We adore our cats but could absolutely live without the litter box situation. Where should you put it? How do you keep your house from smelling like a litter box? And then there’s the litter – tracked all over the house and scattered like confetti by your feline friend.
Good news! You can do a few things to eliminate some of the most frustrating issues. Here are six easy tips to make your life, and, more importantly, your cat’s, happier.
1. Scoop the litter box daily
The dirtier a litter box gets, the more cats will kick litter around to find a clean place to go, making more of a mess. Cleaning the litter box daily will reduce the scattered litter and the odor. Another benefit? Daily cleaning of the litter box helps you monitor your cat’s health. You can track changes in bathroom habits, smells, and consistency. Of course, you can avoid scooping altogether and opt for an automatic litter box.
2. Clean the entire litter box once a month
Plastic litter boxes tend to get scratched, causing tiny crevices where bacteria and germs can get trapped. It’s essential to thoroughly clean your cat’s litter box once every one to two months to eliminate potential health hazards for your cat.
3. Use a covered litter box
Obviously, a covered litter box comes with advantages. They contain most of the litter and some odor; however, cats have extremely sensitive noses. Ensure you get a litter box with adequate ventilation so your cat isn’t stuck inside their litter box with unpleasant odors.
4. Avoid strongly scented litter
It’s tempting to use scented litter. Unfortunately, too often, those scents can be too strong and irritating to cats. Each cat is different, so it’s important to find the right litter for your furbaby.
5. Have One Litter Box Per Cat
No one likes sharing a bathroom; the same is true for cats. Having one litter box per cat gives them the privacy they need. It also avoids conflicts between territorial or aggressive cats.
6. Get A New Cat Litter Box Each Year
Did you know litter boxes aren’t meant to last forever? They get scratched and scraped. It’s best to replace the entire litter box every year.