The Best Way to Clean a Dirty Cat Litter Pan

Your cat's litter box can have a big impact on its health. Many owners don't realize the importance of maintaining a clean, safe cat litter box. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to make sure it stays clean and fresh, which in turn will make a happy, healthier pet.

  1. Cat Litter

    • You should use unscented, clay, clumping cat latter in your cat's litter box. Maintain a depth of 2 to 4 inches so your cat has enough room to paw at the litter and bury its waste. Scented cat litter can irritate your cat as the animals have much stronger senses of smell than we do. Clumping cat litter is the only way to make sure both solid and liquid waste is removed.

    Maintenance

    • Maintaining your cat's litter box is simple. You should have a comfortable mat around the outside to keep your cat from tracking cat litter and waste throughout your home. The litter box should be scooped daily to prevent waste buildup as well as buildup of toxins such as ammonia in the urine. Depending on how many cats you have, you will also have to completely replace the cat litter from time to time. You should plan on cleaning your cat's litter box at least once a week. The litter should be emptied into a plastic bag, tied up and discarded. Mild soap and warm water should be used to clean the cat litter pan to reduce bacteria and maintain cleanliness. Using anything other than mild soap and water will irritate your cat's sensitive sense of smell. Then fresh cat litter should be replaced, maintaining the 2 to 4 inches of depth your cat will need.