Every experienced pet owner knows that their cat’s litter box is an important piece of cat care equipment. Yes, we all hate cleaning the litter box, but it is a key ingredient in keeping your cat healthy, clean and happy. Two items should be addressed when you are thinking about a litter box. The first item is location. Where does the box go and why does it go there? The next item is the litter itself. What type of litter should you use?
The Location Of Your Cat’s Litter Box
Where you put the litter box is important for a variety of reasons. From your cat’s point of view, the litter box should be easily accessible while offering some privacy. It may seem silly to think that your cat won’t use the box if people are watching but there is a very real sense of privacy that is common in most cats and kittens. This doesn’t mean that you need to hide the box, your pet needs to be able to find it easily. Find a place that is in a corner or an untraveled spot in your home. A bathroom or laundry room is perfect as long as you remember to keep the door open all of the time.
Be sure to keep your cat’s physical condition in mind when you are choosing a location for their litter tray. Like people, cats will have problems with stairs as they get older. A ten year old cat, or one who has joint issues, won’t be able to go into the basement to use the box even though you like the idea of it being on another level. You also want to avoid putting the box in an area where the cat may be spooked by loud noises (think vacuum cleaners) or drafts.
Looking at the location of your cat’s litter box from your point of view means thinking about a spot that won’t be a nuisance to you. No one wants a litter box in the kitchen or the living room. You spend too much time in these rooms and you don’t want the smell and mess that comes for the box to be in those rooms. Likewise, bedrooms are usually poor locations for the same reason. Try to avoid putting the box in a room that has a door that is shut often. Your pet will use the box but it needs to be convenient for them to get to. Make sure the spot where the box is located is one that is easy to clean. Even the best litter box can get quite messy.
Different Types Of Litter
All cat litter is not the same and you will want to pay attention to the different types that are available. For the most part there are eight types of kitty litter that you will find online and in most pet stores or supermarkets. There are blends and combinations but most will consist of the seven common types of litter:
*Clay
*Silica Gel
*Pine Litter
*Wheat Litter
*Grass Litter
*Corn Litter
*Paper Litter
*Walnut Shell Litter
Each kind of litter has different properties that can be attractive in certain circumstances. Paper litter is usually dust free and easier on your pet’s paws. This can be important if your cat has had an injury. It’s downside is that it is less absorbent. Clay is probably the most popular and is used in many well known brand name items. It absorbs very well, a property that most pet owners appreciate. The drawback to clay is that it sticks to the cat’s feet and gets dragged out of the box. Silica gel is fairly new and has some real benefits. It absorbs well and masks odors, it doesn’t track as much (it slips off of the paws before spreading on the floor) and it’s not as dusty as clay. It is quite a bit more expensive, you need to balance price with the benefits.
Some self-cleaning litter boxes use their own litter. It is usually a blend of silica gels and the box often won’t work well with other types of litter. Terms like clump free, dust free and odor free all sound appealing but you need to research whether it is fact or just marketing that is behind those claims.
Your cat and kitten are animals who insist on being clean. They may romp outside and play with their toys in a way that seems like they are unconcerned about their appearance but they will almost always be quite particular about their litter boxes. Make sure you have the right one and it is in the right location.
