Homemade cat care products: clean litter and shampoo

Your cat needs grooming, too. Keep your furry friend looking his or her best with these homemade products.

The most effective way to prevent cat litter odour is also a money saver. Instead of throwing money away by filling the litter box to the top, pour in a shallow layer.

Use only five to 7.5 centimetres (two to three inches) so that the litter can air-dry rapidly. Between litter changes, you can keep even the cheapest brand of litter smelling fresh with this simple, baby-safe recipe.

Makes filler for one litter box

• Cat litter to cover bottom of litter box
• 75 g (1/3 c) baby powder

  1. Pour litter into cat pan to a depth of eight centimetres (three inches).
  2. Sprinkle baby powder over the top of litter and stir to blend. For best results, change litter at least once a week.

• If you keep your litter box in the laundry room, bathroom or a closet, try storing new kitty litter in an open bag at the bottom of your clothes hamper, corner of a closet or near the washer.
• Not only will the litter absorb odours and help keep these rooms smelling fresh, but you'll also be reminded to change the litter every time you change clothes.

If you have ever tried to give your cat a bath, you know all too well how big and stressful a battle it can be.

Take the stress out of bath time for your cat by bathing it with this soothing dry shampoo. As an added bonus, you'll save some pocket change because it's made from common pantry staples.

Makes one shampoo

• 75 g (1/3 c) bran
• 75 g (1/3 c) cornmeal
• 75 g (1/3 c) rolled oats

  1. Pour grains into a microwave-safe plastic container, seal and shake to combine. Warm in a microwave set on low for 10 seconds.
  2. Rub warm grains into fur. When finished, brush the meal out along with oil, dirt and dander.