Tips on Cat Litter Boxes

When it comes to choosing a litter box, there is a lot to consider. You'll ultimately want to make sure that the litter box meets the preferences for your cat and makes him feel comfortable. Some cat boxes that have a self cleaning mechanism might be more helpful for you, but you must always keep your cat in mind.

  1. Litter Box Basic

    • If you have a kitten, you can start out with a small plastic litter box. This is a good way for training the kitten to use the litter box and also to find out what kind of litter that cat performs. If you have more than one cat, it's best to have a litter box for each cat. The best and most affordable type of litter box is the flat, plastic type. Make sure the box has a rim, or something lined around the top of the box that will keep litter from being kicked out. Don't get a box that is too tall, or your cat will have to jump in and out, and litter could scatter everywhere. However, it's also important for the box to have enough depth for the cat to properly bury its waste. A box that is six inches deep will work best for an adult cat, but don't purchase anything deeper.

    Best for Cleaning

    • There are many self-cleaning litter boxes on the market, such as the LitterMaid LM500, which uses a sensor to detect after you cat has used it. A motorized raked will the sift out the waste into a disposable plastic bag attached to the end of the box. If you're concerned about smell and cleaning, then this litter box can help. You will also need to make sure that you use scooping litter instead of the thick kind. Some cats might not like the motorized mechanism of the box, but it probably won't stop them from using it. You must keep in mind that cats like to bury and keep their waste buried. If you buy a self-cleaning litter box, make sure that it doesn't make a loud sound when cleaning because it might scare your cats away. For regular litter boxes, you can can purchase a scooper or try using liner bags. Using lining can be an efficient way to quickly dispose of the litter.

    Cat Preferences

    • Ultimately, your cat will make the decision of how much she likes the litter box you've bought. It's best to always make the cat feel as comfortable as possible. Place the litter box in an area of your house where guests usually don't go. For example, a basement or laundry room is a typically place where a cat can achieve privacy. If you place the litter box in a bathroom, you should try to put it and corner with a privacy cover. Some litter boxes will come with these, and some also feature scented vents on the top that will help control odor. Also, make sure to include a litter mat on the outside of the box so that the cat can wipe the excess litter off its paws when stepping out of the box.