Litter Box Maintenance

Written by TheCatSite

As cat owners, we need to make sure that the litter box meets our cat's demands and with some cats this is not an easy task. Cats can be very fussy about their litter box, and if anything fails to meet their standards, some cats may stop using their box. Sometimes, this can happen after years of using the same box and the reasons are not always clear to us.

If you bring home a cat for the first time, consider these guidelines when you set up the litter box. If you already have a cat that doesn't use the box regularly, the following points may help you find out what is wrong with the box and fix the situation.

Before we begin, please note that failure to properly use the litter box can have many causes. It could be, and often is, related to a medical problem, most commonly Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. So, if your cat stops using the litter box, your first step must be a visit to the vet.

Remember that your cat is never to blame for litter box problems. Never punish a cat for not using the box! Don't shout at the cat and definitely don't smack her or rub her nose in the mess! These steps will never solve the problem and if anything, they are likely to make things much worse!

If your cat only urinates outside the box and at specific locations, you should also read the article about spraying behavior. And now, let us discuss some of the features of the litter box.

Number of Boxes

The rule of thumb is one box per cat. So in a multi-cat household you will probably need several boxes. Some cats don't mind sharing a box, as long as it is cleaned often enough, but others may be more particular.

Type of Box

In the past the litter box used to be a simple plastic box with some variety of size and color. Today, litter boxes come in many shapes and sizes. Basically, there are three types of boxes available on the market:

• The classic uncovered box - Most cats will do just fine with this type of box, as long as it's large enough and clean. However, you need to keep the litter extra clean to avoid unwanted odors in your home.
• The Covered box - this box provides the cat with extra privacy (although some cats prefer to have an open view while being in the box). Many owners prefer this box because it keeps odors inside and can be more aesthetic. If you opt for a covered box, remember that what you can't smell outside the box, your cat has to endure when she walks in. So, don't forget to keep the covered box just as clean!
• Self-Cleaning Box - this kind of box seems to be a very good combination for both cat and owner. The cat benefits from a spotless box at all times and the owner enjoys an odorless litter box without having to do any manual scooping. These boxes are basically coverless, as they spread little or no odor at all, but hoods are available, if your cat prefers privacy. The main drawback is cost - these boxes are much more expensive than regular boxes.

The choice of box depends on the preferences of the cat and owner. It's important to note that while many owners prefer the covered boxes, some cats refuse to use them. If your cat does not use her covered box properly, it's a good idea to take the top off, at least for a while.

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.

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