While cats can be meticulous in cleaning their fur, they can’t clean up after themselves, this tasks falls to us humans. If you follow these tips, however, you’ll have a happy cat who loves his litter box and a home that’s a no-smell zone.
Location, location, location
Putting the litter box in a bad location is one of the most common mistakes made by cat owners. It should be in a quiet, private place that is safe, since cats feel vulnerable when answering nature’s call. Make sure it’s accessible from different directions so your cat doesn’t feel trapped and avoid areas with loud noises (the laundry room, for example). Keep the box far from the cat’s food and water dishes as well.
Is your cat finicky about litter?
There are various types of litter available: clay litter, clumping litter, silica gel litter, and organic or eco-friendly litter. Pick one that works for you and your cat, but keep in mind that if your cat doesn’t like the scent or texture, he may decide to go elsewhere. One way to find a cat-approved litter is to run a test. For one week, provide boxes with three or four different litters and make a note of which one he uses most. This way, your cat will be encouraged to use it and you’ll avoid elimination problems and extra cleaning later on.
Don’t put a big cat in a small box
If you get a small litter box for your kitten, make sure you upgrade when he gets bigger. Overall, the bigger the box the more comfortable it will be for your cat.
How many litter boxes?
Just as it’s hard for a large family to share one bathroom, two cats may find it difficult to share one box. For a home with multiple cats, have one box for each cat and one extra. Place them in different areas to avoid territorial disputes.
Daily maintenance
We all prefer to use a bathroom that’s clean and odor free. Your cat is no different, so it’s important to clean the litter box daily. You can get a self-cleaning litter box or do it yourself, but make sure you clean it of feces and urine to avoid odors. At the end of the week, wash the box with soap and water.
Cleaning up
No matter how well kept the litter box is, at some point you may have to clean up an accident. Use a pet cleaning solution for best results. Enzyme-based products like Nature’s Miracle work especially well at removing urine odor.
Making the litter box as comfortable and easy to use as possible for your cat is the key to reducing elimination problems and their odors. With a little daily maintenance, you can keep the area odor free.
One important note: if your cat does stop using the litter box suddenly, take him to a vet to rule out -any medical problems.
Ready to revamp your cat’s throne? Get litter box and cleaning supplies at your nearest Pet Supermarket or online at PetSupermarket.com.
