How to choose a litter box

Contrary to popular belief, all litter boxes are not made equal. Size does matter when choosing the perfect litter box for a cat. A little research can go a long way for your cat's comfort and how frequently you have to maintain the cleanliness of the box.

First, the bigger your cat is the bigger the litter box should be, especially if you are getting one that has a hood. If you are getting one with a hood, consider the height and that the cat should be able to comfortably sit up to do it's business with ease. Big cats also prefer having ample space to move around in their box before they relieve themselves. A box that is too small, may result in the cat scratching the walls of the box because there is not enough space for his comfort or in extreme cases eliminating outside the box.

It is recommended to buy a litter box that has a built in filter. This keeps the air as fresh as possible and avoids unwanted odors from lingering. If your current litter box does not have an filter, consider placing an external air purifier or a deodorizer close to the box.

Using a plastic liner in your litter box will do a world of good in extending the life of the box. Having a barrier avoids any staining of the box itself or strong odors from penetrating the plastic. It also makes changing out the litter, sanitary and efficient. Periodically spraying down the litter box with sanitizer will eliminate any bacteria build up.

If you would like to avoid having to clean your cat's litter box as much as possible, there are several options available. Automatic litter boxes have self cleaning systems that will sweep the box throughout the day. Your only responsibility would be to change out and replace the container when it is full. California Paws scoops the litter box on each daily cat visit and twice a day when the cat is being boarded. When a cat has a clean litter box, it is unlikely to develop an elimination problem. Always insure that there is 2-3 inches of litter in the box at all time.

If you have multiple cats in your home, you may consider using a multi cat litter formula or having more than one litter box. How often the litter is completely changed depends on the number of cats using it, the type of litter and how soiled it is. If the litter box has a consistent odor even ofter the solids have been scooped and it has been topped off with new litter, it is probably time to change it.

California Paws offers top quality cat sitting in your home or boarding in a home setting. If you or someone you know lives in San Francisco, we hope you will consider using our services. We are the trusted name in cat care, serving San Francisco cats for over 10 years.