1114 North Rolling Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 410.869.0800

What You Need to Know About Litter Boxes Part 1

Having the correct litter and litter box for your cat can make life easier for both of you. In this first section, we’ll discuss some useful litter box tips about their placement, and how to keep them clean.

cat scratching at litter box, Catonsville Cat Clinic

LITTER BOX TYPES

The two most typical litter boxes are covered and open pan. Cat owners often choose a covered litter box to reduce odors and litter on the floor. But not all cats like covered litter boxes.

A cat will not use a litter box that smells, especially if not cleaned regularly. With multiple pets, your cat may feel trapped in a covered litter box, wanting to escape if another pet interrupts their potty time.

While placing your litter box in the proper location will help alleviate some of these issues, your cat may prefer an open pan litter box. To compare the two alternatives, most pet stores sell litter boxes with removable covers.

LITTER BOX PLACEMENT TIPS

Like humans, your cat prefers to do potty in private. Find a quiet, accessible place in your home for your cat’s box.

If your cat is bothered by dogs and small children, a child gate barely high enough for your cat to pass under would suffice.

If you keep your cat in one room, like you would with a new kitten, place the food on one side and the litter box on the other. This method can also be used to confine a cat that urinates beyond the litter box. Cats naturally bury their excrement and will usually choose their own litter box.

The quantity of litter boxes you have is as crucial as where you place them. If you have a large or multi-level home, consider investing in a litter box for each floor. This will help prevent your cat from making their own litter box out of, say, your bed.

If you have multiple cats, consider having separate litter boxes for each.

TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR LITTER BOX

There are various reasons to clean your cat’s litter box daily. First, filthy litter boxes bother cats, just like a dirty toilet bothers you.

Additionally, cleaning the litter box daily allows you to monitor your cat’s health. You’ll eventually learn to notice normal changes in your cat’s feces, like worms or diarrhea. Male cats in particular should be on the lookout for indicators of a serious urinary system blockage. This usually presents as blood or absence of pee after using the litter box.

Observing your cat’s litter box habits will help you spot problems sooner. Depending on the litter, you should wash the litter box regularly or every couple of weeks to remove bacteria.

cat has bad breathCATONSVILLE CAT CLINIC NOW!

Need more litter box tips? Catonsville Cat Clinic is always here to answer any questions you might have about your cat, its litter box, or any other feline related subjects.

Catonsville Cat Clinic has been serving the kitties of Catonsville, MD and surrounding areas for 20 years! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who bought the Catonsville Cat Clinic in July 2011, runs it with care. A team of experts in veterinary care is here to help you keep your cat healthy and happy. So come on by and introduce yourself and your kitty!

Keep up with us on Facebook! Contact the Catonsville Cat Clinic at 410-869-0800 or visit our contact page.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at 11:04 am. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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