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The Litter Box
The litter box can be plastic, metal or rubber. The plastic and metal pans are generally use and throw away. Although more expensive in the long run, they are much easier to maintain as you just replace everything. Some even come pre-filled with litter The rubber ones are generally use and
clean types. A good heavy one can last many years and are least expensive in the long run, but require frequent cleanings. Auto self cleaning boxes are now available and are very useful for busy folks who don't have the time for daily cleaning (see below). It is important that the size be large enough to allow kitty plenty of room for it to do its
business. Color does not matter. The box should be filled 1/2 to 3/4 full with litter. For cleaning, a large scooper works best, the types that have slots in the spoon bottom for loose litter to fall through. Litter should never be
flushed down the toilet bowl.
Litter Types
Advantages - Disadvantages
Regular Clay Litter
Lowest price litter, must be changed frequently as urine fouls quickly (strong ammonia smell). Some brands come scented or with other odor control methods. Hard to scoop up waste products.
Scoopable Litter
More expensive, but does not need to be changed as often. Easy to scoop waste products as urine will form into a solid "clump" for removal. Just add more litter to keep box properly filled. Also comes in scented versions.
Would recommend a "name" brand.
Paper Litter Several types, most are scoopable
These types are often made out of recycled paper with a special processes. They are effective alternate types of litter. Although many claim to be flushable, I would not recommend flushing.
Shredded paper can be used as litter and is recommended for cats that are "healing" after de-clawing. Not recommended as a full time litter as it is very messy to work with.
Special "PH" Litter These litter types are for cats with
frequent urinary infections. They produce a color when urine is present. The color changes according to the cats urine PH balance, thus indicating when an infection is present or becoming worse and a vet trip is necessary.
Your vet can recommend where to buy.
Automatic Litter Boxes Automatic litter boxes, although expensive, are a great idea... especially for those of us who do not have the time to clean regular boxes daily. Odor is greatly reduced, even with multiple cats. Waste material is collected by a moving rake and is dumped into
a container, which closes to prevent odors. Motion detectors signal when kitty has visited, and after a pre-determined time, activates the rake. Rake stops if kitty returns. The container MUST be emptied when near full or
the odor can be unbearable. Simply empty and reinsert or replace with new one, and your good for another week. Only Premium brands of litter can be used. As effective as manual cleaning, but keeps litter cleaner as it is
scooped every time kitty uses. Use "name" brand machines with at least dual motion detectors. Check around as prices do vary greatly.
-- Unknown
Cats' whiskers have a function similar to those curb feelers which were so common on cars in the 1950's. When a cat looks into a small tunnel or opening in the bushes, the whiskers are used to gauge the dimensions. If the opening doesn't rub the whiskers, the cat's body will fit through.
In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.
~Terry Pratchett
