Avoid products that have ammonia, bleach, or any type of caustic ingredient. If you want to go a little further, you can mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar in the hot water to remove any bacteria or smells.
Vinegar Drawbacks
If you're afraid that the excessive smell of vinegar will affect your cat, dilute the vinegar with a little water before brushing the container, and make sure you rinse the litter box thoroughly.
If you're wondering whether your cat can safely drink vinegar, or if it's safe to clean with vinegar in the house with pets, then the simple answer is yes, it is safe as vinegar is not toxic to cats.
When urea, the main component of urine, decomposes, the highly volatile ammonia is released, and as cats have higher levels of urea than dogs, or even humans, this is multiplied in the litter tray. Humans can detect ammonia at very small concentrations, and it has a particularly fishy smell.
Dirty litter boxes can cause your cat health problems! Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean.
If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks. If you notice an odor or if much of the litter is wet or clumped, it's time for a change. Scrub the box every time you change the litter.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business,” said By Dr. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder. Dr.
While the scent of vinegar is not a problem for them physically, they just don't like it. Because of that, vinegar can serve as a natural deterrent if there's an area you'd like your cats to avoid. When diluted, the smell is much fainter, and vinegar can be a great tool for cleaning without chemicals.
Vinegar, while a bit smelly itself, works to remove the lasting odor of sprayed cat urine because vinegar is an acid that neutralizes the alkaline salts that form in dried urine stains. A solution of one part water and one part vinegar can be used to clean walls and floors.
Good Health: Holistic vet Bob Goldstein, V.M.D., of Westport, Connecticut, and coauthor of The Goldsteins' Wellness & Longevity (TFH, 2005) says organic apple cider vinegar is good for your cat's coat and for cleansing its body of toxins.
Cleaning the area thoroughly with vinegar first and then applying an enzyme treatment will break down and evaporate the uric acid and your home will be free of cat odors. Vinegar and enzyme cleaners work on all surfaces: hardwood floors, carpets, mattresses.
ARM & HAMMER™ Fragrance Booster instantly neutralizers odors and extends litter's life. The Multi-Cat Strength formula contains baking soda and destroys litter box odors for first day freshness every time you use it! It works on ALL types of cat litter and won't affect clumping!
Most cats find the pungent smell of vinegar to be overwhelming and flee the area. Most cats have an acute sense of smell and are discouraged by new, foreign, and powerful aromas. Vinegar for a cat repellent can be a humane, simple, and non-toxic solution.
Remember: it's recommended that you ALWAYS wear a mask when scooping litter. As it's likely that dust will float around in the air. That's not something you want to inhale. The recommended disposal of clay and clumping litter is scooping it into baggies.
Having too much litter can cause your cat to dig around more than necessary, which can cause them to accidentally hide their poop. While the poop might be invisible to human eyes, it's noticeable to your cat. If you can't locate and remove it, this may cause your cat to stop using the box altogether.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
While some cats follow their owners to the bathroom and don't understand the concept of privacy, many are still wary of who's watching when they go to the toilet themselves. Some cats will do their business solely outside, others might do a bit of both, perhaps preferring a warmer toilet in the winter months.
A cat that uses constantly a dirty litter box is an unhappy cat. The area where cats do their business is very important for them and the lack of cleanliness every time they need to use them makes them feel just as you would feel if you had to do your business in a dirty public bathroom every time.
Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaner that can eliminate tough odors, including stubborn ammonia-based smells. A little goes a long way too, so sprinkling a small amount on top should be enough to clear out those bad smells. Whatever deodorizer you use, make sure it's one that your cat likes as well.
Catnip and More.
Many herbs we use in cooking are safe and fun for cats to sniff, and some are known to be feline favorites. Catnip, part of the mint family, affects many cats with a scent-induced kitty “high.” Silver vine has a similar effect. And valerian can energize cats.
You can use either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV), both of which are edible and completely non-toxic.
Apple cider vinegar can't kill fleas, but it can help to repel them. Fleas don't like the smell or taste of it, so they're likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle.