![]() ![]() Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use. How often should I clean my cat’s litter box? Depending on the location, you might consider adding a pet door. If you keep the litter box in a closet or a bathroom, be sure the door is wedged open from both sides to prevent your cat from being trapped inside or locked out.That way your cat has options if access to their primary box is blocked (e.g., the basement door is closed, or your dinner party has them holed up in the bedroom.) If you have more than one cat, provide litter boxes in several locations so that one cat can't ambush another cat using the litter box. Place at least one litter box on each level of your house. Put the box far away from their food and water bowls.Noises can make a cat nervous, while heat from a dryer or furnace can magnify the litter box smell, which could make them stay away from the litter box. Avoid placing litter boxes next to noisy or heat-radiating appliances, like the furnace or the washing machine.If the box is too hard to get to, especially for a kitten or an elderly cat, they may just not use it. Keep the litter box in a spot that feels “safe” to your cat but is also convenient.But if the litter box ends up in the basement next to a creepy appliance or on a cold cement floor, your cat may be less than pleased, so you may have to compromise. ![]() Most people tend to place the litter box in an out-of-the-way spot to minimize odor and prevent cat litter from being tracked throughout the house. Where should I place my cat’s litter box? Litter box linersīox liners can be convenient, but cats often get their claws caught in these liners, which can lead them to avoid using the box. Adding extra litter won’t reduce the amount of cleaning necessary for a litter box. Some long-haired cats prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface, such as the bottom of the box. Most cats won't use litter that's more than about two inches deep. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat. Note that while many people use scented litter or air freshener to mask litter box odors, these odors can be off-putting to cats. Switching litters constantly could result in your cat not using the litter box. Once you find a litter your cat likes, stick with it. A cat who rejects all commercial litters may like sand a former outdoor cat may like soil mixed with their regular litter. The most popular commercial litters are traditional clay litter, scooping/clumping litter, crystal-based/silica gel litter and plant-derived/biodegradable litter. Buyer beware: Some of these features may prevent a cat from wanting to use their litter box, so if your cat is used to a traditional box, it’s best to stick to what they know.Ĭats were originally desert animals, so most cats prefer fine-grained litters similar to sand. There are a wide variety of litter boxes available that offer convenience and automation in cleaning your cat’s litter. Ultimately, if your cat doesn't like a covered box, they won't use it. Covered boxes can also be difficult for larger cats to turn around and position themselves in and may lead to easier ambushes by other cats on exit. An “out of sight, out of mind” box is easy to forget about, which may lead to a dirty box with odors trapped inside that’s unappealing to your cat. Covered boxesĪlthough covered boxes can decrease the amount of litter that flies from the box when your cat buries their business, there are some potential downsides. Try a few types of boxes and litters to find which your cat prefers. They want to feel safe, which means being able to see their surroundings and view potential “escape” routes, and they want the area to be clean, which means it needs to be regularly scooped.īoxes should be large enough for the cat to easily turn around in without touching the sides of the box, low enough that they can easily get in and out and placed in a quiet but accessible area of the home away from food and water bowls. When cats eliminate, they are releasing scents that can lead to unwanted attention from other cats or potential predators, says Wildman. ![]()
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