If you own a cat, you know they are some of the biggest cleanliness enthusiasts. In fact, cats spend nearly 50% of their day grooming themselves, ensuring they remain spotless. With such high standards, it’s only fair that they expect the same level of care from their humans—especially when it comes to their litter box. After all, a litter box isn’t just a bathroom; it’s a statement. A clean, well-maintained space ensures your cat’s well-being—both physically and mentally.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind to maintain a litter box that meets your cat’s (admittedly high) expectations:
Location: Would you want your bathroom in the middle of your bedroom? Probably not. Your cat feels the same way. While placing the litter box somewhere convenient is important, keeping it out of high-traffic areas (and especially out of your bedroom) is even more crucial. Cats prefer a quiet, private space to do their business, so choose a spot that’s clean, easily accessible, and—most importantly—odor-controlled.
Size: When it comes to litter boxes, size isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity. A box that’s too small can lead to uncomfortable (and messy) situations, while one that’s too enclosed can trap odors. It’s crucial to clean the litter box at-least twice a day, so make sure it’s convenient for you! Opt for a spacious box with high walls to prevent litter scatter, but ensure it's open enough to allow proper ventilation. A happy cat is a clean cat, and a clean cat means a cleaner home for you.
Litter Mat: Cats may be clean creatures, but they’re also skilled at unintentionally spreading litter all over your house. A quality litter mat helps trap those pesky granules before they make their way onto your floors, furniture, or even your bed. Think of it as an extra layer of defense between your home and an unexpected "litter trail."
Litter Type: It’s important to note that litter boxes should always be n+1, where n is the number of cats you have. If you’re willing to invest in two litter boxes, most cats prefer unscented litter. However, having one scented option in a separate location can help with odor control. In some cases, scented litter type could possibly cause respiratory issues, so it’s better to keep that in check as well.
Just be mindful—persistent bad smells could indicate a health issue, so if your cat’s litter box is starting to rival a garbage dump, a trip to the vet might be in order. When it comes to litter depth, some cats enjoy a thick layer, while others prefer less—experiment to see what works best for your feline.
At the end of the day, maintaining a litter box isn’t just about keeping your home fresh; it’s about ensuring your cat’s comfort and health. A little extra effort goes a long way, and your feline companion will surely appreciate the care—probably not with words, but with fewer messes and a whole lot of satisfied purring.
With Great Stink Comes Great Responsibility:
A particularly foul-smelling litter box surprise can sometimes be more than just an unpleasant inconvenience but could also indicate, to a pet parent, underlying health conditions like dietary issues, digestive problems or other severe problems. A cat’s not using the litter box can also indicate medical issues or issues in the environment.
A cat’s diet can affect stool quality, and therefore litter box hygiene too. The pet food a cat eats tends to influence their excretions quite a bit. The right balance of protein, fiber, fats, starches, and essential fatty acids is key to keeping things, well, less pungent.
With Carniwel’s carefully crafted cat food range, you can ensure your feline friend gets a nutritious, well-balanced diet—helping to keep their health in check and your home smelling fresh. Enriched with Antarctic Krill, our Ocean Fish and Krill variant is great for not only a beautiful coat, but also hairball control. This is also a benefit offered by our Fresh Fish and Shrimp with offers easy digestion too! Our cat food provides the essential nutrients your cat needs to thrive, so you can enjoy their company without any unwanted odors.