Cats are beautiful and intelligent majestic creatures that can also be very picky about what they want and don’t want, this also includes their litter box. So if you are that cat parent that is caught up in trial and error limbo with the litter box maintenance or a new pet parent that wants to be ahead of the game, this blog is for you. Get ready to jot down some notes.
Purchasing the right litter- Just like how we have certain preferences on everything from the tissue paper we use down to the cleaning products we use to keep sanitary, the same goes for your cat. Purchasing litter shouldn’t be a random selection, you have to learn what your cat likes and stick to it. Most cats don’t like scented litter, that’s only a bonus for humans. Keep in mind that what you think smells nice may gross your kitty out.
Keeping the box clean- Obviously cats are very clean animals, have you noticed how many times a day they groom themselves? So the litter box have to be up to par. If Mr. Jingles feels like his box isn’t clean enough, he may find other places to go. To avoid this you must scoop their litter 2-3 times a day. Maybe more if you have multiple cats. To make life easier, purchase clumping litter so nothing will be left behind. Also, if not every week then every two weeks you should completely dump the box and clean with warm water and all natural soaps. Stay clear from harsh chemicals. Every so often properly clean the scooper as well or purchase a new one because there will be a time where it’s just a caked on mess that’ll be hard to clean.
Location, Location, Location- The location of the litter box is also important. When finding the purrrrrfect location think about this, is the area private & quiet? Just like us, cats desire to use the bathroom discreetly without any disturbance. Convenience is also imperative as well, for example if you have a large 3-story home you may want to have a box on the 1st & 3rd floor. Always make sure the area around the litter box is clean and cluttered free.
Type of litter box– Of course Mr. Jingles is going to have a preference on the actual box too. But no worries, there is an easy way to tackle this problem. No one wants to use a cramped bathroom, give them some space with a large box, a lot of pet parent have been successful with using storage bins instead of a traditional box because it gives them more options in size and height. If you have an elderly kitty that may have arthritis, consider a box that have short sides so it’s easier for them to get in and out. Try to resist the urge to use the hood that may come with most traditional boxes. You may think it’s giving them privacy but in actuality it’s a dark, scary claustrophobic atmosphere with only one way out that may cause them to find another place to potty. Another downside with the hood is it traps odor inside the box, which you cat will disapprove of.
Multiple boxes– if you have a house full of cats you may want to consider getting multiple boxes. Some cats don’t like to share at all and some prefer to poop in one box & pee in another. This really depends on your cat’s personality.
Vet visits– when all else has failed and your cuddly fur baby still refuses to use the litter box, this could indicate a medical problem such as a UTI. In this case you need to schedule an appointment with your vet. Declawing may also be the culprit, I highly advised NOT doing this procedure due to harmful health problems but if it has been done recently the litter can cause infections, that can deter your pet from using the litter box.