All indoor cats require access to a litter box. They not only give cats designated, enclosed places to urinate and faeces, but they also make it simple for cat owners to clean up after their pets. In addition to their apparent functions, litter boxes are crucial for a cat's overall health and mental well-being.
Millions of cats are turned to shelters yearly due to litter box problems. However, cat litter issues are among the simplest to fix with a bit of time and consideration. Create an environment that supports your cats' natural tendencies. Consider the location, size, kind of litter, litter box management, and quantity of litter boxes required for your household when choosing litter boxes for your cat.
Choosing a Litter Box
Size and shape
Although covered litter boxes provide security, some cats dislike them since they make it harder for them to escape. Some litter boxes contain a door that the cat must push to open in order to enter.
For cats who are extremely elderly or uneasy, this might occasionally be a challenge. Try something new; if you typically use an uncovered tray, try one with a cover, and vice versa. This will enable you to determine what your cat enjoys the most.
If you have a single cat, you should have at least two litter boxes, one on each floor of your home if it has two stories. If you have more than one cat, make sure there is still at least one box on each floor of your house. However, you should also make sure that no litter box faces another box directly.
Position
The litter box for your cat needs to be placed in a calm, convenient area. Like people, cats like peace and quiet when it comes to using the restroom. The quantity and location of a cat's litter boxes are crucial factors to take into account.
Your cat will feel too vulnerable to use the litter box if it is placed somewhere where it is visible to passersby, the dog, guests, etc but also away from the cat’s water and food bowls. Your cat will seek out an alternative if the litter box is exposed to these things.
It's best to pick a calm area away from any noisy equipment where your cat will only need to look in one or two directions to keep an eye on his surroundings while it performs its business.
Type of Litter
Most cats prefer soft, unscented clumping litters because they are simpler for pet parents to clean. Many litters include fragrant crystals or other odours that can trigger asthma in both people and cats. Others, like cedar or pine, may have a fragrance that irritates both asthmatic humans and cats.
Many cats dislike box liners, litter deodorizers, and aromatic or powdery litters. Many cats like natural-looking litter like sand or soil, which is what they would use in the wild. For senior cats or those with sensitive paws, stay away from litters with a sharp or extremely hard consistency.
Cleaning is very important
Daily maintenance of the litter box is required, including the addition of fresh litter as needed and the removal of any waste at least once daily. Every one to four weeks, only cleans the litter box using hot water and soap.
Steer clear of utilizing any ammonia-based products or harsh chemicals. Every week, a non-clumping litter box needs to be entirely replaced. If the cat litter hasn't been adequately cleaned, cats frequently cease covering finished poop or urine.
You should add two to three inches of litter to the litter box to give it enough depth to absorb urine and to encourage your cat's natural digging behaviour.
However, this depth does not imply that you should wait to clean the box until all of the litter has been disposed of. A happy, healthy indoor cat needs a litter box that is routinely cleaned and is the right size for them.
When their owners are scooping the litter boxes, cats will occasionally jump into them and use them. At Pawsnfurr, there are numerous litter boxes available.