Litter Boxes—the Real Scoop

 

A box and some litter. How simple, right?  Well, it is simple, but there are some rules that will make living with a litter box in the house better for the cat and better for you and your home. So here’s all you need to know about litter boxes.

• Fill your cat’s litter box with 1 ½ inches of scoopable clumping litter.    
• The litter box should be at least 1 ½ times the length of your cat from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
• Most cats prefer uncovered litter boxes, except in rare instances of very shy cats. Covers keep the smell in and the odor may be offensive to the cat.              
• Scoop the litter box twice daily.  It will be more welcoming to your cat and your home will not smell like a litter box.
• Change litter completely once a week. Wash the box with a mild detergent and dry before refilling.
• Most cats do not like liners because they do not like how it feels when they scratch (even declawed cats). It’s best not to use liners.
• Litter box locations should be quiet. Keep the box away from high-traffic areas of the house, and from places where your cat could be ambushed in the litter box by the family dog or other cats.
• Never interrupt your cat in the litter box. Don’t try to catch or medicate your cat while in the litter box.
• Cats like routine and do not like to have their litter box moved to a different location.
• Place one litter box on each floor of your house if you can.

Oops!

Cats are very dedicated to their litter boxes but out of the blue there might be an accident. It is best to be prepared with an enzyme cleaner. White vinegar will work in a pinch. There are a lot of good enzyme carpet cleaners on the market labeled for pets. You may never need it, but it is nice to have it on hand if you do. If you need another reason to purchase a bottle, they work well on some clothing stains. It is important to note that regular household cleaners will not prevent a cat from returning to the spot, and cats are attracted to the smell of chlorine bleach so that doesn’t work either.

Always contact your vet if your cat doesn’t make it to the litter box. Vets are trained to help with these problems. Commonly, medical problems are the source of this behavior. If there is not a medical problem, your vet can offer suggestions or may refer you to a behavior specialist.

 For more information click here--The litter box from a cat's point of view.