By the end of this article, you should have
gained enough new knowledge on this subject to feel like a
pro. Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which
they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends
can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that
they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat
suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is
going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own
convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his
budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.
Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your
cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that
the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for
use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees
success.
In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that
must be considered:
Size and Depth:
This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in
the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the
home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than
the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three
inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand,
those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area
of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.
Material of the Box:
Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material
for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in
stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can
prove to be a breeze.
Ease of Cleaning:
Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple
design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop
or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the
box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk
broom and a dust pan always at hand.
Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat
litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have
hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also
tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.
There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in
the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the
cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning
from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied
of urine and faeces and sometimes the rake does not get every
bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for
scooping them out.
Style and Features:
There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for
cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will
be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some
basic designs for cat litter boxes:
-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which
is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths,
sizes and colours. This design is preferred by most cats. An
innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners
in place by securing them under the rim.
-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter
boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans
except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the
box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves
as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also
positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its
job with ease and comfort. While they provide
"privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly
because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type
of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some
variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter
which aids in trapping odours. For this type of cat box, it is
recommended that you choose one that is large enough to
accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily manoeuvred
for easy cleaning, and large vents.
-Designer boxes. Also known as "hidden boxes",
this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece
or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be
the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an
accent for the room in which it is located. Although the
containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs
which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more
ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good
ventilation.
-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are
available in the market but the basic model consists of two
rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.
-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end
litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the
self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left
the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works
its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a
waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally
clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.
Cost:
The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the
designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most
expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one
year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before
actually buying a unit.
Appealing to the Cat:
Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered
boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like but
some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes
may find it attractive to put them in places where they will
be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the
fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place
which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning
cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since
they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out
by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually
happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again.
Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and
may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the
owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he
should not insist on the cat using it. Though this
experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to
find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its
preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to
both owner and pet, and the carpet as well! We hope that you
finished reading this article having learned at least a little
bit of new information. If so, then we have done our job.
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