Ideally, you should spot-clean your cat's litter tray every day and replace the litter at least once a week. If the tray is left to become dirty, your cat may prefer to use the floor instead!
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.
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.
Dirty litter boxes can cause kidney, bladder, and urinary tract diseases in cats. When a kitty squats over a pile of feces, bacteria can travel up the urethra, wreaking havoc all along the way.
Most of the best cat litter brands last around two to three weeks if you're cleaning the tray each day. That applies to non-toxic and low-dust litters designed to absorb high volumes of liquid without releasing odours or creating hygiene problems.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda to the bottom of the litter box to absorb odor. You can also buy clay cat litter containing baking soda for a similar effect. Sprinkle a cat-specific deodorizer on top of the litter to mask any unwanted smells.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.
Some cats adapt to a change of litter without any problem at all, while other cats may feel uncomfortable using a type of litter that they didn't use when they were young. If you think your cat may dislike her litter type, texture or smell, try offering her different types of litter to use.
Keeping your cat's litter box in the bedroom isn't ideal so if you can, move it to a more appropriate part of the house. Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia.
If you can, you should aim to replace cat litter at least once per week. However, if you scoop the litter frequently, it is possible to stretch litter changes to once every two weeks. We find that the easiest way to stay on top of litter changes is to schedule it for the same day every week.
Not only does a clean litter box allow for a more appealing ambiance within the home, but it is much healthier for your feline companion as well. Vet visits will likely be reduced, your cat will be happier and you will enjoy your cat a lot more when it is clean and content.
Scoop waste daily. 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. 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.
On one hand, too much litter in your cat's litter box can cause overflow and spillage problems all over your bathroom floor. On the other hand, too little litter in the box can create smelly and messy poo problems when your cat isn't able to dig enough litter to hide their solid waste.
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.
Cat owners and women who are exposed to cats should follow these tips to reduce exposure to Toxoplasma. Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
It's cleaner. When it comes to the other stuff, non-clumping litters don't clump around solid waste, meaning they can spread around, contaminating the rest of the clean litter. Non-clumping litter is typically made of clay, and if you've ever used it, you'll be familiar with the mess it can cause.
Well-Lit and Ventilated. When you're considering where to keep a litter box, you should also choose a location that offers sufficient lighting and ventilation. Even though cats have very good night vision, they still may not feel comfortable using their litter box if it is in a dark area of the house.
The most common reason cats dig in their litter box is to bury their urine or feces. They may dig before or after elimination. Cats may enjoy the feeling of the cat litter on their paws, so it's important to have a litter with good paw feel so those who do like to dig and bury can easily perform those behaviors.
That euphoric feeling is thanks to the vagus nerve, which runs from our brainstems to our colon. Just like humans, cats have a vagus nerve. Dr. Sheth explains, “The distension of the rectum that comes with the passing of a large mass of stool causes the vagus nerve to fire.
If your cat gets in the box and scratches around before eliminating, he likes his litter. If he scratches around before he gets in, but not when he is actually in the box, or perches on the side of the box trying not to touch the litter, try another type of litter. Many cats prefer soft, sand-like litters.
Regular litter box maintenance and careful clean-up can keep your house smelling fresh. No one likes a home that smells of cat odor. Cat odor can come from a variety of places: litter boxes, cat urine and feces. Each can be managed effectively with a little attention.
Smelly kitty litter is one of the most annoying parts of being a cat owner. Not only does cat pee smell noxious, but the stench can spread all over your house, making it hard or embarrassing to invite guests over. That's why we all want to make sure that our cat litter boxes smell as little as possible.
Odor-Free: Cats tend to prefer unscented litters to scented ones. Your cat's nose and sense of smell are quite a bit more fine-tuned than yours (fun fact: it's even more sensitive than some dog breeds!).