Litter boxes for Cats
The necessary, but often noxious, thing
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Litter box problems are the number one reason that humans
and cats part company. Therefore, every cat and potential cat owner should have a
thorough understanding of this part of cat care. Since this is such an important topic, we
will be adding to this area as more information becomes available through continuing
research.
Basic Concept
The cat, with its reputation for cleanliness and litter box use, is the most popular pet in
the US. Since many cats are becoming exclusively indoor cats, most people are very
familiar with litter boxes.
Droppings mean more to cats than they do to humans.
A dominant cat will leave droppings uncovered to help mark its territory. Inside
the home, most cats do not consider themselves dominant and will always cover their
droppings.
Most cats will use litter boxes naturally and consistently.
If there are changes in the house that cause the cat stress, litter box problems can
develop. This can include new roommates and spouses, a new baby, a new pet, stress
in the family, a move to a new house, etc. In addition, sickness and physical
problems can cause litter box problems. These issues are discussed in more detail in Litter box Problems.
Litter box Styles
There are many different styles, sizes, shapes, colors and prices of boxes available.
These are the basic options:
Covered or uncovered litter boxes
Covered boxes have a roof that sits on top of the litter pan. Covers are really for
people. Some cats don't like covers because they feel "boxed" in.
Covers will help keep odors within the
box although you may need to hold your breath when you remove the top. Some covers
have vents at the top into which you can put charcoal filters to absorb odors. Most
covered boxes are made of plastic although we have seen decorated cardboard covers sold
separately.
Manual, semiautomatic or automatic litter boxes
Manual boxes require you to scoop out the soiled litter with a slotted spoon or
spatula-like plastic or metal tool. Semiautomatic boxes have
some sort of mechanism to help remove the clumps. Some boxes have a removable pan
with holes in the bottom. Lift the pan and the clumps stay on top, the rest of the
litter spills out through the holes and into a fresh pan below. Some boxes need to
be flipped on their sides so that the clumps fall into a container attached to the side.
Turn the box right side up, slide the container out and throw away the clumps. Still
other boxes have a manual sliding "rake" mechanism built in.
Automatic boxes use a "rake" to slide
clumps into a sealed container. The boxes use optical sensors to
detect when a cat has entered and left the box and automatically "rake" whatever
is deposited. The containers are then emptied or thrown away.
Automatic boxes are electrical appliances and are much more expensive than
regular litter boxes (around $200 Vs $35 or less for non-automatic). So
far these products are getting mixed reviews for function and durability.
Permanent or disposable
Most boxes are made of heavy plastic and are made to be used for years.
They have to be washed out periodically because scooping doesn't always do the
job. There are lightweight plastic or cardboard litter pans that can be
thrown away after a week's worth of use. They are convenient if you're
traveling. Disposable fold-down, shirt and pastry boxes are also very
convenient for short term use. Open them up, slide them into a plastic
bag, fill the inside with litter and use. Turn the plastic bag inside and
out to dispose of the litter.
Litter Types
As with litter boxes, there are a large number of litter types to choose from. Here
are the basic options:
Clumping or Non-Clumping
There is a wide range of litter types to choose from. The vast majority of easily
available litter is made from clay. There are, however, plenty of alternatives for
the environmentally conscious. Alternative materials include citrus peels, shells,
corncobs, wheat, recycled newspaper, kenaf plant fibers and wood that have been shredded,
manufactured into cat-friendly pellets or ground into a fine grit. The most popular
type of litter is an unscented clumping type that resembles sand. Cats seem to
prefer this type underfoot probably because it is soft and easy to move around.
Most cats seem to prefer sandy litter and most people seem
to prefer clumping litter. How "sandy" it feels underfoot to your
cat and how well it "clumps" depends on the type and brand. It's best to
try a few varieties and then stick to one you and your cat can agree on.
Clumping litters vary in how well they clump. The
better the clumping, the easier it is to remove just the soiled litter. Litter that
breaks up gets mixed in with the clean litter making it difficult to keep the box clean.
Crystal Cat Litter
Some of the crystal litters have received mixed reviews because
they seem to be hard on the feet of some cats. Other cats do not seem to
have a problem with it.
Odorless or Scented
Scented litter is for people not for cats. Since scent is an integral part of proper
litter box usage, overpowering perfumes may cause problems. Again, it's best to try a
variety until you get one that is right for you and your cat.
Flushable or Not
Most litters cannot be flushed down the toilet so check the labels if you want one that is
biodegradable and flushable. Otherwise, it's best to scoop it into a plastic bag,
squeeze the bag gently to let the air out so it doesn't break inside the trash
can and then close it with a knot and dispose of it in the garbage.
Packaged or Bulk
Some pet stores offer litter in bulk to hold down cost. It comes in large
barrel-type containers and you scoop it yourself into a smaller container to take home.
Miscellaneous
Some litters are especially low in dust if that is preferable either to you or your cat.
Some people use regular sand in litter boxes. Since some outdoor cats enjoy
using sandboxes, this can make sense. However, sand doesn't clump and is quite
heavy.
Place about 2" of litter in the box. You can
use more or less depending on your cat. Too much litter can cause your cat to sink
into it or make it more likely that he will kick or track it outside. Too little
litter may cause the bottom of the box to become easily soiled.
Accessories
Litter pads, made of vinyl, rubber, cloth, plastic, cardboard, etc. are used either
in front of, underneath or around the box. Litter invariably sticks to your cat's
feet and is tracked on the floor. Pads (sometimes with treads or ridges) collect
most of it and keep it from scattering everywhere. Some cats kick the litter with
their back feet and scatter it. This isn't a problem with covered boxes.
You can get one made especially for litter boxes or use
rugs, carpet remnants, the bottoms of cardboard boxes, etc. Having a small handheld
vacuum cleaner next to the box is also handy.
Scoops come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. A
sturdy plastic scoop is easy to use and clean. Some scoops let you attach a plastic
bag so that clumps are scooped and dropped into the bag at the same time. It pays to
get a sturdy scoop because litter is quite heavy and poorly made scoops will break.
Look for scoops that are rounded rather than flat because litter clumps tend to slide off
of flat ones.
Mostly for aesthetic reasons (yours), a screen of some
kind can be used to hide the box. You just need to make sure your cat doesn't feel
trapped and refuse to use the box.
Having a wastebasket or, our favorite, a Diaper Genie near
the box is also helpful. The Genie is a contraption that is used to wrap and store
dirty diapers. The diapers go into the top, you turn a crank and the diaper is
automatically wrapped in plastic. The Genie contains the odor. When it is
full, it is emptied into the garbage. Many people have found that it also works on
small plastic bags of used litter!
There are all kinds of additives and air fresheners to use
in and around the box. Too many perfumes can repel your cat and create litter box
problems so you have to use these judiciously. Adding some baking soda directly into
plain litter and mixing it in well can help. Boxes of baking soda, like those you
use in your refrigerator or freezer, can also help when placed near the box. Some of
these come with a thin screen built into the side so that the box doesn't even have to be
opened.
The Indoor/Outdoor Cat
Cats with free or frequent access to the outdoors may do most of their business in
your garden (or possibly your neighbor's new uncovered sandbox or newly mulched
garden). Some indoor/outdoor cats, however, can be
encouraged to use an indoor litter box which is much more hygienic, proper and
helps avoid neighborhood feuds. We
know cats that play or hunt outside but then rush back indoors to eat and use their box.
All cats should have and be comfortable using a litter box in case they need to be kept inside for extended
periods of time.
Cat droppings sometimes carry
toxoplasmosis which is dangerous to pregnant women and young children.
Droppings that are disposed of daily do not generally pose a threat as it takes
a few days for the droppings to become infectious.
If you are pregnant, check with your doctor to see about the
health risks. Even better, have someone else clean the litter box daily!
Related Articles:
Litterbox for Kittens
Litterbox Placement and Maintenance
Litterbox Problems With Cats
Litterboxes and strays
Plants as litterboxes
Cats Marking Your Vents
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