Written by Anne Moss
Type of Litter
Today there are a variety of litter types. Most types are clay based, but you can also find silica based litter and natural litters made from wood,
recycled paper, citrus peels, corn cobs and more.
Some litters, clay based, silica or natural, are of the clumping type. This means that the cat's urine does not sip through the grains to the
bottom of the box, but rather creates a clump of litter that can be scooped out of the box along with the feces. Clumping litter has the advantage of
keeping the box clean of urine between litter changes, as long as you make sure all clumps are scooped out on a regular basis.
So, which is best for your cat? That is something for your cat to decide. Generally speaking, it seems that most cats have a preference for
clumping litter, perhaps because it is made of fine grains. Some cats develop a preference for a particular type of litter for their own reasons.
For most cats, litter preference becomes fixed at a relatively young age. That is why an abrupt change of litter can sometimes cause litter box
avoidance. So, if you wish to try a new type of litter, make the change gradually - mix the old type with the new, increasing the amount of the new
type with time.
Location
For some cats, this may be the most important aspect of the litter box. The box needs to be located in a place that would provide the cat with
privacy and a sense of security. At the same time, most cats like to have a good view of their surroundings when they are inside the box. To feel
secure enough, they need to know that there is an unobstructed escape route from the litter box.
If you suspect your cat may have a problem with the location of her litter box, you may want to try adding another box. Place the new box in a
different location - one that may be better suited to provide a sense of security - and see which box your cat prefers.
Cleanliness
Cats are famous for their sense of hygiene and most have high standards for the litter box. You should scoop any visible waste from the litter
box at least once a day. Some cats are so fastidious, they need their box to be cleaned after every use - in which case you may want to invest in
an automatic self-cleaning box to help you maintain a state of perfect cleanliness.
Stability and Routine
Cats are creatures of habit and any change in their litter box may cause litter box problems. Be careful when you need to change the type of
box, the type of litter, location or any other feature associated with the box and make changes gradually.
Remember - litter box problems can have many causes, medical or behavioral. Getting the right box is a prerequisite, but it's not always
enough. If your cat develops litter box problems, consult your vet and if necessary, ask him or her to refer you to a qualified cat behaviorist.
Anne Moss is the founder and owner of TheCatSite.com. She is a cat behaviorist and a member of the Cats Writers
Association.
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