Dealing with cleaning up a litter box is just part of having a cat. If you don’t take care of it regularly, that box can turn into a stinky nightmare and your cat might even decide to go elsewhere. So you have an unhappy cat, unhappy people, and it all gets worse from there.
To prevent this whole situation from happening, plan to clean the box regularly. It’s usually a good course of action to remove solid waste daily and clean litter at least 2-4 times a month, if not more than once a week. You can do this by hand or buy self-cleaning automatic ones, like the ScoopFree Litter Pan and Box, which collects solid waste and accumulated urine on its own.
However, today’s wide variety of different types of boxes and the trash itself can be almost overwhelming. So which one is right for you and your cat?
Choose a box with high sides. Your cat should be able to get in and out of the box with ease. If you find that your cat has a tendency to dig in their litter, it’s best to use a deeper box and at least 3″ of litter inside each time you change the litter. Ideally, your cat should be able to turn the litter all the way around. no problem.
Choosing a type and brand of litter can be a challenge in itself. Your best bet is to try different types, but keep in mind that you should avoid mixing different types or brands together. You will be mixing different chemicals that the litter is treated with that will cause adverse and potentially harmful reactions to your cat.
As for general care, here are some good tips:
- Be sure to keep the box and surrounding area clean and tidy; cats tend to avoid boxes that have too much litter piled up. Also, the ammonia will build up and get stronger, which is not good for anyone.
- If you use a clumping litter, it helps control urine. Be sure to get rid of those clumps every day when you’re disposing of your other solid waste.
- The best way to do this, if you’re doing it by hand, is to use a metal or plastic spoon. They work fine, but (especially the plastic ones) only last 6-12 months. Plan to replace it regularly as it begins to deteriorate.
- When you’re cleaning the litter box, throw all the litter into a plastic trash bag with handles. That way you can tie it up and not have to worry about odors coming from the bag.
- To wash the box, you can use warm water and a mild soap. Wash all surfaces of the box, both inside and out. If debris or debris remains adhered to the case, clean it with a non-scratch sponge. Be sure to throw out that sponge at least every month and use a new one. The reason you don’t want to scratch the plastic is that this can create an environment conducive to bacteria buildup. If you notice an odor lingering even after washing the case, it’s likely that bacteria has started to build up and you need to replace the case.
- Dry the box well before placing the trash in it.
- You can buy chemicals at pet stores to further disinfect and protect against odors if desired.
- If you have more than one male cat in your home, they may each need their own litter box. Cats are often territorial, and you may have a problem if more than one share a box. However, this is not always the case, and you can let them share the box before buying two.
Caring for your cat’s litter box is a fairly simple process as long as you spend time with it on a regular basis. Take five minutes a day to clean up and then clean the box as you see fit to keep your cat happy and healthy.