Yes, cat pee can cause mould. Mould only need a dump surface to grow, and some of the areas where your cat pees could provide these conditions.
So, if you have a cat that’s on a peeing spree all over the house, you should always be on the lookout and wipe the pee immediately.
Cat pee sips through the carpet, floor, walls or any other absorbent materials in the home, and if left for some time, you will notice mould growing on those surfaces or areas.
From my experience with my two cats, cats will most likely pee in the house if your house lacks a pet door. Kittens are also notorious for peeing indoors.
In this article, I will discuss some signs that your pet has been exposed to mould, preventing mould growth at home and how to protect your cat from mould exposure.
Why Does Cat Pee Cause Mould?
Mould is a fungus type that thrives and grows on porous wet surfaces that are dumped. Cat pee contains moisture, a significant component for the formation of mould.
Also, the urine components, like ammonia, will continue to attract more moisture over time, and with the right conditions, the mould will thrive.
Symptoms to Look Out for to Know if Your Cat Has Been Exposed to Mould
Exposure to mould causes some health issues to humans as well as cats and other pets. Below are some of the most common symptoms of mould poisoning in cats.
- Nose Bleeding
- Pulmonary haemorrhage
- Sores and bleeding due to excessive scratching. A change in behaviour can be helpful in this case
- Too much licking of its fur, which sometimes may cause fur loss
- Respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing, which result in difficulty in breathing
- Excessive chewing of the skin or extremities
- Your cat becomes extremely violent, even to you
- The cat becomes extremely lethargic and even loses its appetite.
All these symptoms could mean your cat has come into contact with mould, leading to poisoning.
Ways To Protect Your Cat From Mould Poisoning
One sure thing with cat poisoning is that prevention is better than cure. Always keep your pets in an environment that will not expose them to any form of poisoning. This will save you money and unnecessary stress.
Below are some proactive measures to take to mould-proof your home and keep your cats safe from mould poisoning.
- Don’t expose your cats to mouldy environments and mouldy food. Always dispose of mouldy food correctly.
- Always store your cat’s treats and foods in sealable containers. The lack of moisture in the container prevents the growth of mould. Also, avoid storing the food in dumpy and dark rooms.
- If your cat urinates all over your home, make sure the area is properly cleaned and dried using water and detergent.
- Getting your cat toys that can be washed regularly will also prevent mould poisoning on your pets.
- In case of existing mould growth in your home, clean thoroughly using water and detergents, but if the infected area is a big stretch, calling professional mould removers might be the best solution.
Ways to Prevent the Growth of Mould in Your Home to Keep Your Cat Safe
It is impossible to mould proof your home entirely since you cannot check your entire house and treat it daily.
However, you can take measures to prevent mould from growing and protect your cats and other pets. Below are some measures to protect your pets and prevent mould from growing in your home.
- Always train your cat to pee in the litter box to prevent it from peeing all around the house, especially hard to notice places that can lead to the growth of mould.
- Always clean and dry the areas the cat pees, especially the carpet, wooden floors and on walls.
- Always ensure that areas prone to mould attacks are dry.
- Always monitor your cat’s movement in the house and see if it goes to the dark corners, under the beds and couches to pee.
- Control moisture and keep humidity levels under 60%.
From the above, it’s evident that cat pee can cause mould in a home because it contains moisture and has other components that absorb moisture, which is a major component for mould formation.
However, with the above tips and measures, you can prevent the spread and protect yourself and your pets from mould poisoning. The steps include:
- Knowing the mould poisoning symptoms to look out for
- Knowing the ways to protect your cat and other pets from mould poisoning
- Knowing ways to prevent mould growth in your home