Litter for Cats
Litter for Cats which we all know are glorious creatures that make for excellent domestic pets. Cat owners love their furry companions and consider them household members. However, along with the rewarding aspects of cat ownership, there are also some unpleasant processes to deal with. One of these is the litter box cleaning and maintenance.
Cats make for wonderful pets due to their hygiene. They relieve themselves of waste products in a designated area which helps pet owners immensely. This specified area is usually a litter box, which needs to be cleaned out after multiple uses by the cat. Since the litter box is indoors, regular cleaning and safe handling is a must since a neglected litter box can become a cesspool of germs that can affect the health of both the cats and the residents of the home.
While taking care of a litter box is not rocket science, some people tend to show complacency in dealing with it, which can lead to health and hygiene issues for everyone. This article has compiled a list of basic dos and don’ts for dealing with your cat’s litter. These basic instructions, once followed, will make the litter-cleaning process easy and safe for the entire household.
The Dos of Handling Your Litter for Cats
These are the best practices you should follow when handling your cat’s litter:
1. Clean The Litter Box At least Once a Day
Do clean the litter box regularly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the number of cats you have and their individual bathroom habits, but most experts recommend cleaning the box at least once a day. This will keep odours at bay and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. Litter boxes come with a scoop that you can easily use to clean the litter box regularly.
2. Use Clumping Litter
This type of cat litter is made of clay and is designed to clump together when wet, making it easy to scoop out and dispose of. Not only that, but it is also beneficial for cats with respiratory issues, as non-clumping litters can aggravate their condition.
3. Use a Litter Box Liner
These liners are placed inside the box and can be easily removed and discarded when the box needs to be cleaned. This will save you time and make the cleaning process less messy. This will also help keep the box clean in the long run since direct exposure to litter can make the box difficult to clean, and it develops odours in the long run.
4. Consider Using an Automatic Litter Box
These boxes use sensors to detect when a cat has used the box and will automatically scoop out the waste. This means less work for you and an always clean litter box for your cat. If you can afford to splurge on a litter box, an automatic litter box will make your life infinitely easier.
5. Place The Litter Box in a Quiet, Out-of-the-Way Location
Cats prefer privacy when they use the bathroom, so placing the box in a secluded spot can make them more comfortable. If the cats are not comfortable using their litter box, they can find corners of your house to relieve themselves, making it a cleaning nightmare.
The Don’ts of Handling Litter for Cats
These are practices you should always avoid when handling your cat’s litter. These actions can result in health complications for you and your cat:
1. Do Not Use Harsh Cleaning Products
While scrubbing the litter box with bleach is tempting, please avoid doing so. Ammonia-based cleaning products can harm your cat and make the litter box smell, which can deter your cat from using it. Instead, use mild detergent and warm water to clean the box.
2. Do Not Use Scented Litter
This litter may mask odours, but they can also be overwhelming for your cat’s sensitive sense of smell. Cats have their natural scent and prefer non-scented litters.
3. Do Not Keep Moving The Litter Box for Cats Around
Once you’ve found a spot where your cat likes to use the box, leave it there. Moving the box can confuse your cat and make it hesitant to use it.
4. Do Not Fill The Litter Box with Too Much Litter for Cats
The litter should be at least two inches deep, but you shouldn’t fill the box so much that it’s overflowing. This can make it difficult for your cat to dig and bury their waste.
5. Do Not Neglect The Litter Box
A dirty litter box can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites and can lead to health issues for your cat. Make sure to clean the box regularly and provide fresh litter as needed.
6. Do Not Flush Clumps of Litter Down The Toilet
Many people wonder how to get rid of litter in the correct way. The only way to properly discard used litter is to throw it in the garbage alongside the other waste produced in your house. Do not try to flush clumps of litter down your toilet.
Your home’s plumbing is designed to withstand only certain amounts and sizes of waste, and litter can block your pipes. This will leave you with a plumbing nightmare to deal with.
Final Thoughts on Litter for Cats
Following these dos and don’ts ensures your cat’s litter box is clean, safe, and comfortable for your feline friend. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your cat happy and healthy and will make the litter-cleaning task less unpleasant.
The key to providing a comfortable litter experience is a good litter box and litter for your cat. Visit our website now to find the best varieties of litter boxes and cat litter in the UK.