Cats are naturally clean creatures and given the right tools will naturally use a litterbox with no coaxing. Cats have a natural instinct to use a sandy area to eliminate. They want to dig a hole, eliminate and cover.
Sometimes we run into cats that have issues with eliminating in areas outside the box. As much as we are all told to think outside the box, this is not an area we want to encourage those thoughts. Usually when this happens it is because humans have not read the cats signals and given them what they needed. Cats are taught by litter mates and mom to use a litterbox as early as 3 weeks.
This article will help you and kitty find the tools you need to succeed with litterbox habits whether you are owned by one cat or many. We will provide you information regarding the box, litter, placement in your home and how to keep it clean.
The litterbox: Every cat has it's own idea of what an idea litterbox will be. Your job is to "listen" to kitty and find that box! If you kittens, special needs cats, or older kitties a box with one short side can help them get in and out. A covered box is great to hide odors but does kitty like it?
If you have herd of cats like me, it is a general rule to have one box for each cat plus an extra. Using many different types is a good plan.
If you have a single cat you should have two boxes. If you have male (neutered or unneutered) a box with a higher back area will catch any urine as they stand and go. This way you avoid drips on the floor.
The litter: Again, we choose litter by our preference of smell or odor control. Cats do not like their litter to have an odor. In fact, litter with perfumes or deodorizers can encourage kitty to find another place to eliminate that may be less than appropriate.
There are many kinds of litter on the market these days from corn to wheat to clay. No matter what product you use we recommend the scoopable kind. You will need to try different types to see what kitty prefers. If you are thinking of changing litter, try to transition slowly by mixing them together. Many cats will only use the litter they were trained on. This should be ok with you, since it should be kitty's choice.
Location, Location, Location: The location of your litterbox is as important and the type and product you will use. Here are some "do nots" to keep in mind: Do not place the litterbox in high traffic areas Do not place the litterbox in noisy areas Do not place the litterbox near food or water
Finding a secluded area of the house is the best bet for success. If you are introducing a new cat into the home create a litterbox area in a completely separate area of the home. Many new cats will not go near the resident cats box as they feel it is their territory.
Maintenance: This is simple. Clean the cat box as often as your cat uses it. Cats hate dirty boxes and will tend to find a clean place to go if their litter is not tended too.
Don't be discouraged by this article. There are many choices here and you need to think like your cat. Watch your cat or cats and see their reactions and preferences. Tuning into kitty is an easy way to make litterbox use a breeze.
Sometimes we run into cats that have issues with eliminating in areas outside the box. As much as we are all told to think outside the box, this is not an area we want to encourage those thoughts. Usually when this happens it is because humans have not read the cats signals and given them what they needed. Cats are taught by litter mates and mom to use a litterbox as early as 3 weeks.
This article will help you and kitty find the tools you need to succeed with litterbox habits whether you are owned by one cat or many. We will provide you information regarding the box, litter, placement in your home and how to keep it clean.
The litterbox: Every cat has it's own idea of what an idea litterbox will be. Your job is to "listen" to kitty and find that box! If you kittens, special needs cats, or older kitties a box with one short side can help them get in and out. A covered box is great to hide odors but does kitty like it?
If you have herd of cats like me, it is a general rule to have one box for each cat plus an extra. Using many different types is a good plan.
If you have a single cat you should have two boxes. If you have male (neutered or unneutered) a box with a higher back area will catch any urine as they stand and go. This way you avoid drips on the floor.
The litter: Again, we choose litter by our preference of smell or odor control. Cats do not like their litter to have an odor. In fact, litter with perfumes or deodorizers can encourage kitty to find another place to eliminate that may be less than appropriate.
There are many kinds of litter on the market these days from corn to wheat to clay. No matter what product you use we recommend the scoopable kind. You will need to try different types to see what kitty prefers. If you are thinking of changing litter, try to transition slowly by mixing them together. Many cats will only use the litter they were trained on. This should be ok with you, since it should be kitty's choice.
Location, Location, Location: The location of your litterbox is as important and the type and product you will use. Here are some "do nots" to keep in mind: Do not place the litterbox in high traffic areas Do not place the litterbox in noisy areas Do not place the litterbox near food or water
Finding a secluded area of the house is the best bet for success. If you are introducing a new cat into the home create a litterbox area in a completely separate area of the home. Many new cats will not go near the resident cats box as they feel it is their territory.
Maintenance: This is simple. Clean the cat box as often as your cat uses it. Cats hate dirty boxes and will tend to find a clean place to go if their litter is not tended too.
Don't be discouraged by this article. There are many choices here and you need to think like your cat. Watch your cat or cats and see their reactions and preferences. Tuning into kitty is an easy way to make litterbox use a breeze.
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A cat house pagoda improves the ease and security of your pet. Attractive and durable cat furniture is available on the Internet for pet owners.
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