Use a special scooper, available at most pet stores. These scoopers have a grated bottom, so you can collect solid waste while the surrounding litter falls through the grates and back into the litter box.
Use warm water and a mild detergent, like dish soap, that won’t leave any harsh chemical smells or residue behind. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source You can make an effective cleaning agent by scrubbing baking soda and a little warm water on all inside surfaces of the litter box. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Make sure that you rinse away all of the soap. Your cat may not use the box if it smells like soap or detergent. [14] X Research source Note that any cleaning agents that smell like ammonia or citrus will repel cats. [15] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022. Using a cleaning agent with these smells may result in your cat being reluctant to use the litter box after you’ve cleaned it. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Do not use a clumping litter if you have a kitten. The curious kitten may investigate the litter with their mouth and accidentally swallow some. Clumping litter can cause a dangerous bowel obstruction in your kitten’s intestines, requiring emergency care. The Humane Society cautions against using litter with perfume or deodorizer added to it, as this may irritate your cat or trigger an allergic reaction. If odor is a concern, adding baking soda to the litter box is a safe, odor-absorbing alternative to scented litter. [21] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source
Do not use a clumping litter if you have a kitten. The curious kitten may investigate the litter with their mouth and accidentally swallow some. Clumping litter can cause a dangerous bowel obstruction in your kitten’s intestines, requiring emergency care. The Humane Society cautions against using litter with perfume or deodorizer added to it, as this may irritate your cat or trigger an allergic reaction. If odor is a concern, adding baking soda to the litter box is a safe, odor-absorbing alternative to scented litter. [21] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source
Most cats only need about 2 inches (5. 1 cm) of litter. [25] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Don’t pour more than 4 inches (10 cm) of litter, or your cat may not use the box. [26] X Research source Whatever depth you choose to use, be consistent. Your cat may become stressed or confused if he suddenly has a lot more or less litter than he’s used to. [27] X Research source
If your cat doesn’t like traditional clay litter, try a clumping litter. If he doesn’t like scented litter, try unscented litter. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to figure out your cat’s preferences. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Be sure your cat’s litter box is in a quiet, low-traffic area. If there’s a lot of noise, like in a laundry room, or a lot of traffic coming through, like your home’s living room, your cat may become reluctant to use the litter box. Choose a place that’s quiet and relatively undisturbed, but not so undisturbed that your cat has to make a long journey through the house to get there. [30] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
This is another reason why it’s a good idea to scoop the box on a daily basis. Scooping your cat’s waste allows you to monitor his health, as you’ll see signs of digestive or urinary problems right away and be able to act fast. [34] X Research source
