What Do You Do to Keep Cat Litter From Being Messy?

Keeping a litter box filled with cat litter provides a place for your cat to perform its elimination functions; however, the litter can get messy. Since cats like to scratch the litter over their mess, the litter can get on the floor; your cat then tracks litter to other parts of the house. Cats are particular about the condition of the litter box provided for their use, and owners who take special care in choosing and preparing the box will have both a happy cat and a tidy house.

  1. Box Type

    • Some cats enjoy covered boxes because they give them a sense of privacy. In addition, covered boxes prevent the litter from spilling over the sides and prevent the cat from tracking it throughout the house. Manufacturers make a covered box with stairs that trap litter and keep it inside the box; however, a covered box is likely to trap unpleasant odor, which the cat may not like. If you use a covered box, clean the litter daily to avoid odor buildup. Another type of litter box is a self-cleaning box that automatically scoops the soiled litter and stores it in a tray for later disposal.

    Box Size

    • Cat owners should buy a litter box that provides ample space for the cat to perform its elimination functions and to manipulate the litter afterward. If a cat is uncomfortable in the litter box, it may choose to go to a place where it has more room to maneuver. If the box is too small, the cat may spill the litter onto the floor while using the box or leaving it. Owners should purchase a box that is 1.5 sizes bigger than the cat, which means that the litter box you purchased when your cat was a kitten should be replaced as it ages.

    Litter Control

    • Placing a litter mat at the entrance to the litter box can help trap litter that is stuck on your cat̵7;s paws. Owners can purchase a litter mat from the pet store or use a regular doormat. You can also line the floor surrounding the litter box with newspapers or old towels to catch stray litter that falls from the box. Certain litter types are less prone to stick to the cat's paws than others; litter made of crystal, for example, doesn't leave behind a dust residue as litter made of clay or sand. Confining the litter box to a small room or corner can also cut down on litter tracked throughout the house.

    Other Considerations

    • As the owner of a cat, you should ensure that your cat is happy with its litter box to prevent elimination in undesirable places like a closet or a pile of clothes. Scoop the litter daily and replace it at least once a week to maintain the cleanliness that cats require. Place the box in an area where the cat has privacy but doesn̵7;t feel too confined. Store the box away from the cat̵7;s food and sleeping area. If the cat refuses to use the litter box, experiment with different types of litter and litter boxes until the cat is pleased and uses the new litter or box on a regular basis. Some cat owners eliminate litter concerns entirely by teaching the cat to use the toilet.