There are numerous reasons to like our feline companions. Fluffy’s usage of a litterbox to meet her needs is only one of the many aspects that make her such a beautiful and ideal cat. You won’t have to rush home to walk your adorable little pet; she will take care of herself. While installing a litterbox for your feline buddy isn’t difficult, there are a few things to consider. A La Porte, TX veterinarian gives some advice on kitty litterboxes below.
Have the proper number of litterboxes.
One of the most common mistakes individuals make is failing to provide enough litterboxes. Cats prefer not to share the restroom. As a general guideline, you should have one box for each furball, plus at least one more. If your home is multi-story, you should have extra litterboxes on each floor.
What Is the Best Place For A Litterbox?
The classic adage about location, location, location certainly applies here. This is critical for avoiding litterbox issues.
Here are some suggestions:
Privacy: Cats, like us, prefer some peace and quiet while doing their thing. Make sure your pet’s box is in a location that is both convenient and private for her. You don’t want the litterbox to be too visible, nor should it be too remote to be easily accessible.
Access: Your kitty companion’s box should be easy to access. Ideally, you’d like it to be located somewhere with many access ways. This is also beneficial if your pets don’t always get along. That way, if Fluffy is terrified of passing Mittens, she can always go around! (If your pets aren’t getting along, seek guidance from your veterinarian.)
Sanitation: Hopefully, this goes without saying, but litterboxes should never be near your or your pet’s food or water source. The kitchen is not an appropriate location either.
Comfort: Make using the bathroom comfy for your cat. It shouldn’t be in a spot that is hot, cold, drafty, or in direct sunlight.
Peace And Quiet: You also want to ensure that your kitty companion does not find the litterbox to be a frightening environment. Don’t place the litterbox near anything that could produce a loud noise, such as a speaker or doorbell. The washer and dryer may also be noisy enough to shock your kitty friend.
Avoid Overcrowding: Kitties aren’t interested in sharing litter boxes. However, simply adding two together may be insufficient. Fluffy sees that as one giant litterbox.
What If My Cat Stops Using Her Litter Box?
A cat will occasionally develop an aversion to her litterbox. This can be highly aggravating for us humans to deal with! Before you can resolve the issue, you must first understand why your cat is no longer using her box.
The first thing you should do is rule out any medical conditions. If your kitty friend was previously good about using her litterbox but has recently gotten sloppy, a health problem could be the reason. We recommend making an appointment with your vet. If your feline companion gets the thumbs up, you may at least rest assured that you have a fussy cat, not a sick one.
It could also be a question of taste. Have you replaced your litter or litterbox? If this is the case, revert back to the old design. Return to a plain box if you recently installed a hood or switched to a covered one.
Litterbox mishaps might be frustrating, but you should never punish your cat for having an accident. This can actually cause confusion for your cat. If she makes a mistake and goes outside the box, punishing her where she produced the mess may cause her to develop a negative association with the litterbox. This could cause her to get nervous—or much more nervous—about the box. That is the exact opposite of what you want!
How Can I Hide The Litterbox?
Fluffy’s personal powder area will never make a good centerpiece. If your home is big enough, you might be able to fit it in a spare bathroom or utility room. Otherwise, you may wish to take some precautions to disguise it.
A room divider in a corner can also give your space a sophisticated appearance. Just make sure there’s enough space for your cat to enter and exit. Another option is to position an end table above the litterbox. Finding one that is the proper size may be the hard part here. Drape fabric over the table and/or add a pet-friendly plant. (As an added bonus, the plant will filter the air.)
If you own your home—or don’t mind giving up some of your security deposit—you may put the litterbox in the closet and install a kitty door so your pet can come and go as she pleases.
Upcycled furniture is another possibility. A variety of pieces can be used here. End tables with doors are a great option. You can also use a desk, trunk, or chest. Make a cat hole on one end, and use the existing doors for access. Voila!
You can also find items designed expressly to conceal litterboxes. These will cost more than upcycling an existing piece, but they will be more sturdy and appealing, and hopefully last longer.
How Do You Get Rid of Litter Box Odors?
Cleaning is the ultimate solution in this situation. Whatever else you do or don’t do, keeping the litterbox clean is the sole way to keep it from smelling.
However, there are several factors to consider. Liners, deodorizers, air fresheners, and air purifiers can all be useful. Seek advice from your La Porte, TX veterinarian.
Make An Appointment With Our La Porte, TX Pet Hospital
Do you have concerns regarding your cat’s health or care? Contact us at any time! As your La Porte, TX pet hospital, we are here to help!
