When you bring home your new kitten or adult cat, one of the first things on their list of priorities is finding a place to do their business. This will probably be in the form of a litter box. There are several different types and brands out there, but how can you decide which ones are best? Here are five tips for finding the perfect litter box.
The Perfect Cat Litter Box
The perfect cat litter box should be the right size and have strong material and odor control. Add baking soda to improve smell and clean the litter box often.
#1. Size Matters
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a litter box is its size. Your cat should have plenty of room to move around and turn around in the box, so don’t go for anything too small. The general rule of thumb is one inch of space per pound of your cat’s body weight. If you have a kitten, start with a small box and gradually increase the size as your cat gets older. If you have more than one cat, you will need multiple litter boxes.
In addition to size, the shape is also important when choosing a litter box. Some boxes are rectangular or square, while others are more oval or round. Round litter boxes are often easier for cats to use because they can bury their waste in all directions. But if your cat is hesitant to use a round box, try a rectangular one instead.
#2. The Right Material Matters
The material the litter box is made of can also affect your cat’s willingness to use it. If the material is too coarse or bumpy, your cat might not want to step in it.
Now that you have found the perfect litter box for your cat, where should you put it? It should be placed in an area that will not be easily affected by your cat’s waste. For example, if you have a kitten who still makes mistakes when learning how to go potty outside of their litter box, don’t place it directly next to the couch where they are likely to slip up once or twice during training. You should also avoid placing the litter box in drafts or high-traffic areas because your cat will feel less secure.
If your cat avoids the litter box, you should experiment with other litter materials, such as tofu cat litter.
#3. Odor Control Is Important
The last thing you want is to have a smelly house, so let’s talk about how to keep it smelling fresh and clean. There are two different types of odors found in litter boxes: ammonia and fecal matter. Both should be removed at least once daily, but preferably twice per day (more if you have multiple cats). To do this, fill up your litter box with 5-6 inches of clean litter (clumping or non-clumping) and follow the next steps.
Pay attention how often your cat goes to the bathroom. If they don’t go more than two times a day, they might be constipated, have kidney stones, or have an infection. Your cat might also have one of these things if your cat is going to the litter box every few minutes.
If you use clumping liter-pine or non-clumping, you will need to remove the clumps and solids once per day. When the modern cat litter box was invented, it was made from sand. It was easy to clean and got the job done, but it wasn’t the best at controlling odor. Over time, different materials have been used to fix this issue, including plant fibers, recycled paper, and clay.
#4. Add in Baking Soda or Charcoal (if Needed)
Baking soda can be an effective odor neutralizer if your litter box starts smelling like ammonia because of your cat’s waste. Just sprinkle it on top of the clean litter like any other type of deodorant or perfume. You can also try adding charcoal to your litter box if your cat has recently had an accident outside their bathroom area.
The charcoal will help absorb the smell so that it does not linger around the house all day. If neither baking soda nor charcoal work for you, there are plenty of natural perfumes on the market that can help control litter box odor.
#5. Keep the Litter Box Clean
This one should go without saying, but it is still important to mention. The litter box should be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and soap. If you use clumping litter, you should also remove any clumps and solid waste built up.
If you have trouble keeping up with the cleaning, consider investing in an automatic litter box cleaner. These cleaners can be set to clean your litter box everyday or every other day, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect litter box for your furry friend is a simple process if you know what to look for. Make sure that it is large enough, has a rounded shape, and is made from an easy-to-clean material that will not irritate your cat’s skin. Location matters too.
Try placing it in a quiet area where your cat can feel safe and happy. Keep the box as clean as possible by removing the waste at least once per day (more if needed). If you struggle with odor control, consider adding baking soda or charcoal on top of the clean litter once per week.
Stick to this schedule, and you should have no problem keeping up with even the messiest cats!
