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Prevention Some cats couldn’t care less what kind of box you provide, while others would rather die than use that expensive, gorgeous box you just bought. Here are some helpful hints about what most cats like or don’t like. You should have at least as many litter boxes as you have cats. That way, none of them will ever be prevented from eliminating in the litter box because it’s already occupied. You might also consider placing litter boxes in several locations around the house, so that no one cat can prevent the other cats from getting access. We also recommend that you place at least one litter box on each level of your house. Many cats prefer OPEN BOXES, although there are many cats who will put up with covers. A covered litter box traps odors inside, so it will need to be cleaned more often than an open one. A dirty, covered litter box is to your cat what a portapotty is to you! A covered litter box may make it easier for another cat to lay in wait and ambush the user as she exits the box; on the other hand, a covered litter box may feel more private, and timid cats may prefer it. KEEP THE LITTER BOX CLEAN!!!! A good rule of thumb, is to scoop daily and clean weekly. Some cats may require more frequent cleaning. Do not use strong smelling chemicals or cleaning products when washing the litter box, as doing so may cause your cat to avoid the box. Also, some cleaning products can be toxic to cats. Washing with soap and water should be sufficient. Some cats do not mind having a plastic LINER in the litter box, while others do. Again, you may want to experiment to see if your cat is bothered by a liner in the box. If you do use a liner, make sure it is anchored in place, so it can not easily catch your cat’s claws or be pulled out of place. LOCATION of the litter box is also important. Quiet is best. Choose a place away from daily traffic and appliances that make noise and is relatively private. The ideal box location is a private place that feels safe and has “escape potential”. Cats want to know if someone or something is entering the room, and want somewhere to go quickly if they feel threatened. Be sure the boxes are easily accessible. Have at least one box per floor. In multi-cat households, be aware that some cats guard spaces or boxes as territory, so make sure one cat isn’t preventing another cat access to the box. Research has shown that most cats prefer fine-grained litters, presumably because they have a softer feel. But high-quality, dust-free, clay litters are relatively small-grained and may be perfectly acceptable to your cat. Once you find a litter your cat likes, stick with it. Buying the least expensive litter or the brand that’s on sale any given week could result in your cat not using the litter box. Most cats prefer about an inch and a half of litter, so be sure that you’re not using too much. Also, many cats are put off by the ODOR of scented or deodorant litters. For the same reason, it is not a good idea to place a room deodorizer or air freshener near the litter box. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat, and odors should not really be a problem if you keep the litter box clean. If you find the litter box odor offensive, your cat probably finds it even more offensive and will not want to eliminate there. If you have an asthmatic cat, you should avoid using baking soda and deodorant litters. |
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