Do you know how to keep the litter box fresh the proper way?
If you have a cat, you surely know how hard it can be to keep the litterbox clean, and if you don’t have a cat, this might be the main reason you are reluctant to adopt a kitty. Also, what is very important to remember is that poor litter box maintenance is also why many cats have behavioral problems.
What should you get from this? It is essential to know how to keep the litterbox clean. You probably already know the basics if you have a cat, but we are here to help you step up your skills and learn some indispensable tricks.
The litter box doesn’t have to be stinky, as a lot of people say. Your feline friend can have an odorless and even fresh litter tray, and you are the only one who can do this for them. Are you ready to learn more about this? If yes, then keep reading!
How many litter boxes should you have?
This is indeed a big question because sometimes you might need more than one. Yes, you’ve heard this right! If you have more than one cat, pet experts recommend owning one litter box for each cat because this is the safest way to keep things clean, your house fresh, and your cats healthy and happy.
Even more, some recommend a simple rule of thumb that says that every household should have one box for each plus one. This means if you have four cats, you will need seven litter boxes. Yeah, this might sound like a lot, but cats are clean pets who love to have sparkling boxes, or they might cause various accidents around the home.
Find the best place for the cat pan
The location where you place the litter boxes is crucial since this can easily impact how your cat will feel about them. You need to find the most private spots. For example, make sure you are not placing the box near loud appliances or in places where there is a lot of everyday traffic. This can stress the felines and make them choose other places from your home when nature is calling.
You might think that a covered litter box is better because it can offer this privacy we are talking about, but we advise you to start with a simple rectangular one if you don’t know your friend has a strong preference for the covered ones. Also, when you want to go with a covered box, make sure you are picking one that is big enough. Cats need space when they are doing their business, and you have to make this possible for them.
Always buy a mat
We are referring to that little rubber mat you can see some people have in their homes, placed right in front of the litter box. This thing is a lifesaver when you want to keep the litter out of your home.
If you have ever had a cat before but didn’t have a mat, you know very well what a real nightmare litter scattered all over your floors is. Most types of litter can be easily carried by your feline friend all around because the particles are small enough that they can get stuck in their paws. The cat will exit the box and walk around, leaving the litter everywhere.
So, what can you do in this case? The answer is simple. You just need a mat! This is the most effective item that will catch any granules and residue litter stuck on your cat’s paws, making cleaning so much easier for you. Also, most of them are made out of plastic or rubber, so you can simply grab them and wash them, keeping things fresh. In this way, very little litter will end up on your floors, and you will have an easier cat-parent life.
Try deodorizing products
Litter boxes can smell from time to time, especially right before you change the litter, but there are solutions that can help you with the smell. Now, we are not referring to air fresheners because they can be harmful to your cats and also to yourself. They are not the best choice, and veterinarians consider them forbidden for any cat that suffers from various respiratory issues, such as asthma.
So, what can you do in this case? We recommend a PureAir charcoal filter. All you need to do is place it near the litter box and let it do its job. It is a very low-maintenance item, and you will need to change the filter once every 6 months. This sounds like a breeze, indeed.
Another thing you can try is to add baking soda to the litter. You will need around half of a box, but it is an efficient method of taking care of the unpleasant smell. It is very important to manage the smell, not just for yourself but also for your cat. If they don’t like the smell, they will find another place to do their business, and we are sure you will not be pleased by this.
Choose the right litter
When you want to keep the box clean, it is crucial to find the right type of litter. There are too many options on the market, and this might make the whole process harder. But don’t worry. This is why we are here!
Clumping litter is a very popular choice because it is incredibly convenient. This type of litter is affordable and has great performance. It forms solid clumps when wet, making scooping easy and reducing odors. The thing is that you need to look for a dust-free or low-dust formula because this litter can produce a lot of dust and can irritate your companion’s respiratory system. For added freshness, consider a litter with built-in odor control, such as baking soda or charcoal.
Then there are non-clumping options such as crystal litters. They are worth considering because they are better for cats with respiratory issues. Crystal litter absorbs moisture and locks in odors effectively, and even if they are more expensive, they are a great choice for anyone who is looking for less dust.
But no matter what type of litter you choose, cleaning the box regularly is key to maintaining freshness. Make sure you scoop daily and try to replace the litter completely once every two weeks.
Choose a metal litter scoop
When you start looking around for a scoop, you will shortly realize that most of them are made out of plastic. The thing is that plastic is a porous material, and this is why it’s one of the worst choices when it comes to the scoop you will use to clean your cat’s litter box.
Also, plastic scoops are fragile, and if you have to deal with a greater amount of litter, they will not perform well. They can even break when you are cleaning the box, and we know you don’t want that to happen.
Instead of getting the plastic ones, you should try to find metal scoops. Most of them are very sanitary and easy to clean, and they last for years to come. Made from stainless steel, you can be sure a metal scoop is the best choice you can find on the market.
Need a new scoop? WePet Cat Litter Scoop, Aluminum Alloy Sifter, Kitty Metal Scooper
You should also read: Here’s Why Your Cat Might Be Hissing
