Ultimate Guide to Cat Litter Boxes, Litter, and Accessories
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Keeping a cat happy and healthy is not always easy, especially if you are limited with personal space, natural light, or environmental stimulation for your cat.
That’s why many cat owners find themselves scrambling to purchase everything from a premium brand of cat food to suitable furniture for their feline friends.
The most essential piece of cat-friendly furniture that can make both of your lives easier – is the cat litter box. It’s an obvious necessity, but there are so many different types available, options for litter, and even high-tech accessories, that it can be hard to know where to start.
In this Ultimate Guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before choosing a litter box, litter, and litter box accessories for your cat!
- Why is the Right Litter Box So Important?
- FIRST – PICK A LITTER BOX
- The Different Types of Cat Litter Boxes
- "I Don't Wanna Clean the Litter Box!"
- Litter-Robot Review: Features
- SECOND – PICK YOUR LITTER
- THIRD – PICK YOUR LITTER BOX ACCESSORIES
- Cat Litter Box Accessories You’ll Want to Have!
- Scooping and Cleaning: Why It’s Important?
- 'I Can't Take the Smell of the Litter Box Waste!"
- The Litter Genie May Be The Answer!
- FOURTH – ADDRESS PROBLEMS QUICKLY
- How to Avoid Having Common Litter Box Problems in the First Place
- Where to Place the Litter Box?
- Common Questions
- CONCLUSION
Why is the Right Litter Box So Important?
~LesbiGreen.com
Buying ANY litter box costs money.
Buying JUST ANY litter box may cost you even more money, time, damage to your home, and negatively impact the health of you and your cat.
Cats are clean creatures, and keeping their litter box area clean and fresh makes sense, right?
The cats all say… of course!
But there are other reasons to make sure you have the right litter box for your cat.
Money: Trial and error situations with litter boxes, litter, and accessories will cost you time and money. Doing just a bit of research ahead of time on your options and choosing wisely will minimize the initial investment you will need to make in your cat’s toilet.
Damage: Litter boxes that are not ideal for the cats using them become unused and your floors, furniture, clothing, or sentimental items may be damaged or destroyed.
Dr / Vet Visits: Poor bathroom habits in cats can cause health issues for both you and your cat.
Finding the right litter box, litter, and litter box accessories for your cat can go a long way toward keeping them happy, healthy, and safe.
Let’s Begin!
FIRST – PICK A LITTER BOX
The Different Types of Cat Litter Boxes
There are four main types of litter boxes you can consider for your cat:
- Open-Top
- Hooded Top
- Sifting
- Automatic
Open Top
Open-Top litter boxes are completely open, and there is no top to keep the litter smell inside once your cat has done their business. They are often a bit smaller than hooded litter boxes, which can make them better for smaller cats. They may also be good if you need several for multiple cats that like to claim their own space.
Hooded Top
Hooded litter boxes are suitable for cats that like to keep things tidy and private. They have a small lid on the top that will keep the litter and litter smell inside the box when your cat leaves the box, meaning you won’t have to clean up around the box as often.
Hooded litter boxes are often spacious enough to accommodate larger cats and multiple cats, and some come with an inside bag system for easy waste disposal. Others may include charcoal or another natural type of filter to help keep odors inside.
Sifting
Sifting litter boxes are designed to help with cleaning the litter box. One or more sifting trays sit inside the litter box. Once your cat is done doing their business, lifting the sifting trays separates clumped waste away from the unused litter and then can be dumped into a waste can. This works just like an Open Top or Hooded litter box, but instead of using the handheld scoop to dig for waste, the sifting trays sift the entire box all at once.
Automatic
Automatic litter boxes are best for cats that may have trouble with a regular litter box and any build-up of waste. Some of these litter boxes can sense when your cat has left the box and activate a timer or trapdoor to keep litter inside the box as it sifts the litter. Automatic litter boxes are often self-cleaning, which makes them great for busy cat owners or owners with more than one cat.
Still unsure which kind of litter box is right for you and your cat?
Choosing a Litter Box and Litter For Your Cat. Advice to get started!
“I Don’t Wanna Clean the Litter Box!”
We understand! Scooping and cleaning the litter box is likely the least favorite chore of cat ownership. In all of our years of being blessed with cats in our lives, we’ve scooped every kind of litter box, tried almost every kind of litter, went through so many cleaners, and even tried toilet training our cats!
Many years ago when sorting litter boxes came onto the market we were thrilled! Until we realized we were touching the litter box now even more than we did when we were simply scooping.
Semi-automatic cleaning litter boxes came onto the market and we thought – this is it! An internal sifting system, and a catch tray for the waste, and you only need to touch just the outside of the unit so no more hands inside the litter box! In the end, some of these units were significantly more surface space overall with tightly designed sifting systems – and that meant MORE cleaning or potential for a big mess to clean up if a cat wasn’t feeling well.
Then – Automatic Litter Boxes with self-cleaning technology arrived. We’ve been in litter bliss ever since.
There are several automatic litter box options on the market, but we have our favorite!
Litter-Robot
The Litter-Robot is one of the most advanced and high-tech litter boxes on the market. It features a self-cleaning function that removes all waste from the box every time your cat uses it. There is also an optional OdorTrap™ pack that uses plant-based oils to attract, attach to, and destroy odor molecules to eliminate all odors from the box. The Litter-Robot 4 can be controlled remotely via its new app called Whisker.
Litter-Robot Review: Features
– Self-Cleaning – The Litter-Robot uses a rotating mechanism that sifts the clumps of litter and the waste out of the remaining litter and deposits it into a drawer below. You can set the timer for when the cleaning cycle should take place after your cat exits, so your cat won’t be disturbed by the noise.
– Auto-Adjusting – The Litter-Robot features sensors that detect when your cat has used the box and then automatically adjusts the height of the conveyor belt that sifts the litter. This ensures that no matter how big or small your cat is, they’ll be able to do their business comfortably.
– Remotely Operated – You can control the Litter-Robot through a mobile app and set it to work at any time you want. If you want to keep your cat’s litter box clean but are out of the house for long hours, the Litter-Robot can be set to work while you’re away.
– Wi-Fi Enabled – The Litter-Robot is Wi-Fi enabled and comes with a handy app that you can use to start and stop the cleaning process, check the status of the system, and set timers for cleaning.
– OdorTrap™ Pod & Packs – The Litter-Robot’s new technology uses plant-based oils to attract, attach to, and destroy odor molecules to eliminate all odors from the box.
– Dispose of Waste – The Litter-Robot comes with waste drawer liners that fit nicely and are easy to tie up when the drawer is full.
Considering the Litter-Robot?
Litter-Robot Review: Is This Litter Box System Worth the Price?
The Litter-Robot is one of the top automatic litter box systems on the market right now. Handling the day-to-day scooping, placing the waste in an easy collection bucket, more efficient use of litter (and less impact on the environment), and a cleaner litter box and home for you and your cat – we feel it’s well worth the investment.
Once you’ve picked your litter box…
SECOND – PICK YOUR LITTER
Your litter choice depends on two main factors: the type of litter box you choose and something your cat will like.
Four Main Types of Litter
Clumping Litter
Example: World’s Best Cat Litter – LesbiGreen Pick!
Unscented Litter
Example: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra
Powdered Litter
Example: Fresh Step Lightweight
Non-Clumping Litter
Example: Fresh News
There are many different types of litter that will work with different kinds of litter boxes.
Clumping litter will work with most clumping litter boxes, as well as rakeable litter boxes.
Scoopable litter will work with most scoopable litter boxes.
There are even special litter boxes that will work with both types of litter.
While there are many different types of litter, there are only a few that are the best for cats. The best litter for your cat will be something that they will use and enjoy. Something that your cat will feel safe using.
Additional Litter Considerations
- Using low-quality litter can also cause problems. Some litter can be too dusty, which can make your cat sneeze and prevent them from wanting to use the litter box.
- Other litter can be too coarse, which can make it uncomfortable for your cat to dig once they have finished going potty.
- Still, other litters may not be easy to clean out of the box itself leaving behind extra waste and smell.
Ultimately, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations on the best type of litter for your litter box.
With your litter box and litter in mind…
THIRD – PICK YOUR LITTER BOX ACCESSORIES
Cat Litter Box Accessories You’ll Want to Have!
There are plenty of different types of litter boxes and litter for cats out there, but that’s not all you’ll need. You’ll also need to choose which of the following accessories you want to have on hand:
Scoop: Ideally you’ll clean your cat’s litter box out once a day. You can purchase scoops that work for your litter box and litter type.
Mat: A litter box mat can be a mat specially made for litter boxes, or it can even be a simple rug. You’ll want something that you can either wash off outside, in a utility tub or something you can put into the washing machine.
Cleaning, Deodorizers, and Filters: You will also want to make sure you have the cleaning supplies your litter box recommends, such as an antibacterial cleaner or cleaning wipes. Some hooded litter boxes, semi-automatic, and automatic litter boxes have a filter that helps reduce bacteria smells in the air. Be sure to read the instructions of the litter box you choose for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products, deodorizers, or filters so you don’t cause unintended damage to your litter box or impact the health of you and your cat.
Litter Box Liners: Litter box liners are generally garbage bag-type bags that fit over your litter box, or into the waste collection area of semi-automatic and automatic litter boxes.
Learn more about the different cat litter box accessories you’ll want to consider for your cat.
Cat Litter Box Accessories You’ll Want To Have!
Scooping and Cleaning: Why It’s Important?
We’ve discussed how you will want to clean your cat’s litter box often, but you may be wondering why it’s so important to clean it properly. First, a clean litter box is essential for your cat’s health. If a litter box is not cleaned properly, it can become a hotbed for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
Bacteria in a litter box can lead to infections, worms, and even kidney disease.
A dirty litter box can also stress out your cat, making them less likely to use the box. A clean litter box can also help with your cat’s training.
Cats like clean spaces, and if they have to step into a dirty, bacteria-filled litter box, they may become less likely to use it.
‘I Can’t Take the Smell of the Litter Box Waste!”
Great litter box.
Carefully selected litter.
Ideal scoop.
Green cleaners and deodorizers.
Waste bag liner.
BUT THE WASTE BIN STILL SMELLS!
The Litter Genie May Be The Answer!
Many people use a small human trash can or the empty plastic tubs that cat litter comes in to store their waste between disposals. These containers are not designed to hold back the smell of cat poop and the ammonia smell of cat urine. With just a few pieces of waste in those bins, lid tightly sealed, the smells will begin to leech out and it won’t smell as though you’ve cleaned your litter box at all.
The Litter Genie is fantastic at reducing the odor of your litter box.
Those who want to minimize the smell of their litter box waste can benefit from the Litter Genie litter box accessory.
You can use the Litter Genie to eliminate the litter box mess. Scoop up the litter as your cat uses the box and deposit it in the canister.
The Litter Genie’s seal prevents odors from escaping into your room through the front slider.
Disposal is easy when using the LItter Genie bags provided for the system.
The Litter Genie is wonderful for reducing the odor of your cat litter in your home.
Now that you’re all set up…
FOURTH – ADDRESS PROBLEMS QUICKLY
How to Avoid Having Common Litter Box Problems in the First Place
Plan for Multiple Litter Boxes
Experts often state the “one-plus-one” rule for litter boxes, meaning one litter box per cat, plus one more. They also often suggest litter boxes on each floor of your home. This is the best way to ensure your cat has access to a litter box when they need it.
Clean the Litter Box on a Regular Schedule
Once a day is a minimum amount you should plan on cleaning your cat’s litter box. Once a week the litter box should be fully emptied and cleaned with an appropriate cleaner.
A clean litter box means your cat is simply more likely to use it.
Choose the Right Kind of Litter for Your Litter Box and Your Cat
A litter that doesn’t work with the kind of litter box you’ve chosen is just going to create a bigger mess. Litter that your cat doesn’t like the smell, texture, or dust may mean they simply won’t use that litter box and your potted plants or closet will likely be their next destination to do their business.
Creating the Ideal Space with Light
Cats are nocturnal and like to be more active at night. Lighting near your litter box that is either too bright or too dim may impact your cat’s bathroom habits. A motion light added near the litter box during nighttime may make the cat feel safer while going potty.
Satisfied Cats are Well-Behaved Cats
Making sure your feline friends get enough food, stimulation and exercise is important to make sure they are on their best behavior. Bored cats will often find ways to entertain themselves and this is often at the expense of your possessions or the cleanliness of their litter box. This is often something most found with kittens, but bored older cats may play in the litter box as well.
Healthy Cats Usually Don’t Have Litter Box Problems
Regular vet visits, healthy food, and monitoring stool are ways you can keep on top of your cat’s health to avoid having litter box problems.
Where to Place the Litter Box?
Litter boxes should always be placed in a quiet, low-traffic area. Your cat will appreciate being removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and you’ll appreciate not having a box in your kitchen or living room. A basement or a side room that is out of the way will work perfectly.
Common Questions
We’ve talked about how to prevent litter box problems, but let’s quickly go over some of the most common questions you should ask yourself if your cat is having litter box problems:
Is the box clean?
Is the box big enough?
Is the box accessible enough?
Can my cat step into the box?
Is it in a quiet area?
Too much light?
Not enough light?
Not the right kind of light?
A new person in the house?
Some part of their routine is disrupted?
Are there too many cats in the house?
Not enough litter boxes?
Too much litter?
Not enough litter?
Wrong kind of litter?
A health issue?
Review our guide on 7 Ways To Deal With Litter Box Problems if you have more questions.
CONCLUSION
The fun and joy of having a cat in your home should not be overshadowed by stressful situations around the litter box. Taking the time to understand your litter box options, the litter that works with them, and the necessary accessories to keep your litter box clean, deodorized, and safe for your cat means you have more time to snuggle and enjoy your cat.
LesbiGreen!
At LesbiGreen.com we’re always looking for ways to be mindful of our community, the earth’s environment, and our impact on it. Some cat litter boxes you choose will have negative impacts for 1,000 years or more. We’ll point out the LesbiGreen picks but remember – a cat’s litter box can be a container and litter that you buy, scoop, and clean — or it may end up being your clothes closet if your cat doesn’t like it, or it’s not cleaned often enough. Please choose the best litter box for you and your cat.
Download our Litter Box Cleaning Calendar!
We know it can be hard to remember to clean the litter box every day, so we made a cleaning calendar that you can print out and use to keep track.
