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Cat Litter Box -
Choosing the right litter box for your cat
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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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