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There is so much to love about pet ownership. Whether you’re lucky enough to own a cat or a dog, humans get showered with so much love and attention from their furry friends. Not to mention the lifelong companionship.
However, there can be a distinct downside to pet ownership- having to clean up after them. As this is the right thing to do, owners are pretty diligent about cleaning about dog poop on public paths or cleaning out a cat litter box.
In order to expedite the process while still retaining the same level of effectiveness, there are litter box hacks owners can employ. This way, you can spend less time with waste and more time with your pet.
10 litter box hacks
When it comes to cat ownership, cleaning up after your pet isn’t as simple as getting out a doggy bag, picking up their poop and throwing it away. This is largely because cats require a litter box to go to the toilet.
Not only that, cats are extremely fussy when it comes to their litter box. In fact, if everything isn’t just right, cats may refuse to go to the toilet. They may even defecate in inappropriate and downright inconvenient places.
To safeguard against this, there are some litter box hacks that owners can employ. These hacks range from equipment used to placement and quantity of clumping litter. All of which plays a large role in your cat’s comfort levels when partaking in this extremely private activity.
Litter box location is key
Private and territorial creatures, a cat’s litter box needs to reflect these characteristics. With this in mind, place the litter box in a low-traffic area that is traditionally quiet. This will help cats feel comfortable.
Adjust litter box quantity accordingly
In a house with multiple cats, one litter box will not suffice. Rather, it’s important to operate off a rule of one litter box per cat, plus one extra. This way, everyone has their own litter box. The additional box will act as a clean safe haven should you fall behind with your cleaning duties.
Be careful with the litter box
Too much kitty litter and the whole box could be in jeopardy. This is because of two factors. Firstly, cats will simply refuse to go in a litter box where there is too much clumping litter. Secondly, too much litter will make spillages the rule rather than the exception.
Opt for a stainless steel container
Many cat litter boxes are made out of plastic. However, this can be toxic to both humans and cats. This is especially prudent when you consider that plastic traps bacteria and cat litter is, of course, full of bacteria. To provide a safe environment, opt for a stainless steel litter box.
Purchase metal scoopers for daily cleaning
Cat litter boxes will need to be scooped daily. However, scooping with a plastic litter scoop can be both off putting and cause extra clean up. To ensure an effective clean first time, purchase a metal scooper.
Use a litter mat
Cats are known for their cleanliness. However, sometimes it's inevitable that they will track litter out of the box. To help combat this, use a litter mat. Every once and a while, lift the mat up and you can easily dump the collected litter back into the box without mess or hassle.
Naturally clumping litter is king
Cats are very sensitive to smells and harsh ingredients. With this in mind, naturally clumping litter is king of the litter box as it is unscented. For humans, it has the added benefit of making it easier to spot and clean up messes.
Think about disposable liners
To make disposal easier, think about purchasing and installing disposable liners. Of no consequence to cats, these liners will actually make the lives of owners easier. Purchase the variety with drawstrings so that you can lift the liner and litter out of the box without incident.
DIY cat litter for fussy cats
Another great litter box hack is to make your own cat litter. This is especially helpful if you have a particularly fussy cat. DIY cat litter is as simple as mixing together some old newspapers, non scented soap and baking soda.
Schedule a deep clean
To help keep the litter box fresh and smelling nicely, deep cleans are essential. The hack here is to use baking soda during the cleaning process. A gentle but powerful cleaner, baking soda can reach crevices in the litter box, absorbing odours. Aim to deep clean every two to three weeks.
The importance of a clean litter box
A clean litter box is of great importance to humans. As an entity that more likely than not resides within a home, a fresh smelling litter box is paramount. However, a clean litter box is substantially more important for cats.
As finicky creatures who value being clean, a litter box can make or break a cat’s day. A dirty or inappropriately placed litter box can cause everything from unused bladders to accidents within the home.
As such, it’s important as owners that we try our best with litter boxes. With some simple hacks, everything relating to litter boxes, from placement to maintenance, is made exponentially easier.