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.
Generally speaking, however, you should aim to scoop the litter box once or twice per day. And if you have more than one cat, you should plan to scoop even more frequently.
How often should you change the litter in a litter box? Most people replace their cat litter every week. Your schedule may vary according to your cat's needs. When refilling the box, the rule of thumb is to add 3-4 inches of fresh cat litter.
Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean. The vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic recommend daily scooping and weekly litter changes to best protect your cat's health.
Scoop out urine clumps.
These should be scooped on a daily basis, just like feces. If you don't use clumping litter, sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box, before you pour in the litter. This can help absorb the odors from cat urine that might get missed during daily scooping.
Justine A. Lee, a long-time veterinarian, believes the box should be scooped daily but admits it's OK if you do it every other day. “We neurotic types clean litter boxes daily. If that's too much for you, litter boxes should be scooped out at least every other day,” she said in this post on Pet Health Network.
Whatever litter you use, to avoid spreading Toxoplasma and other dangerous organisms, never dump it outside. Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump.
It's a good idea to scoop the box any time you notice it has been used. That's why we recommend uncovered litter boxes: They ensure you notice right away that the box needs to be cleaned. And covered boxes hold odors in, which can make them unattractive to cats. Add new litter as needed.
Even though it may seem like a good idea, you should not be flushing your cat's litter or feces down the toilet. It can cause havoc on your plumbing, clog pipes, and damage your septic system.
How often should you clean your cat's litter tray? Cat poo (faeces) should be removed from the litter box regularly. It is a good idea to take poops out as soon as they happen but if you can't, aim for twice a day (morning and evening). Urine should be cleaned out at least once a day too.
How much litter should I put in the litter tray? Most vets recommend a depth of 3-4cm of cat litter in a litter tray, but your cat may have a different preference, so it's best to keep an eye out to make sure your cat is happy.
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.
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. If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks.
Cats want a litter box that's filled with just enough litter—not too much, and not too little. You need enough litter for your cat to cover his or her waste, but it's easy to go overboard.
Put it in the Trash
Use a litter scoop to sift out urine clumps and stool and place in a small trash bag. Once all the boxes in your house are scooped, tie off the garbage bag in a knot. To prevent odor and bacterial leakage, double bag your scooped litter. Place in an outside trash can with a tight fitting lid.
However, having enough litter in the box allows your cat to bury their poop and cover their tracks. The litter needs to be deep enough that it absorbs liquids and odors. Aim for a 3-inch layer as a starting point and add more as needed.
Cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might surprise you (and you probably have them in your kitchen). Try orange and lemon peels, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil.
Tend to any litter box issues, such as location and type of litter. Make sure the litter box is easily accessible for your cat and that they like the type of litter you are using. Make sure the litter box is cleaned often. You should scoop the litter box daily, or use a self-cleaning litter box.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Washing a Litter Box
The best way to clean a litter box is to dump the entire box and soak it in hot water for a few minutes at least once a week. It is not necessary to use detergents or cleaning chemicals, as hot water will generally do the trick.
The choice between clumping and non-clumping litter is a personal decision that will depend on what you want in a cat litter and what your cat prefers. Many cats appear to prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside, but some cats prefer non-clumping clay.
Cats like their litter boxes to be placed in quiet, low traffic areas where they can enjoy a bit of privacy and peace and quiet. This doesn't mean somewhere completely out of the way though. A dark cupboard or an inaccessible basement aren't likely to be very appealing options to your furry friend.