Effective Disinfection Tips for Your Cat's Living Space
Many pathogens perish quickly once they leave their host, but some can survive in the environment for months or even years. Cats that are exposed to environments harboring these pathogens are prone to recurring infections.
Regular Disinfection
What Items Require Disinfection?
Cats' living essentials, including their food and water bowls, litter boxes, beds, clothing, and toys, should be disinfected regularly. Try to clean the cat bowls and water dishes daily, while other items can be cleaned once a month.
Cats' Living Environment
Regularly clean and disinfect areas where cats frequently go, such as floors, sofas, and under beds, just like you would with household cleaning.
Which Disinfectants to Use
For everyday disinfection, opt for moderately or loweffectiveness disinfectants, as strong disinfectants can be too harsh and not gentle enough.
Loweffectiveness disinfectants for environmental use include quaternary ammonium compounds and potassium persulfate compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds include: benzalkonium chloride, dettol, F10, AQ. Potassium persulfate compounds include: pond bottom modifier, Longsheng Weike.
Disinfectants for clothing include dimethylbenzene derivatives, such as Weilusi and Dilulu.
When disinfecting, it's important to keep cats isolated. After disinfection, rinse the area with clean water twice to ensure thorough cleaning.
Disinfection Frequency
Other than cleaning the cat bowls daily, the living environment doesn't need to be cleaned too frequently. Remember, a clean environment isn't always necessary; some bacteria can actually boost the immune systems of both cats and humans. Adjust the cleaning frequency based on your own cleaning habits. If you do a thorough cleaning once a week, disinfect once a week as well. If you're busy, a monthly deep clean and disinfection is perfectly fine.
Pathogenic Disinfection
In the event that your cat becomes infected with a disease such as feline distemper, calicivirus, or ringworm, it's essential to conduct a thorough pathogenic disinfection. Choose strong disinfectants for this purpose, as loweffectiveness disinfectants are only suitable for daily use or in noncritical areas. Don't forget to rinse the area twice with clean water after disinfection.
About Disinfectant Selection:
Chemical
Product
Strong Disinfectant
Sodium Hypochlorite
84 Disinfectant, Bleach
Strong Disinfectant
Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine Dioxide Tablets
LowEffectiveness Disinfectant
Bacillus Arc and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Benzalkonium Chloride, Dettol, F10, AQ
MediumEffectiveness Disinfectant
Dimethylbenzene Derivatives
Weilusi, Hand Sanitizer
LowEffectiveness Virucide
Potassium Persulfate Compound
Pond Bottom Modifier, Longsheng Weike
MediumEffectiveness Virucide
Medical Alcohol
Medical Alcohol
Strong Disinfection
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet Lamp
Strong Disinfection
Ozone
Ozone Generator
