One of two things will happen: they'll go somewhere else, or they'll hold it in until the box is clean. If they do the latter, that can lead to some serious issues, like a UTI, bladder infection, or kidney problems. For humans, bladder issues are obnoxious, but not too serious. For cats, they're a big deal.
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.
How often should you scoop a litter box? For best odor control, you should scoop the box twice a day. If you're busy or you just forget, you can probably go with a daily single scoop. You don't want clumps and lumps to sit undisturbed for longer than a day though.
Cats crave a clean place to eliminate. If it's not to their liking they will often hold their waste and that can lead to kidney or bladder damage. Daily cleanings also keep odors down and decrease the risk of cat to human disease transmission. This is especially true if someone in the household is pregnant.
Cats can develop various health problems from using a dirty litter box, such as painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. Going too long without cleaning the litter box also causes stress for your cat, which only exacerbates these issues.
When it comes to cat litter, less is more! Just 2-3 inches of litter in the box is the ideal amount for you and your cat. But don't worry, your best bud will most certainly let you know if you're using too much litter.
Litter depth
Most cats won't use litter that's more than about two inches deep. Some long-haired cats prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface, such as the bottom of the box. Adding extra litter won't reduce the amount of cleaning necessary for a litter box.
Most cats prefer an open litter box. Most cat owners prefer a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes may trap odors and make the human environment smell better but for those reasons they may not be as desirable for the cat. If boxes are not cleaned regularly, the odor may be aversive to them.
However, if you make it a regular habit to scoop away waste and give the litter box itself a good washing, not only will the job be that much less unpleasant, your cat will be happier and healthier because of the special care you're providing them.
While your cat may simply find her litter box to be a cozy and safe space (especially if it's been recently cleaned), it's typically not normal for felines to sleep in what is essentially their toilet.
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.
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.
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.
Empty the litter box entirely and wash it with soap and water. Don't clean it with chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. Cats are very sensitive to smells. A chemical odor may cause your pet to avoid the box.
Litter Causes Pollution
These poisons can make their way into the soil and freshwater sources, which negatively impacts both humans and animals. In fact, 60% of water pollution is attributed to litter.
Some cats can make their displeasure at a dirty litter pan quite clear. They might even meow after each time they use it.
I've got to go, and there's a problem with my litter box!
Kitty will meow loudly for help, and if you don't pay attention, you'll have something else to clean up. Try to put your litter box in a place where this problem is unlikely to happen. It could also be that the litter box is too dirty for kitty's preference.
Most cats prefer a soft, sandy texture. A cat who scratches in his litter to find the perfect spot to poop and then buries his deposit probably likes the texture of the litter. A cat who perches on the side of the litter box and doesn't bury his poop probably dislikes the texture. The scent of litter is also important.
Basements and laundry rooms are popular choices but not actually recommended. Instead, Geller suggests the bedroom. "Your bedroom is a good location for a cat litter box since it's usually a quiet place," she says.
There is also the chance that a choosy cat might prefer one type of litter box (covered/uncovered), a specific litter, or even one placement over another. By providing two litter boxes you can easily identify your cat's preferences and save yourself both from potential discomfort.
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.
Most cats will urinate each time they go to the box, and for most cats, this averages out to about twice per day. The clumps are usually golf-ball to tennis-ball sized and easy to distinguish from the tubular stool that you'll find once per day on average.