How to Prevent Cat Litter Dust

Cats are relatively low in maintenance, but their litter box can be a source of odor and dust. As the molecules of cat litter rub together, they create a fine dust that infiltrates a home. Cat owners attest that dust and pieces of litter are tracked throughout the house and onto furniture. While the cat box will always require effort to maintain, there are measures cat owners can take to prevent excess litter dust.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat litter box
  • Paper towel
  • Low-dust litter
  • Mat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean out the cat box frequently by sifting wastes. When you empty the entire box to change the litter, use a damp paper towel to wipe out any residual dust from the box. Dump used litter into a large garbage bag by first inserting the entire full box inside before tipping it over; this, will also cut down on excess dust. Thoroughly scrub the empty box before adding any new litter to ensure minimal dust.

    • 2

      Fill the clean litter box with a low-dust, clumping formula, or use a natural pine- or newspaper-based pellet litter. According to cleanairespecialist.com, natural litters do not cause dust like clay litters.

    • 3

      Place the litter box in a low-traffic area in your home. Vetinfo.com advises that litter boxes be kept away from the main areas of the house to release less dust into the ventilation system. Cats are also more likely to use a box in a quiet area.

    • 4

      Put a mat down at the entrance of the box to collect the excess dust and litter from cats' paws as they exit after use. Use a mat that removes the litter, but will not irritate the cats' paws. These range from a small piece of carpet and gauzy-pad material to plastic and rubber with nubs to catch overflow. Leaving a small amount of material on the mat to tuck under the box will keep it from moving around, too.