a very small gas molecule. It’s the natural by-product of bacteria eating and digesting a food source such as biological refuse (urine, feces, vomit or spoiled food). So scientifically speaking, there are three components to odor: refuse, bacteria eating the refuse, and what you smell as odor, the bacteria’s waste gas. These bacterial-based odors should not be confused with fungi odor (mold and mildew).

So now that you know what causes odor, and its components thereof, what can you do to eliminate it? Cleaning up the mess might seem like the obvious answer, but it’s impossible to remove every tiny trace of urine, feces, etc. using conventional methods. Think about dried cat urine, for example – no matter how much you scrub, the smell still seems to linger.

You could use air fresheners, candles or aerosols, but this kind of treatment either masks the odor with fragrances and perfumes, or attacks the waste gas molecule. Unfortunately, this only temporarily eliminates the gas produced by the bacteria. As the bacteria continue eating the traces of refuse still present, the odor will return rather quickly.

You could use bleach or a similar product, which attempts to kill the bacteria. This should theoretically eliminate the source of the odor, but unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate all bacteria from the environment. When traces of refuse are still present, more bacteria will find it, happily eat it, and produce more waste gas. Consequently, before long, you will again smell the odor.

Unique Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator is a natural cleaning product that will eliminate all of your pet stains and odors on any surface that won’t be damaged by water. People want plain and simple products that work. This product is safe and it works, plain and simple. Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator is guaranteed to remove pet related stains and odors or Brookside Barkery will give you a full refund!

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