The litter box is where your cat will defecate and urinate. These are some guidelines you should follow in order to reduce odor and encourage your cat to use this box regularly.
- It is strongly recommended that you purchase an ‘under the bed’ storage container to use for your litter box. This has several advantages. It does not have a cover, which cats prefer. It is large and roomy so cats can get in and dig around and ‘chose’ a spot to use. They are easy to get in and get out. It can be purchased at most department or hardware stores. Hint: You do not need to purchase the ‘cover’ for the box.
- Change the litter frequently. No, this will not be your favourite job but it is a must! If using clumping cat litter scoop twice a day and dump, clean and replace with fresh cat litter twice a week. Yes that’s right twice a week, even if using clumping cat litter. If you are using ‘regular cat litter’ you need to scoop twice a day and dump every other day as opposed to twice weekly with the clumping. This is assuming you are using the’ under the bed’ storage container.
- Be sure that the litter box is kept in a quiet, easily accessible, comfortable place. Don’t have it adjacent to the vacuum cleaner if your cat is terrified of the vacuum.
- Use at least 2 inches deep cat litter.
If your cat is not using the litter box please call us as there are numerous possible causes, some medical, some behavioural. All can be treated! At Tantallon Veterinary Hospital, we can perform a fecal exam on your cat to check for the presence of intestinal parasites.
For more information please visit Pet Education.
