Keeping the litter box clean is an important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. And it's also crucial for your own happiness.
Prevent litter box problems
A messy litter box or too few cat litter trays can cause a cat to find another place to do its needs! Your carpet or perhaps the shower mat in your bathroom.
Prevent this problem by having one litter tray per cat plus one extra litter tray. We do not recommend self-cleaning litter trays; the loud noise frightens cats and other pets as well. It is best to buy a litter tray that is easy to keep clean.
Give your cat a choice of different types of grit. And make sure your cat's litter tray is in a quiet but accessible place for your best buddy.
How often do cats use the litter box?
Cats usually pee 2-5 times a day. Factors such as fluid intake and age can affect your cat's toilet schedule. If you notice major changes in how often your cat pees, contact your vet to rule out bladder- or kidney disease.
Kittens tend to relieve themselves more often than adult cats. Diet, medication, and your cat's overall health can affect the stool schedule.
A cat suffering from diarrhea, stool blood or constipation should definitely see a vet. These symptoms should never be treated at home. It is normal to use the litter tray 3-5 times a day and therefore it is necessary to change the grit and clean the litter tray regularly.
How often should you shovel a litter box?
Ideally you shovel the box twice a day. If that is not possible, you can also choose to do a single daily cleaning. However, don't leave it unattended for more than a day. After all, you can imagine how dirty it would be for yourself to live with a toilet that has not been flushed for several days! When shoveling, drop the lumps in a sealed bag and throw it in a trashcan. And don't forget to clean your shovel. Soap and water will do just fine for this job.
How often do you need to change the cat litter?
Most people change their cat litter every week, some every few weeks. You can do this more often if necessary. Remember that pregnant women should never replace litter because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. Also remember that cat litter should never be flushed down the toilet. This can cause clogging and it is also important that we protect the water supply and the animals that live in it.
How often should you wash a litter box?
Usually owners wash the cat litter tray once a week. You can use detergent and warm water to clean the litter box. Certainly don't use traditional bleach as this may interact with the ammonia in cat urine. Regular washing prevents the plastic material in your litter box from absorbing cat odours. This means you won't have to replace a litter tray as quickly, because you often clean it.
Why does cleaning the litter box drive my cat crazy?
It has to do with protecting territory! Dominant cats often want to protect their territory after you have flushed away all the smells. And some cats may wonder why you sift through their ''nuggets of gold''. In principle, cats shouldn't be too upset by a simple cleaning action. In fact, they are much more likely to go mad from a smelly litter box!
So keep your cats' toilets in good condition, and you'll have a happy, healthy cat ready to cuddle or play - and that's much more fun than keeping the litter box clean!