Written By: Haley Bickelhaupt – Agricultural Communications Student at University of Illinois and Member of National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Please note, I received compensation in exchange for this blog post – Haley Bickelhaupt – Agricultural Communications Student at University of Illinois and Member of National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Let’s be honest — nobody likes thinking about their cat’s litterbox. It’s not exactly the most pleasant part of taking care of a cat, but good litterbox maintenance is so important for your cat’s wellbeing. And if we’re being real, it improves your life when the litterbox has as minimal a presence as possible. To provide the best litterbox experience for your cat, Pet Lovers should consider things like the different kinds of litters and boxes, the environment you keep the box in, and most importantly, your cat’s personality. We delve into all these topics to provide advice to make sure your cat is comfortable when it’s time to go. Types of Litters There is a wide range of both cat litter brands and materials to select from. Clay litter is a popular option and is widely available, but a couple potential downsides are that clay litter may create dust in your home and it can be accidentally ingested by kittens, which would be bad for their health. With that in mind, some other available litter materials include pin, wheat, paper and silica. These offer Pet Lovers a dust-free choice that is also environmentally friendly. If these benefits align with your priorities and home conditions, they’re great options for you and your cat. What is the best kind of litter box? Just like humans, cats want to be as comfortable as possible when its time to go to the bathroom. For cats, that means finding the perfect box for them to use. You can spend a lot of money or just find an inexpensive option (not that dissimilar from toilets, really), but take heart — there are good options in every price range. Some available options include a box with high sides (so the litter is easier to dump and handle) and there are even boxes with hoods for cats who prefer their privacy. These have the added benefit of keeping the smells in, so you don’t have to live with them. It may take some experimentation to find the right box for your cat, so patience is a must. But it’s worth it when they find the right fit! Where should the litter box go? Now that you have the perfect box and litter for your pet, it is now time to pick the spot to set everything up. Just like humans and our bathrooms, cats prefer their litter box in a close, convenient area. Pet Lovers may have a tendency to tuck the litterbox away in a corner, which is fine, but make sure it’s a place your cat is familiar with and can easily locate. The more private and quieter the location, the better for your cat. What to do when your cat stops using the litterbox While it is definitely inconvenient if your cat suddenly stops using their litterbox, there is no reason for immediate concern — there are lots of reasons this could be happening. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that the litterbox stinks. Cats are sensitive to smells, so be sure you’re scooping the box every day and keeping it clean. Another reason for the behavior change could be the cat isn’t happy with the size of the litterbox. Try a different box (preferably a larger one) and see if they’re more comfortable. If your cat still isn’t using the litterbox, then making an appointment with your veterinarian would be prudent. By taking the time and making the effort to give your cat the best possible experience when they need the litterbox, you’re not only being responsible, but making your own life better. We hope these tips help!
