Cat litter box keeps both of you happy, you have no interaction with the waste and waste odor any more after using a litter box for your kitty because they are effortless to clean while cats also want their place clean all the time.

Different types of litter boxes are available in the market, which can ease you in various ways. Almost every cat parent has many questions in his/her mind about using a litter box for a cat.

How does a cat litter box work?

Litter boxes keep litter in their bottom. Litter may be sand or silica crystals, when a cat uses a litter box, this litter covers the waste and dehydrate it to control the odor. It helps you in keeping your home odor free. You can say it indoor wastes and urine collection box.

How do you get a cat to use a new litter box?

    Cats don’t know how to use the litter box; they learn it by instinct. 

Types of the cat litter box

Different types of litter boxes are available for the cats.

Hooded litter box

An hooded litter box is the most appropriate litter box for the cats. It has many benefits for the cats as well as for you. Most of the cat’s parents prefer hooded/covered litter boxes over the others.

Positive Aspects Of Hooded Litter Box

Privacy

Many cats are shy and want  complete privacy for doing their job, and they don’t like to pee in front of any human or even other cats. Hooded litter boxes are the best solution for such type of shy cats.

Cleanliness

It keeps the house clean and safe from germs. It keeps the wastes and urine inside the litter box and does not allow leakage so, outside of the box as well as floor remain clean.

Odor control

These litter boxes are covered so, they keep the odor inside the litter box and keep your house odor and germ-free.

Negative Aspects Of Hooded Litter Box

Unpleasant for kitty

No doubt, it is uncomfortable for all to smell the cat’s waste, but the cat has 14 times stronger smell sense than us, therefore, she can feel smell more. Hooded litter boxes prevent the spreading of odor, but they keep the odor inside the litter box, if you do not often clean the litter box then it may be unpleasant for the cat to use the box, so she peeps outside instead of inside the box.

Uncomfortable

Hooded litter boxes have limited area in comparison to closed litter boxes. Sometimes a cat cannot turn or move into the litter box, so they feel uncomfortable in the box. Overall it is not a big issue because different types and different sizes are available in hooded litter boxes, but they may be painful for the large size cats.

How to use properly?

No doubt, a hooded litter box is the best choice to keep both of you happy. If you use the litter box properly, then it gives you complete peace of mind. Keep your litter box clean so, your cat will feel comfortable whenever she uses the litter box. Choose the litter box according to the size of your cat.

Open Litter Box/Litter Pan

Open litter boxes are the trays having litter inside them. You can say an open litter box a litter pan. These are mostly suitable for the kittens are small size cats.

Positive Aspects Of Open Litter Box

Suitable for small cats

These litter trays are ideal for small cats such as kittens. Kittens cannot use a covered litter box; it is best to make the little cats routine for using a litter box.

Accessible

It is easily accessible to your cat; it doesn’t need to climb over the box or to find out the entry area. 

Negative Aspects Of Open Litter Box

No privacy

It does not provide any privacy to the cat. Cats often refused to use such type of litter boxes and find another place to do their business, such as under the bed.

No odor control

This type of litter box does not hide the odour of wastes, so; it is very tough for you to clean the litter box. It can make your home smelly.

Clean the waste regularly

You have to clean the litter box daily, because, if you do not clean it regularly cat can create an extra mess for you by kicking the litter box.

Self-cleaning litter box

Self-cleaning litter boxes are the innovative litter boxes which have advanced cleaning system such as disposable container or plastic bags to store the wastes automatically.

Positive Aspects Of Self-Cleaning Litter Box

No scooping

You do not need to scoop the litter any more. This advanced system has many features to scoop automatically; it keeps you away from scooping and gives you complete peace of mind.

Suitable for busy owners

Cat parents who have a busy routine of life and cannot clean the litter box regularly, a self-cleaning litter box is a best choice for them. It keeps you away from the cat wastes and provides many advanced options to collect and dispose of the litter automatically.

Negative Aspects Of Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Costly

It is costly, but its price worth it. If you want to avail this option, it will cost you more. For many people, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a cat litter box. However, it is one of the good things which you buy for your kitty.

Noisy

Sometimes it may be a little bit noisy, which can bother the cats but with the passage of times, cats will learn, how to use this type of litter box.

Top entry litter box

The top entry litter box is recommended for those cats that have bad habits of kicking their litter box. These boxes help you a lot for preventing your cat from creating a mess everywhere.

Positive Aspects Of Top Entry  Litter Box

Keeps the litter inside the box

It keeps your home 99% litter-free by keeping the litter inside the litter box. Litter is in the bottom of this box when a cat uses this box its entry area present at the top of the box collects all the litter from the cat’s paws by the help of grated lid. So it keeps all the litter as well as odour inside the box.

Privacy

It also provides complete privacy to your cat for doing her business. It is suitable for shy cats, especially.

Roomy

This type of litter box is vast and has a broad base so provide spacious space for your pet for doing her business comfortably.

Negative Aspects Of Top Entry  Litter Box

Not suitable for small cats

If you have a little cat, then it is not ideal for her. Top entry litter boxes have a high entry so; cats have to jump over the box. For small cats, it is difficult to jump over the box, so they may pee outside the box instead of using the box.

Self Sifting litter box

Self Sifting litter box provides a convenient and easy cleaning; it makes the cleaning process as easy as 1-2-3. Simply pick the sifting pan, all the litter will fall off in the bottom, leaving wastes clumps behind. Throw these wastes clumps away.

positive aspects of the sifting litter pan

Quick cleaning

It provides a fast and hassle-free cleaning within no time. So, it helps to save your precious time.

Hand-free cleaning

You do not need to scoop or touch the waste with your hand any more. It provides you with a complete hands-free cleaning of the box. Simply sift and throw the scraps away.

Durable

It is mostly made of plastic which is a durable and long-lasting material, and there is no worry of breaking down of the box.

negative aspects of the sifting litter pans

cannot sift the smaller wastes

It is the best type of litter pan, but it can not clean thoroughly if waste is of smaller size, the debris falls off in the bottom with the clean litter and does not provide a proper cleaning.

Disposable litter box

Disposable litter boxes are the type of tables which do not need frequent cleaning of the box. Use it, and when you notice that it is not fine to use any more, dispose of it. You do not need to scoop the litter and can use it during travelling too.

positive aspects of disposable litter box

Scoop-free

You do not need to scoop the litter often if you have a disposable litter box, use it and then throw it away. It saves your time by preventing you from cleaning and scooping of the box daily.

inside a litter box

You can use it inside a litter box. It offers extra protection and odor control for the standard size litter box. it is useful for the elder cats and small kittens

suitable for travelling

It is folded able and compact, so, are ideal for travelling. You can keep it with you hen you are travelling to somewhere.

Negative aspects of the disposable litter box

Easily breaks down

It is made of a fragile material, so are not durable and can be broken down easily. 

Expensive

This type of litter box is a bit pricey too according to its material and durability.

Types of litter used in a litter box

Various types of cat litter are available in the market, which provides you with complete peace of mind by keeping your home odor and germ-free. Days are gone of using sand and ash in the cat litter box, now litters made of a wide variety of material are available whenever you visit your nearby grocery shop.

There are following types of litter that can be used in a cat litter box.

Clumping clay

This type of litter is made of bentonite, which is considered as best absorbent clay and forms solid clumps when a cat urinates. It makes the scooping and cleaning of litter box easy. It has drawbacks that it is dusty, non-biodegradable and heavy to cart around.

Non-clumping clay

It is made of clay other than bentonite. This type of clay absorbs the urine but does not make clumps, so bits of moist litter is left behind when you scoop the litter. It starts to get smell sooner and requires a frequent changing of litter. It is cheaper than the clumping clay and is preferred by most of the cats.

Silica gel crystals

Crystals are made of the silica gel beads similar to the desiccant found in the tiny pouches as a preservative for the foods, medication etc. This crystal litter is highly absorbent and effectively controls odor. These are a little expensive, but they are long-lasting. 

It has drawn back that many cats don’t like crystals on their paws and eat them when cleaning their feet. It may be harmful to the cats when they are consumed in a large amount or on a daily basis.

Recycled paper

It is a type of litter made of recycled paper that is converted into the pellets or granules. Paper has many benefits such as it is dust-free, biodegradable, and highly absorbent. It forms clumps in granules form when a cat urinates.

Pine

Pine litter comes into pallets, granules, or roughly crushed pine. It is also recycled and is made from lumber scraps that are heat-treated to remove toxins, oils and allergen from the wood. It has a pine scent so helps in controlling odors. In pallet form, it needs to replace regularly.

Corn

Corn-based litter is also available in the market. This type of litter is biodegradable, good absorbent and odor control. Corn is a problem ingredient for the pet. Therefore, it is not usually recommended for pets.

Wheat

This type of litter is made from the ground wheat. It is a clumping material ad provides odor control. It is dust-free, anti-tracking and biodegradable. It is also an ingredient problem for the cats, therefore, not often recommended for the pets.

Walnut shells

It is manufactured by crushed walnut shells and is dark brown in color. It has the clumping ability and is an excellent absorbent and odor control material. It is a biodegradable material.

Grass

It is an innovative form of litter. It has good clumping abilities and is biodegradable. It controls the odor and is considered as good absorbent. 

How to set the litter box in the house?

Most of the people prefer to place the litter box outdoor to prevent the odor and mess created by the cat. But if you have not a proper place, then you have to compromise by setting the cat litter box in any corner of the house. There are some tips for the proper set up of the cat litter box.

How to train the cat for using the litter box

You do not need to train the cat that what to do with the litter box; instinct will take over it. You just need to provide an appropriate and acceptable litter box to your kitty.If you want more tips to train the cat for using litter box you can check our guide to train the cat so that it can properly use litter box.

If you move to a new place, then you need to show the cat where the box is.

If the cat is still not using the box?

If the cat is still not using the box and using the bathroom or peeing outside the box, then the first thing that you should do is visit your veterinarian. There is often a medical cause behind when your cat changes her litter box habits. If veterinarian gives a clean bill of health to your cat may have a behavioral problem that must be solved.

Do not punish your cat because punishment is not the solution to everything. You must consult with a professional to teach your kitty best toilet habits.

How to clean the litter box

Cleanliness of the litter box is essential because cats love clean boxes. If you do not clean the box daily or it is smelly, then the cat will refuse to use it. In these situations, the cat may relieve herself on the furniture or rugs. It is the case in which cats create a mess outside the litter box. 

Cleanliness of litter box is also necessary because of that a cat may get sick due to unhygienic condition. Here are some tips to keep your cat’s litter box clean and dust-free.

Cleaning of the litter box daily

Set up a trash can

Set a trash can or a bin near the cat litter box and put the litter in it. It remembers you that you have to dispose of the litter or change the litter of the box. By keeping close to the litter box, you can minimize the risk of scattering litter on the floor.

 Use disposable gloves and wear a mask

It is necessary to wear the gloves and mask whenever you are cleaning the cat litter box; they prevent you from the spread of toxoplasmosis (a bacterial organism that is spread through the cat’s faecal matter). Even the dust particles of litter in the air can irritate the lungs and lead the transmission of toxoplasmosis.

Scoop out solids

Cat waste should be scooped out at least once a day; some experts recommend that if you want a really clean litter box than you must scoop out the debris twice a day. If you do not scoop out the waste, then your cat may refuse to use the litter box even you had changed the litter a few days ago.

You can use a special scooper, available at the pet stores. This scoop has a grated bottom. So you can collect the waste and litter falls through the grates into the litter box.

Scoop out urine clumps

If you are using a clumping litter in your cat’s litter box, then it forms the solid clumps of your cat’s urine. You must scoop out these clumps daily. Sprinkle some baking soda inside the box before putting the litter. It absorbs the odor caused by the cat’s urine.

Replace lost litter

By the scooping of the box daily, there is a chance of losing some litter at a daily basis, therefore topping off the litter after few days can keep the litter box clean and appealing for cats.

Cleaning of cat’s litter box on a weekly basis

Empty out the old litter

With the everyday scooping, you also need to empty the box and scrub it every week completely. Cats owner who has more than one cat often empty the litter box twice a day.

Scrub the litter box

Dry the litter box thoroughly

Before adding new litter, make sure that it is scorched. Litter sticks to the sides of the box, if you use clumping litter without drying the box, then it may make all the litter useless.

You can let the box air dry or can use a towel or napkin to wipe the dry box.

Add baking soda

Before pouring the litter in the box, sprinkle the baking soda in the bottom of the box. It can absorb the waste and urine odor and keeps your home odor free. It is more useful if you are using the non-clumping litter box.

Choose the right litter

Ensure that the litter that you are choosing should be best. Cats usually prefer the clumping litter box over the non-clumping, because it does not stick with the cat’s paws. It is easier for the cat to bury her faecal matter with clumping litter. Clumping litter is very easy to clean. It is more important that you should prefer the choice of your cat. Always use the litter which your cats like more.

Pour the litter according to cat’s choice

When the box is completely dry, pour the litter in the box. Do not add too much litter in the box; it may create a mess on the floor. If you pour insufficient litter, then it may cause an odour problem. Add the litter according to the choice of your cat. 

Some cats only need about 2 inches litters, and then do not pour more than 4 inches.

Why is cat not using the litter box?

Cats often refuse to use the litter box and pee outside the litter box. Before thinking about why your pet is ruining your life, judge the reason behind your cat's behavior. There are different aspects which can irritate the cat while using the litter box.

Size of the litter box

Size of the litter box is very significant; if your cat cannot easily access the litter box, then it may develop negative feelings about the box. Before choosing a litter box, make sure that box should be much larger than your cat. It should have enough space for stretching, turn around and squat without touching the side walls.

If you have a kitten, then you have to consider the height of the litter box too. If the size of the cat is small, but the height of the box is greater than the cat, then the cat does not like the litter box and starts to pee outside instead of in the box.

Litter box location

If you have placed the litter box on the space which is noisy and or has high traffic in the house, then it might be possible that your cat refuses to use the litter box. Most of the cats are shy; they need a private place to do their job, therefore, set the litter box in the private corner of the house 

Cleanliness of the litter box

Cats want their litter box always clean. If the litter box is dirty and is not often cleaned, then the cat does not like to use the box. If the litter is smelly, then cats refused to use the box too. Ensure that the litter box is clean because a clean litter box appeals the cat more than a dirty one.

Sharing

If you have multiple cats and they are sharing a litter box, then it is possible that some cats can refuse to use the litter box because most of the cats do not like sharing. So when multiple cats use a single box, then they often create mess outside the box.

Final verdict

Cat’s litter box is an important thing to have in your house if you are a cat parent. It is great fun to have a beautiful and fluffy cat but to clean her wastes is the toughest task to do. For this purpose, the cat litter box helps you in a very effective way. It ensures complete peace of mind and keeps your home odour free and fresh. Different types of litter boxes are available in the market; you can choose the box according to your kitty’s choice. Make sure that the size and height of the litter box are suitable for your cat. An essential thing for using a cat litter box is that keep the cat litter box always clean. If you ignore the litter box and do not clean it daily, then be ready for cleaning the mess created by the cat everywhere in the house.

FAQ’s

Where should you put the box?

You should put the litter box in the corner, which is easily accessible by the cat and also make sure the complete privacy because cats do not feel comfortable in traffic for doing their business. Avoid placing the box near the heat radiating appliances too.

Does your cat poop outside the litter box?

If your cat is pooping outside the litter box its means that she has some issues with the box. There might be two reasons; first, the size of the litter box is not comfortable for the cat, and second, the box is dirty.