Every cat needs a litter box. The only question is, which is the best one for you and your cat?
There are many different types of litter boxes to choose from, and the one you decide on for your cat should be easy to use and clean for you both. You may have a hard time finding the best kitty litter box, but with the three simple categories we describe here, you will have no trouble at all deciding on the correct one.
Each litter box is different in one way or another. Still, they all fit into these categories: The Standard Litter Box, The Assisted Cleaning Litter Box, and The Automatic Litter Box. With each of these, you will be able to choose the one your cat will want to use and the one that is easiest for you to clean.
Every cat needs one, and for the most part, they will know this is where they are meant to use the bathroom. In each category, we will describe what makes each box the best for your kitty and what makes it the right litter box for you as their owner!
The Standard Kitty Litter Box
One of the best features of the standard cat litter box is its simplicity. This litter box is all-around easy to clean and easy for your cat to use. Typically, your cat makes no mistakes around the house with this type of box, and that’s because they know what it is for.
You can find this type of litter box with or without a cover or lid, and they are exactly like its title, the standard litter box that everyone thinks of. The Standard box can be cleaned easily whether you decide to put a cover on it or not.
This type of box is also great because it makes everything simple for your cat. They can do their business and be done. There are no obstacles for your cat to overcome, so they can enter and exit it simply because its sides are not too high, and with a lid or cover, the entrance is easily determined by your cat.
Overall the standard litter box is a great choice if you want something simple for them, are on a budget, or if your cat is not a fan of the more advanced automated litter boxes.
The only drawback to this type of design is the manual scooping and cleaning of soiled litter. Examples of the Standard Litter box can be found below.
Select a picture to view pricing and reviews!
The Self/Assisted Cleaning Litter Box
A newer model of the cat litter box is the self-cleaning or, what we call, an assisted cleaning litter box. We do not use the term “self-cleaning” because this type and design is not completely self-cleaning. There is some cleaning necessary, but this box will do most of the work for you.
Typically, the assisted cleaning litter box is equipped with a grate, grill, or bag system that makes cleaning the soiled litter much easier. The soiled litter is removed or separated with the grate, grill, or bag, and it can then be disposed of without you ever having to scoop the litter out yourself manually.
Assisted cleaning litter boxes come in many different shapes and variations. However, as we have mentioned, the most common types of this box you will find have a grill or bag litter removal system.
The main differences between these litter removal systems are how they remove the litter. With a grill or grate litter system, the soiled kitty litter is run over or removed with a grill or grate, which separates the good litter from the bad and allows you to remove it easily.
This grill or grate typically only needs to be deep cleaned every month or two, so it makes the whole process much easier on you and will leave your cat with fresh, clean litter.
The assisted cleaning boxes with a bag system are a little less thorough, but they are still just as effective and will make cleaning the litter box much easier vs. scooping the litter out manually. Bag litter removal systems utilize bags that allow clean, unsoiled litter to escape through holes in the bag while keeping the soiled litter inside the bag.
This bag can then be discarded, and your cat can enjoy a clean litter box. The only drawback to each of these systems is that some soiled litter may escape the removal system and be cleaned manually every month or so.
Overall the assisted cleaning litter boxes make the process much easier and are a great choice for those looking to get away from a standard box. Examples of the Self/Assisted cleaning litter box can be found below.
Select a picture to view pricing and reviews!
The Automatic Cat Litter Box
Automatic Cat Litter Boxes are becoming a popular type of cat litter box on the market. This design has been around for a short time, but it has become a good option for the cat owner until recently.
With free time decreasing and work time increasing, the need for automation in your home is becoming more and more apparent nowadays. This type is designed to automate the cleaning process for litter boxes.
Most automatic cat litter boxes come with specific litter pellets or litter materials, and they can be washed and re-used by the box itself. It also scoops up the waste and disposes of it without a person ever having to touch it.
Automatic litter boxes run on a schedule that allows the cleaning process to occur while not in use. Some even have pressure-sensitive points. That way, when your cat exits the box, the process begins ensuring your cat will have a fresh litter to use and step into each time.
Typically you will find a type of hose that can be attached to a toilet to dispose of waste or an attachment that will allow waste to be disposed of through a laundry room’s outlet for water from the washing machine. This type of litter box is great for those cat owners who love their cats and want a clean house and area for their cats to use the restroom but do not have the time or desire to clean it.
The automatic litter box is a great choice for any cat owner because it will give you the freedom you need with work or vacations, and you can know your cat is taken care of at all times. Examples of the Automatic litter box can be found below.
Select a picture to view pricing and reviews!
No matter what litter box you choose for your cat, always remember that you are looking for one that they will use. The worst mistake a cat owner can make is buying one that they (the owner) want and will work for them, not one that will work best for their cat.
It is a waste of time and money if you buy the litter box that works for you and not your cat. Always keep in mind this is about making both of your lives easier, not just your own. After all, if your cat does not like the one you choose, you will be losing money on it because your cat won’t use it, and the carpet you’ll have to replace when a mistake can cost more than the extra money you may not want to spend on the litter box.
Always keep your cat first, then find the litter box that will benefit you as well. Don’t forget a kitty litter mat to go with the best kitty litter box for you and your cat! There are also great pieces of furniture that can hide and cover up your cat’s litter box if you’re interested.
FAQs
Do cats prefer a covered litter box?
Felines prefer being safe in an uncovered box so that they can see potential threats and escape them. Covered litter boxes do their job of containing odors. Although this works for people who don’t scoop often enough, it doesn’t work for cats.
Where do you put a litter box in a small apartment?
The best place to put a litter box in a small apartment is a linen closet. Other locations in a small apartment are in the corner of the laundry room, next to the toilet, or in a bathroom cabinet.
How do I keep the litter box from smelling in my house?
To keep the litter box from smelling, make sure to replace the litter at least twice a week. Consider replacing the litter box once a year. Find a brand of litter that smells best to you (and your cat), and keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area.
Can I add baking soda to the cat litter?
Yes, you can add baking soda to the litter. Some people ask if baking soda is safe for cats, and the answer is an unqualified yes! Baking soda is non-toxic, and by mixing a little of it with the litter, you can help absorb pet urine odors. Aug 12, 2018
How do you clean kitty litter off the floor?
To clean kitty litter off the floor, you want to use an enzyme-based product to help remove smells from the area. Once your litter box is done soaking, use a sponge or brush to get the dirt out of any grooves or crevices. Next, apply a disinfectant and wipe down the tray. Finally, don’t forget to wipe down the bottom, which comes into contact with your floors.
Where should I put my cat’s litter box?
Put a cat litter box in a sheltered and easily accessible place. That means you’ll want to avoid high-traffic areas and the space around your cat’s food and water bowls. Remember, it can’t just be a safe place; it has to feel safe to your cat, too.
What cat litter do Vets recommend?
Vets often say that unscented clumping litter is best. However, felines have a strong sense of smell with 67 million scent receptors.
Is Breathing in cat litter bad?
Yes, breathing in cat litter can be bad for your health. Crystalline silica dust, a common ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen”.
Can Cat Litter be stored outside?
Cat litter should not be stored in a ventilated container. Dust from the litter will leak out, and if moister gets in, it will ruin the litter.
Where do you put cat poop after scooping?
Using a litter scoop, put cat poop scooped into a small trash bag and place it in the trash can. To prevent odor and bacterial leakage, double bag your scooped litter. Then, place in an outside trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
Why does my cat smell like poop?
If your cat smells like poop, anal sac expression is the most likely culprit. Cats (and dogs) have two small sac-like glands just inside the anus that produce a sharp-smelling secretion that smells like poop.
What kills the smell of cat spray?
Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let sit for about ten minutes. Next, pour some vinegar on the baking soda and let it fizz for a few seconds before blotting the liquid with a fresh rag.