10 Tips for Keeping a Clean Litter Box
Whether you are getting a new kitten or already have a cat in your home, keeping their litter box clean is important. Maintaining a clean litter box is essential for your cat’s health and well-being. Dirty boxes not only smell bad but can lead to urinary tract infections and other health problems for your furry family member.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Type of Cat Litter Box
There are all sorts of litter boxes with different features, including covered boxes, automatic cleaning boxes, and hidden cabinet boxes. It would be best te get a cat box your cat will use that is the right size.
For example, if you have a new kitten, they may not be big enough to climb into and out of a full-size litter box. You would want to find a kitten-sized litter box to start with until they get big enough for a full-sized box.
Tip #2: Use a Cat Litter You Cat Prefers
Cat owners might assume it does not matter what type of cat litter they use. However, any pet parent will let you know that cats can be finicky and prefer a specific type of litter. For example, if you try clumping litter and your cat does not prefer it, try a different kind of litter, such as litter crystals or unscented litter, until you find one your cat prefers.
Tip #3: Avoid Using Scented Litter Box Fresheners
While scented litter box fresheners may seem pleasant to you and help cover up litter box smells, they can be off-putting to your cat. Not to mention, some of the products can contain harmful chemicals not good for your furry family member. Instead, you can mix a layer of baking soda into the litter box to freshen up the cat litter and help absorb odours.
Tip #4: Get a Metal Litter Box Scoop
You will be scooping the litter box quite a lot. So, you want a litter box scoop that will last and not wear out. Unfortunately, plastic scoops easily break when trying to scoop out urine clumps. Plus, they can absorb odours from your cat’s waste and start to smell foul.
Metal litter box scoops do not absorb odours and do not break easily. They also can be washed and disinfected with hot antibacterial soapy water.
Tip #5: Keep the Litter Box Clean
The easiest way to keep your cat’s litter box smelling fresh is to keep it clean. Get into the habit of scooping the litter box daily. After scooping the box, fill it with some fresh litter to account for the litter you removed.
Tip #6: Change the Box Monthly
About once a month, do a complete litter change. Empty out the box and wash it with hot, soapy water. Use paper towels to fully dry the box before putting new litter in the bottom of the box. You can also sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the bottom of the box before adding the litter.
Tip #7: Use Litter Box Liners
If you want to make your monthly litter changes easier, use litter box liners. These liners are like small plastic trash bags and help keep your cat’s waste and urine contained. Of course, you will still want to scoop the box daily and add some fresh litter as needed. If you are worried about accidentally tearing the litter box liner, you can double or triple layer them into the bottom of the box.
Tip #8: Avoid Covered Boxes with Older Cats
Unless you trained your kitten to use a covered litter box, it is best to avoid them with older cats that have never used one before. The cover can make your cat feel confined and trapped, so they may refuse to use the litter box. In addition, cats that have never used a covered box prefer the openness an uncovered box provides.
Tip #9: Get a Pet Door for Your Cat
While having a litter box indoors is a great way to ensure your cat does not have an accident, installing a pet door so your cat can go outside is also a wonderful idea. Many cats enjoy spending time outdoors and will go to the bathroom when outside.
In addition, when your cat has access to the outdoors, their indoor litter box will remain fresher longer since there will be less waste for you to scoop daily.
Tip #10: Use the Right Number of Boxes
Ideally, you should have one litter box for each cat in your home. However, if your cats spend time outdoors, you may only require one box per two cats.
We hope that these tips will help you keep your cat’s litter box clean and smelling fresh. To find a pet door for your cat, please feel free to browse our selections of cat doors or contact Australia Pet Doors at 0437-644-330 for further assistance today!