How to Disinfect a Used Cat Tree

Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by ellen

Wondering how to disinfect a used cat tree? Check out these tips to get a used cat tree clean and safe for your pet.

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Cat trees can be very expensive, so purchasing one secondhand may be a great way to save money. But, used cat trees will need to be cleaned up before bringing them into your home.

Is it OK to buy a used cat tree?

Yes, as long as you take the necessary steps to clean and disinfect it before your cat uses it. You might want to think twice if it’s a messy cat tree.

But, a tree in good condition can certainly be used again.

Can you reuse a cat tree?

Yes, but you’ll need to take some extra steps to ensure it’s clean and safe for your cat. Once you take care of that, your cat will appreciate their new tree.

Materials needed to disinfect used cat trees

Hydrogen peroxide
A vacuum cleaner with attachments
Enzyme cleaner
Spray bottle
Dish soap
Baking soda
Scrub brush
Clean paper towels or soft cloth
Brush
Lint roller
Bucket

How do I get cat hair off a cat tree?

You can use an old toothbrush or old comb to get cat hair out of cat trees. Try a lint roller if it’s in very good condition.

If the cat fur is matted into the carpeted areas, you may need to gently use a scrub brush or wire brush to remove it.

Finally, make sure you get all the hair from the tree. Your cat won’t appreciate being offered a dirty tree.

Can I steam clean a cat tree?

You can, but it’s not necessary. You can use a handheld steamer on the lower parts of the tree, but don’t get the carpet wet.

But, you may have better luck with soapy water and a vacuum. This should remove germs from other pets or cats that owned it before you.

Get this odor remover to get rid of the smell from the previous cat owner’s house.

How do you clean an old cat tree?

Cleaning a used cat tower is similar to cleaning any other type of secondhand furniture. You’ll want to start by giving it a good vacuuming, using a brush attachment to remove any dust, dirt, and hair.

Then, you can wash down the surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towel and mild soap or cat shampoo. Be sure to rinse the soap off completely. If it’s a very messy tree, you can use the upholstery attachment and carpet cleaner to deep clean.

Once the cat tree is clean, you’ll need to disinfect it. This is important to get rid of bacteria or germs on the furniture surfaces.

Homemade disinfectant spray

You can use a household disinfectant spray and paper towels or wipes or make your disinfectant solution by mixing 1 part bleach with 30 parts clean water. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling bleach.

Spray or wipe down the surfaces of the cat tree with your disinfectant solution and let it air-dry completely before letting your cat use it.

You can use this same method for any type of cat furniture or stains. This will help kill bacteria on the cat tree.

Tips for disinfecting cat trees:

-First, start by removing all of the fabric or carpet from the tree. This can usually be done by unscrewing the panels that hold them in place.

-Next, vacuum the tree thoroughly, getting into all of the nooks and crannies. Make sure you get all the dirt and fur from the surface.

-After that, wipe down the entire tree with a damp cloth, paying special attention to any areas that look dirty or stained.

-Once the tree is clean, you’ll need to disinfect it. You can do this by spraying it with a diluted bleach solution or a disinfectant spray meant to be used on cat products.

-Let the tree air dry completely before reassembling it and adding any new fabric or carpet. If the tree has stains, you can try carpet cleaner and a dry cloth.

With these tips, you can easily clean and disinfect a used cat tree, making it safe and ready for your feline friend to enjoy.

How to get cat smell out of a tree?

If the tree still smells like a cat, you can try sprinkling baking soda on it and letting it sit for a few hours. Then, vacuum it up. If there are truly foul odors or stains, you may need to try a different method.

You can also try using an enzymatic cleaner meant for removing cat smells. Or, try a pet friendly odor remover free of harsh chemicals. I like this homemade carpet deodorizer for pets.

You must clean a cat tree before allowing your cat to use it. Killing bacteria and pests will help make it safe to use in your house.

If your cat tree smells like other cats, your cat may retaliate by peeing on the tree to mark it with its smell.

How to resurface scratching posts?

First, you’ll need to remove any old fabric or carpeting from the posts. You can do this by unscrewing the panels that hold them in place.

Once the posts are bare, you’ll need to sand them down to remove any old polish or paint. If they’re made of wood, you can use fine-grit sandpaper.

After that, you’ll need to apply a new layer of polish or paint to the posts. You can use a clear polish or stain or choose a color that matches your décor.

Once the posts are dry, you can add new fabric or carpeting to them. Make sure to use something durable and can withstand a lot of scratching.

With these tips, you can easily resurface your cat’s scratching posts or other cat furniture, giving them a new look.

Finally, if you decide that you just can’t disinfect a used cat tree well enough, you can always get a new one from the pet store. Check out this Cat Furniture Buying Guide for a few suggestions.

How to Disinfect a Used Cat Tree