How to Keep the Litter Box from Cramping Your Style

Litter boxes may very well be the most unpopular aspect of sharing your life with a cat. Depending on the size of your house and the number of cats, litter box management can be a real challenge.

Fortunately, cats are irresistible enough for this problem to be worth tackling. With a little research and effort, you can keep the litter box from being a sore point in your household. Since cats usually have their own (strong) opinions on the topic, there’s no one-size-fits-all program. It may take a little experimenting to find what works best for your feline friend.

Consider Your Cat’s Needs

Before brainstorming litter box solutions, it’s important to think about the litter box from your cat’s perspective. If you’d like to go in-depth on box requirements, check out our comprehensive guide on the topic here.

Generally, you’ll want to put the box in a low-traffic area that is easily accessible. You’ll also have to consider what kind of box and litter your particular kitty prefers. You might love a specific type of litter, but if your cat doesn’t sign off on it, it’s best to change it quickly. Otherwise, your pet may express that displeasure by “going” outside the box. Once that habit begins, it’s tricky to fix.

Getting Creative

As long as you get that feline stamp of approval, there are a variety of ways to make litter boxes less unpleasant.

Here are some of the best solutions for litter box control:

• Hide the box in furniture. This can be a DIY project or something you purchase. There are boxes hidden in nightstands, bookshelves, chests, and even clay pots.
• Use a deodorizer. Trying to cover up one scent with another can be disastrous, but litter deodorizers can do a solid job of neutralizing odors. You can even use plain ol’ baking soda for this task–just sprinkle it on top of the litter.
• Use a diaper pail. Yes, like you would use for humans. Unless you immediately take the waste outside, it will smell whether or not it’s in the box. There are products customized for cats, or you can use a standard diaper pail.
• Try a new litter box. If your current box makes cleaning a hassle, you’re less likely to clean it as often. Think about a new design, such as one with a sifting pan.
• Use a mat. Tired of your cat tracking litter through the house? Place a litter mat underneath it. This helps with both the house appearance and the overall smell.
• Wash the litter box. It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of cleaning out your litter box and forgetting to actually wash it. You can do this with all kinds of cleaners, but even a basic vinegar scrub will do the job. Don’t forget to replace your box annually, unless you’ve invested in a pricey one.

Hopefully, the above list has given you some new ideas for handling the litter box. While this may not be the most thrilling of projects, tweaking your litter box management is sure to make everyone in your household happy.

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