Litter box hygiene is one of the most crucial factors in maintaining the health and well-being of our feline friends. Cats are meticulously clean animals, or at least they try to be, and poor little box cleaning habits on our part can negatively affect their lives. Below are some tips to allow your cat to have a happy elimination, every time!
Litter Box Number
As a general rule, you should have two litter boxes for the first cat in your home, and an additional one for each thereafter, so follow the golden rule of “one litter box per cat, plus one! Cats generally do not like to share territory, and therefore prefer their own place to eliminate and mark territory. Furthermore, litterboxes should be available on all levels of a house that your cats occupy frequently. Cats can get lazy, too, and no one wants to walk up or down a flight of stairs to use the washroom!
Shielded Litter Boxes
No one likes to look at the contents of a litter box, or have litter flung across our floors. Litter stuck to the bottom of your socks is a curse that affects us all! Covered or shielded litter boxes can offer a solution to both problems, however potentially at the cost of your cats nose. Shielded boxes can trap in odors, so it is particularly important for these boxes that they be cleaned very regularly. If you’re going to use a shielded box, ensure that your cat can comfortably stand up inside.
Litter Box Size
If given the choice, cats prefer a larger litter box, and one that is uncovered as mentioned above. Your cat should be able to comfortably turn around and maneuver without coming in contact with the sides. Remember that kittens will prefer a box with lower sides to facilitate entry and exit, as do some geriatric cats. Arthritis that comes with aging may make getting in and out of the litter box difficult and cause pain and discomfort, making them avoid using it.
Litter Type
Being an essential part of cat ownership, many companies have jumped on the opportunity of creating their own brand of cat litter, frequently adding scents to combat the odor of uncleaned litter. Research has been done to determine what cats prefer, which have suggested that a finer grained, unscented litter is ideal.
Sticking to these basic concepts can greatly contribute to a happy cat. Cats are creatures of habit, and have a tendency to avoid things that they have associated with a negative experience. Following the above recommendations can help to prevent inappropriate elimination around the house, and can provide your cats with a more suitable place to mark their territory.