Choosing a Cat Litter Box | Dog & Cat Health, Wellness, Products and Breed Information

Choosing a Cat Litter Box
| Print | April 9, 2009 4:11 PM

Litter boxes aren't necessarily as simple as they seem. With so many options, how do you choose? Here are three most common types of litter boxes:

• The simplest option is a rectangular plastic box - you clean it, replace the litter, and you're done.

• A fancier version has a top that helps contain any smell, and makes the litter box look a bit like a carrying case.

• The more high-tech and more expensive are self-cleaning litter boxes, which automatically rake clumped litter into a waste drawer.

While cats are generally clean animals, they do have a tendency to scatter litter outside the box when they bury their business. Keeping the litter pan inside a larger shallow cardboard box can take care of this. A rug beneath the box will also help keep cats from tracking litter dust through the house.

Households with more than one cat either require more than one litter box or daily cleaning. Some owners use plastic litter-box liners to make this chore easier, although cats can rip them. For effective litter box cleaning:

• All litter boxes need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent illness.

• While some people flush solid matter, septic tanks do not handle clay litter pieces well. Instead, put the litter in a garbage bag and dispose of it with the rest of your trash.

• To refresh the entire box, dispose of litter inside two securely tied plastic bags to keep disease from spreading to humans. Experts recommend using bleach to clean - pine oil based cleaners are toxic to cats.

Keeping your cat's litter box clean and sanitary is the first step is keeping your cat healthy!