Dos and Don'ts

Excellent response to "Cats Like It Clean" ~

"It's true, though, 99% of pet issues start with the parent.  We should all understand and correct what causes the issues and not blame them for doing what comes naturally."  Thank you, Michelle!

Offering your cats an inviting litter box set-up is a small price to pay for happy cats and you'll be happy your cats are happy.  Here are some dos and don'ts when it comes to providing an area the cat will be drawn to rather than choosing the middle of your bed.

• Scoop the litter daily, preferably twice ~  Doing so will keep the odor down and reduce lingering germs.  Remove all solids without allowing the wet clumps to break up.  I keep a small sealable trash can next to ours to empty the waste into each time so smells are contained. 
• Use clumping litter ~  Do not use non-clumping, pelleted, or crystal litter. (Exception: Kittens less than 7-8 weeks old**) ~  It's more inviting if it's comfortable to walk on.  Non-clumping does not allow for complete removal of waste therefore leaving germs behind.  Dumping your cat's waste in the toilet is so last century...
• Unscented litter and no deodorizers on the litter ~  Some cats are turned off by unnatural scents so go with unscented litter and do not spray with disinfectant.  I do use Febreeze on the rug under the litter box to keep things fresh (pick a time that allows it to dry before cats will be walking on it).
• Keep the litter 3 to 4 inches deep ~  This provides them plenty to cover their mess with.  Of course, you have those that scratch all day and still don't cover anything up.  Can't help you out there.
• Offer a large but not hooded litter box ~ If your intent is to keep odor from reaching your nose think again.  It doesn't work.  Been there, done that.  (I talk more about this in 'Which Litter Box?')
• Place in a quiet area ~  It should be away from the activity of the house and dogs so they feel secure while taking care of business.  Mine is in the utility room which is not necessarily the quietest but it works for my cats.  I also keep a gate at the door to keep the dogs out ~ not really convenient on laundry days (well, everyday in this house) but it's better than the bad breath and litter stuck to my dog's mouths.  Just the thought ~ yuck!
• Use a comfortable litter mat, no plastic grass mats ~  There are all kinds of mats available to help catch the litter that gets caught in between the cat's pads and keeps them from tracking it all over the house.  I've tried several and I now use a thin plastic mat under a rug which I can shake out frequently and wash when necessary.  No, it doesn't catch it all but it helps.  Jumping over the gate kind of finishes the job too.
• Make sure there are plenty of boxes available in multi-cat homes ~  Offering more than one litter box if you've got cats that pick on each other gives the less dominate cat a chance to go in private.  Finding place for the second one can be tricky and it's twice the work too.  One can work but why take the chance?  Think before taking in another cat.
• SEEK VETERINARIAN HELP IF YOUR CAT STOPS USING THE LITTER BOX ~  If you have done everything you can and the situation doesn't change please take your cat to the vet.  There are several health issues that can be the cause of a cat not using his litter box.  Most are treatable but if left alone may become more serious, meaning more costly treatment, or even fatal.  Never put off going to the vet.
• Please do not punish the cat for not using the litter box ~  This only makes them mean and they get absolutely nothing out of it except a fear of you.
• Do not put children in charge of maintaining the litter box ~  Choose ways to teach your children responsibility other than cleaning the litter box unless you are going to walk right behind them and make sure they are doing their job.  Maybe they can be in charge of food and water or regular playtime.

**Kittens tend to have diarrhea in their first few weeks and frequently eat the litter.  This makes clumping litter potentially dangerous for those under 7-8 weeks of age.