How Often Does A Litter Box Need To Be Cleaned

For over ten years I've worked in rescue. Then, over the years, a lot of feline friends have came in and out of my life. I don't think "litter box cleaning" is necessarily a career. Merely, after all the litter box cleaning I've done, I remember I'd qualify for a management position. That is, if it was a career.

In fact, for a twelvemonth I worked at a local true cat rescue. This true cat rescue housed over 300 cats! Yep, you read that right. Over 300 lovely felines! They had rooms for kittens, adults, seniors, and fifty-fifty cats with special needs. Each private room was likewise equipped with many litter boxes. Information technology was my duty, as an employee at the rescue, to make sure these litter boxes were maintained.

While cleaning the litter boxes in the "special needs" room we had to take precautions. Considering, the cats had diseases, special needs, and such. Litter box cleaning is imperative for whatever cat. It's besides imperative if yous want to leave in peace with your kitty.

Why Routine Litter Box Cleaning Is REALLY Of import

We all know the main reasons why keeping your cat'south litter box clean is important. Who really wants to deal with the olfactory property of a muddy litter box? I know I don't. I'm certain you don't either. But, making certain your home and litter box stay odor gratis isn't the merely reason to keep litter boxes make clean.

Co-ordinate to The Nest there are many reasons yous should proceed a litter box clean. I've listed some of those reasons beneath.

A Dirty Litter Box Is A Danger For Your True cat

By nature, for the nearly role, cats are clean creatures. That's why you'll often see your cat training themselves. Some cats even seize with teeth their nails! Virtually cats are going to be turned off by a dirty litter box.

Plus, a cat who has a litter box that is dirty may agree their urine and/or bowel movements. Because, well, they don't want to stride into a dingy area. Just like it'southward not good for usa to "concord it", it isn't good for them either.

Cats, especially male cats, can develop urinary problems fast. The most mutual issue seems to be a urinary blockage. About of the time this is acquired by crystals or stones. These crystals and stones keep the cat from being able to relieve themselves. As a result, you cease upwards with a ill true cat.

In an unfortunate situation, I personally experienced a cat with a urinary blockage. One of my own, to be exact. My three year old tabby, Willie, adult a urinary blockage. One day he was fine, the side by side day I found him laying in his litter box. Willie couldn't stand. He was meowing softly over and over.

When I plant Willie, the first thing I did was check the color of his gums. His gums were stake white. I knew we were in trouble one time I saw that. I rushed him to the closest veterinary clinic that was open. He was wrapped in his favorite blanket and I was sobbing. They took him dorsum as soon equally I walked in the door.

Not even five minutes after we got to the clinic, the doctor had a diagnosis. Willie had a urinary blockage. He told me they were certain they could save him. Only, I would need to leave him with them over night. Before I left the front desk-bound gave me an judge. The everyman handling cost hoovered right around $400. While the highest estimate was closer to $900.

A couple hours afterwards I dropped Willie off the veterinarian called me. Fifty-fifty after removing the blockage, Iv fluids, and antibiotics we had lost Willie. That'southward how fast our lives turn around.

Now, hither's where I feel guilty. As defended I am to the pet industry, I'thousand human. Information technology'due south in my Deoxyribonucleic acid to make mistakes, I'grand sure. It was in my daily routine to clean Willie'south litter box. But, while it's no excuse, nosotros had a new infant in the house. I was trying to adjust to life. So, for only ii days, Willie went without his litter box beingness inverse.

Since Willie was a very "clean" cat, he didn't want to utilize the litter box. Then, he refused to use the litter box. Which resulted in that tragic afternoon.

This is why I tin't stress enough how important it is to make sure you do litter box cleaning on a regular footing.

An Unclean Litter Box Is Harmful To Humans, Likewise!

Take you lot ever heard of a zoonotic affliction? Well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breaks downwards it down. In brusque, a zoonotic affliction is a illness that animals tin pass to humans. Merely, not only tin we can get these diseases from animals. With zoonotic diseases, we can pass them to animals as well.

There are many ways that zoonotic diseases are passed back and along. But, can you guess the virtually common way these diseases are spread when a cat is infected? If you approximate through feces, and so you're right! Only another reason why litter box cleaning is important.

Actually, information technology is recommended that women who are meaning stay away from litter boxes. That's because cats are susceptible to carrying Toxoplasma gondii. Peculiarly cats who spend time exterior. A pregnant woman infected with Toxoplasmosis may stop upwards miscarrying. Toxoplasmosis infection in pregnant women has too been known to cause birth defects.

The CDC recommends that people who are elderly or have compromised allowed system steer clear of litter boxes.

You may be a first fourth dimension true cat owner, someone who owns many cats, or someone who is thinking about getting a cat.

So, of course you're curious nigh proper litter box cleaning. I already filled y'all in on why information technology'south of import to keep a clean litter box.

Simply, I have to make full you in on what I think are important "litter box guidelines." The nitty gritty of all things litter box.

Litter Box Guidelines

Always have ONE actress litter box per true cat.

Ok, then this one is pretty self explanatory. Pretty much, if you accept 1 cat, you need 2 litter boxes. If y'all have 10 cats, well, you'll need to hire aid. Plus, take room for xx litter boxes in your home.

Keep litter boxes in a depression traffic area.

I don't know nigh you. But, I don't savor the thought of using the bathroom with an audience. Although, equally a mom and a pet possessor, that's impossible. I'd much rather adopt silence over an audience, though. The same goes for your kitty.

Give your cat a private restroom surface area.

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

Cats are finicky creatures. If you find a litter or litter box design that your cat loves, don't ditch information technology.

Sometimes a modify is unavoidable. Such as a favorite litter becomes discontinued.

Some cats who have surgery likewise need a different arrangement too. But, if change is avoidable, keep information technology the aforementioned.

Call up your hygiene is important, too.

Brand sure you wash your hands well before and after you clean any litter box.

Of grade you need the right tools for a pleasant litter box experience.

The get-go tool you'll demand is, without a doubt, a litter box. But, there are other handy litter box tools that will make your life easier, as well.

Must Take Litter Box Tools

Litter Box

Similar I said higher up, this i is a no brainer. There's a lot of options out at that place. And then, getting overwhelmed is likely. Make certain whatsoever option you chose that it's the right pick for your cat and domicile. Make sure that the size is large enough. Only, that information technology will also fit where you plan on putting the box.

The Pet Fusion BetterBox is a great choice for cat owners. It's a larger litter box. Then, in all honesty, it's corking for whatsoever kitty stage. It has a lot of awesome features that volition benefit you lot and your cat.

Pet Fusion BetterBox Features

• Recommended by veterinarians

• Has a not-stick coating

• Fabricated of durable ABS plastic

• Includes a 12 month warranty.

• Anti-microbial

• The not-stick coating provides upwardly to 70% less sticking.

• The spacious curves and design make the litter box inviting.

• Has an easy grip lip. Which makes it perfect for any age.

• All materials have been tested using international safety standards.

Litter

The must have, of class, is your preferred litter. Like I said above, some cats are finicky. And so, you may not find a winner your first become around. But, once you find litter that you and your cat love, stick with it.

Ane recommendation I'd brand is to keep information technology simple. While fragrant litters may seem "inviting," your cat may not honey them.

Cat Litter Mat

I'll be the first to admit that I am fooled by "imitation claims" often. I mean, come on, who doesn't love an advertisement that offers you everything you've been looking for?!

As pet owners, we honey our pets. Merely, nosotros don't ever love their mess. So, a litter box that promises less litter tracking may transport true cat owners into a frenzy.

But, I have to say, I've tried quite a few of these products. Some of them did seem to runway less litter. While some of them merely didn't live upwards to their claim. Having a litter box is messy. Patently and simple.

That's why, even if you happen to own one of these "magical litter boxes," I still suggest a litter mat. These actually make a difference in tracking litter through the house.

If yous're looking for a suggestion, I have one. The Pet Fusion SmartGrip Cat Litter Mat . This mat is stylish and functional. It'southward modern look is likewise quite highly-seasoned.

Pet Fusion SmartGrip Cat Litter Mat Features

• Information technology comes in a jumbo size. So, it covers quite a flake of area.
• The mat has raised bumps on the outer aqueduct. Allowing it to catch litter easily.

• Unlike most mats, the SmartGrip is made out of soft cloth. This allows cats to relax their paws. Plus, it prevents jumping as well.

• Made of FDA grade silicone.

• It's non-toxic.

Litter Box Liners

I'thousand non the just ane who recommends liners equally a must have litter box accessory. The Humane Order of the United States also recommends litter box liners.

They're piece of cake to use. Plus they make litter box cleaning super easy.

Litter Scoop

This is some other one of those must have accessories. Even if you have an automated litter box, I notwithstanding would recommend having a litter scoop bachelor. Well, not merely one. I'd recommend having a few.

If you lot've used a litter scoop earlier you lot know how messy they tin can get. Peculiarly after you just scooped a dirty litter box. Urine and feces tend to get stuck on them. Besides as tons of litter.

Pet Fusion has created a groovy alternative to your everyday litter scoop. The Pet Fusion QuickScoop . The best matter about this litter scoop? It's non-stick! Yep, y'all heard that correct. That is a cat possessor's dream.

Pet Fusion QuickScoop Features

• The blueprint allows this scoop to sit down flush. So, it scoops under the litter.

• It'southward coating is not-stick

• Ensures superior hygiene

• Design provides faster sifting. Allowing you to get the task washed faster.

Are you lot ready to set up your litter box now? If so, at present it's fourth dimension to acquire more about the cleaning process of caring for a litter box.

Litter Box Cleaning Frequency

So, here'south ane of the top questions nosotros get in the pet manufacture. How ofttimes should y'all clean your litter box?! Before I tell you what professionals recommend, I'll fill you lot in on what I have experienced.

Like I stated above, I spent over 10 glorious years in the industry. In the early years, I spent a yr at the local cat rescue. The rescue consisted of two shifts. Each shift scooped litter boxes when they arrived. Plus, scooped them all at the end of their shift. Which means over 300 litter boxes were scooped 4 times a day.

I tin can tell you though, the rescue never smelt like "cat" when you lot walked in. So, the frequency must have worked for the rescue.

Five years of my pet industry career were spent in a veterinary dispensary. At this clinic I was a kennel worker, a veterinarian assistant, and a receptionist.

I didn't scoop litter boxes equally a receptionist. But, I did as a kennel worker and assistant. We usually had anywhere from 10-15 boarding clients. Likewise equally 5 or more hospital patients. If any were cats, their litter boxes were scooped once in the morning and once in the evening.

There are different factors that come into play on when you should exercise a consummate change out.

• How many cats you have in your home.

• How many litter boxes you have in your domicile.

• The type of litter y'all utilise.

If you employ dirt litter, the Humane Society of the The states recommends replacing it twice a week. But, what if you employ clumping litter? Equally long every bit y'all're scooping out the waste matter once a twenty-four hours, you'll simply need to exercise a total switch out every 2-three weeks.

Proper Used Cat Litter Disposal

As tempting as tossing the litter into the kitchen trash can may exist, it's not the all-time selection. We all know how bad a muddied litter box can smell. That'south not a smell you want lingering in your kitchen.

Depending on the type of litter you use, I make different recommendations on disposal.

Clay and/or Clumping Litter

These are probably the almost pop litter types out at that place. Nearly cat owners are familiar with dirt and clumping litter.

Recall: it's recommended that you Ever habiliment a mask when scooping litter. Equally information technology'south probable that dust volition float around in the air. That's not something yous want to inhale.

The recommended disposal of dirt and clumping litter is scooping information technology into baggies. Once scooped into the baggies it'south recommended that the baggies are thrown in an outside trash can.

It'southward non recommended that yous flush dirt or clumping litter.

Newspaper Litter

Using newspaper litter is popular when a cat is declawed. If you ever take to employ newspaper litter, you'll want to know how to dispose of it.

If you're looking for a flushable option, yous have a few. Wheat, corn, and pine litters are the litter types that are deemed to be okay to flush.

Deep Litter Box Cleaning

Is it time to give your cat'south litter box a deep cleaning? If so, you'll want to know how to do it the right way. Proper litter box cleaning equal proper hygiene.

Earlier you lot start deep cleaning, yous want to make sure you have all your tools set up.

Handy Tools for Deep Litter Box Cleaning

• Litter scoop

• Baggies

• Trash bag(south)

• Dish detergent

• H2o hose

• Face up mask

• Disposable gloves

• Disposable sponge

Information technology seems kind of silly to take water hose upward at that place, doesn't information technology? But, Animate being Planet actually recommends the all-time identify to rinse out your litter box is outside. This besides ensures that no unwanted litter goes down your pipes. They likewise recommend only washing your litter box in dish detergent. Besides as allowing your litter box to dry out outside, in the sunshine.

I know that this seems like a lot to take in. But, if you lot read my story above well-nigh my sweet Willie, yous'll understand why information technology'southward necessary. Why, equally a cat owner, you accept to make sure your cat's litter box has proper cleaning. Too as regular cleaning.

Source: https://pet-fusion.com/blogs/petfusion-blog/litter-box-cleaning-how-often-and-are-you-doing-it-the-right-way

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