What Every Cat Owner Should Know About the Litter Box

Caring for your cat's litter box is not only a responsibility you hold as a pet owner, it may prevent or eliminate litter box behavior problems. These are some of the things every cat owner should know about the litter box.

First, choose the right litter for your cat. If you got your feline at a shelter or adoption center it is a good idea to stick with the litter your cat has been using. Do not change the brand of litter your cat uses often. If you have to change the type of litter your cat uses, do it gradually by mixing the new and old litter. This process will help your cat adapt to the change.

Second, make sure you have enough litter boxes in your home for your cat or cats. The general rule is to have one litter box for each cat in your home plus an extra litter box. For instance, if you own two cats, you will need to have three litter boxes spread throughout your home.

Third, ensure that each litter box is located in a relatively quiet and safe location. Your laundry room or bathroom is a good place to keep litter boxes.

Finally, you will want to ensure that your feline's box is clean at all times. Unclean litter boxes are the root of many litter box behavior issues. How you clean your cat's box will depend on what type of litter your cat uses.

If your cat uses a clumping litter, you will want to scoop the box twice a day for best results. Scooping the litter twice a day will help you monitor the amount your cat is eliminating, which can help you recognize changes in his or her health. Oftentimes, when cats urinate more or less often than usual a health problem, such as an infection, may be present. In addition, you will want to wash your feline's box every week or every other week.

Clay litter should ideally be dumped out and replaced with new litter everyday. However, you may be able to scoop the litter twice daily for up to two or three days before you need to empty it completely. If your feline begins urinating or defecating outside the box or runs from the box without covering up his or her business, you need to empty the clay litter every day. As with the clumping litter, clay litter boxes need to be cleaned completely every week