PET LITTER BOXES

Introduction

Cats are naturally clean animals; they instinctively groom themselves, and look for places to relieve themselves and bury their waste. But in an enclosed environment like a house, they need a litter box which they can access whenever they feel the need.

A litter box is an indoor disposal box filled with a granular material that absorbs moisture and masks odor. The most basic (and least inexpensive) model is the plastic tray. You can also find litter boxes with more extensive features that provide privacy, help control odor, or hide the litter so it’s more visually appealing.

It is necessary to maintain the litter box meticulously clean; cats are known to be very meticulous and can actually refuse to use a very dirty box. You should also provide a litter box for every cat in your home, since they are often too territorial to share boxes.

To maintain the cleanliness of your litter box, you can use plastic liners, which you can buy at supermarkets and pet stores. Liners make it much easier to change the litter. Place them in the box before you pour the litter. When it’s time to empty the box, lift the liners, tie the ends, and throw it into the garbage can. Since changing litter is one of the most unpleasant chores you’ll have to go through as a pet owner, plastic liners are definitely worth the small, additional cost.

You don’t actually have to throw away all the litter, you just have to remove the dirty clumps. However, handling kitty litter isn’t very hygienic (in fact, doctors advise pregnant women from touching it, since it can contain microorganisms that can harm the baby). To help with this problem, manufacturers have developed a wide array of products that simplify the cleaning process. This includes electrically-controlled combs that scoop the dirty litter clumps from the litter box into a sealed container, or kitty litter boxes with built-in screens so you can shake away the clumps into an easily removable tray.

Eliminating in All the Wrong Places

What if your cat refuses to use the litter box? Before spanking your pet (which rarely produces any positive results), find out if your cat is suffering from any diseases or conditions that affect his bowel control. Incontinence can be a symptom of something serious, so do take it seriously—especially if your cat never had any previous problems with using his litter box.

Cats are very sensitive animals, and can be affected by the slightest change in his environment: a new baby or pet, moving houses, loud sounds from nearby construction work. He can express his anxiety by refusing to use the litter box. If there have been no major disruptions in your home life, think about other small changes that may upset him. Did you shift to another brand of kitty litter? Did you move the litter box to another area of the house? Has your cat recently gone through a painful medical procedure like declawing, or has he been sick or injured? Is the brand of kitty litter rough to the touch, making it uncomfortable to use?

The Ideal Location for Your Pet's Litter Box

The best location for a litter box is one that provides privacy, quiet, accessibility and conforms to a cat's naturally cautious nature. Cats have a primal fear of being ambushed by an enemy, and they are at their most vulnerable when they are using the box. Don’t put the box in an area where they’ll hear loud, sudden noises: near washers and dryers, stairs, heavy doors. Also keep your litter boxes away from your pet's food dishes.