[post_thumbnail]

Cat Litter Box Supplies

 
kitten names image

A great name for this Tuxedo kitten would be "Tux"

For the new cat owner, litter training their cat or kitten can seem like an impossible task. Many wonder just how to accomplish this seemingly daunting feat. As a veteran cat owner going on 42 years, I’m here to assure you that cat litter training is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you too can train your kitten to use it’s litter box.

Cat Litter Training – Step 1 – Buying your Equipment

  The first important step is to choose a good cat litter box and brand of cat litter.  Your kitten is not going to stay tiny – be sure to buy a cat litter box that will accomodate her size as she grows to adulthood.  Be sure to get a cat litter box that is  large  enough for a fully grown  cat to turn around in, and deep enough to prevent  cat litter  from being thrown  across the room, but shallow enough for your kitten to get in with ease. Most quality cat litter boxes have an entrance area that is lower than the rest of the box sides. You can spend a little on a simple plastic box with no special features – or spend a lot more on a fancy self-cleaning cat litter box. Whatever you choose will certainly work for any kitten. The next crucial requirement is a supply of quality cat litter.  There are many varieties of cat litter on the market, from clay to wheat to silicone.  The choice is up to you, and you may need to experiment to find the brand that works best for your kitty . I have found that the best cat litter for my money is called “Kitty Scoop”. It’s a clumping clay cat litter with a built in deodorizer.  It smells great, and I’ve yet to have a cat dislike it. Once you find the cat litter that you prefer, be sure to stick to the same brand and type at all times – switching cat litter can have messy results.  Even worse, mixing two different brands of cat litter in the same box can spell disaster, and leave you with a litter box filled with a goopy mixture of unpleasantness.

The last item on your list is a sturdy cat litter scoop. This inexpensive item looks a bit like a slatted spoon crossed with a child’s plastic shovel.  You’ll need this handy dandy device for – you guessed it – digging for treasure in your cat’s litter box. Look for one that is large and sturdy for best results. You’ll find it in the same area as the litter and litter boxes at most pet stores.

Cat Litter Training – Step 2 – Getting Kitty Used to The Box

With the litter box ready to go, it’s time to get kitty to go! Just gently place your kitten in the box on top of the litter and let her sniff and dig around.  If she doesn’t seem to know what to do, you can help her by gently moving her paws in a digging motion in the litter.

Cats instinctively bury their bathroom deposits, so most kittens will know what to do with little help. just make sure your kitten knows where the sand box is, and always has access to it. If your kitten has an accident, don’t yell at  her – just drop her in her box and reminder her of what to do there. Your kitten will be using the litter box in no time.

Cat Litter Training – Step 3  – Placement of Litter Box

Another important consideration in kitten litter training is the location of your cat’s litter box . Be sure to put your cat litter box in a discreet, quiet and private area. Cats are modest creatures by nature; they don’t just stop and drop like dogs.  Your kitty  will like a spot  that is safe and quiet – away from kids, pets and other household noise and commotion. A quiet spot  in the basement usually works well. If you’re pressed for space in a small apartment, the bathroom or a  spot in  your storage area works well. Just make sure your kitten always has access to her box.

Cat Litter Training – Step 3 – Maintaining Your Litter Box

I can’t stress  this enough: “CLEAN YOUR LITTER BOX !” :-) Be sure to regularly clean your kitten’s litter box . Remember that little shovel we talked about above? Well it’s time to make use of it.  If you liked digging in the sand as a child, you’re in for a daily treat. Every day, you need to remove any deposits from your cats litter box.  The beauty of clumping cat litter is that it makes this task much easier.  Clumping litter turns lumps of yuck into neat little balls of clay, making it way  easier to remove from the box. Just dig in  and place any lumps into a double-plastic bag. I use plastic bags from the grocery store, but you can also use those deodorized dog poop bags for this purpose. If you double bag your cat litter deposits and securely tie them, then I think it’s fine to just put them in the trash. Always wash your hands very well after cleaning your cat’s litter box.

NOTE: If you are pregant or nursing, it’s best to get your husband or better half to perform this task. Small children should not be allowed access to the litter box either.

To help keep the area clean, you can buy a special rubber mat that helps clear kitty’s paws of litter when she exits the box.  You’ll also want to keep a broom and dustpan (or electric broom) nearby so that you can sweep up any errant bits of litter from the floor .

When Cat Litter Training Doesn’t Work

What happens when your cat or kitten refuses to use the litter box, and you have tried everything detailed above?

  • Kitty may not like the brand of cat litter you have chosen. Try a different brand (but don’t mix them together!). Each cat is different, and many cats don’t enjoy strong smells, (and prefer to pee in your closet :-(   ). Often a simple change in litter brand will do the trick .
  • Try putting the litter box in a different location . Your cat may find the current location objectionable ; it might be drafty, near a strange noise, or near commotion of some kind. Make sure it’s in  a quiet, safe and calm place.
  • Your kitten or cat may not like the litter box. It may be too small  for your cat to move around in, or the entrance may be too high for kitten to easily access .
  • Remember what I said about keeping it clean? Are you?? Cats are fastidious creatures, and most will object to a dirty or smelly litter box.  Be sure to clean deposits daily (or twice a day if your cat is really finicky about it). Completely empty your litter box every month and put in  fresh cat litter.
  • Cats can develop disorders that make it difficult for them to make it to the litter box, or make them prefer to pee elsewhere (like on a pile of freshly washed clothes !) If everything you have tried has failed , take your cat or kitten to see the veterinarian . Your cat could have a kidney infection, diabetes or other health problem that is causing your litter box woes . Your vet may be able to solve the problem, and will be able to offer additional advice to help you.

If you follow the advice laid out above, you should have a litter trained kitty in no time.  Some kittens take to litter training like a fish to water, while others may take a little longer. Patience and perseverance are important here, so don’t be disheartened if your kitten isn’t trained in a day. Of course if none of this works, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out a medical condition.

All set? Happy digging!

Debbie Moore is a writer, web site designer and die-hard cat lover. She is the mastermind behind Cats and Kittens Central – a web site devoted to everything related to our fine feline friends.

Iris CLH-12 Open-Top Litter Box with Shield and Scoop

  • Comfortable litter box keeps your kitchen looking and smelling fresh
  • Removable litter shield provides privacy and prevents spills
  • Ideal for any single-cat household
  • Durable plastic construction withstands everyday usage
  • Includes scoop

The IRIS Open Top Litter Pan with Shield makes cleaning up after your cat a snap. This litter Box has a removable litter shield to prevent litter spray. The open top design offers easy accessibility and cleaning while the side and back shields are high enough to protect flooring from unwanted litter spray. Beautiful navy color blends in no matter where you place the pan. Deep design pan 15″ W x 18 7/8″ L x 11 11/16″ H keeps litter in and dirt out. The pan comes with litter scoop included. Scoop

Rating: (out of 35 reviews)

List Price: $ 14.99

Price:

Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Box, Titanium

  • Efficiently designed for cleanliness and privacy
  • 99-percent odor-free box blends nicely with your home décor
  • Large enough to easily accommodate 2 cats
  • No assembly required
  • Includes built-in elevated ramp and large-capacity air filter

Our Cleanstep is one of the largest covered cat boxes available. The unique design with steps helps remove tracked litter from your cat’s paws. Comes with a free filter and liner in each box.

Rating: (out of 168 reviews)

List Price: $ 49.99

Price:

Tidy Cats Breeze Litter Box System for Multiple Cats, 1-Count Kit

  • 1-count kit
  • 99.9 percent dust free and anti-tracking
  • Separate compartments for liquid and solid wastes
  • Quick and easy removal of wastes

Its forward-thinking design divides and conquers with separate compartments for liquid and solid waste to control odor and make maintenance, well, a Breeze because your cats’ litter should be designed around your lifestyle, not the other way around. Breeze litter system uses specially-designed, cat-friendly Breeze litter pellets that are 99.9% dust free and anti-tracking. Breeze litter pellets allow urine to pass through to an odor controlling unit. The urine is quickly absorbed leaving solid wa

Rating: (out of 613 reviews)

List Price: $ 39.99

Price:

Merry Pet Cat Washroom / Night Stand Pet House

  • Attractive multi-functional pet house also hides unsightly litter box
  • Classic, clean white fiberboard cabinet features wainscoting paneling and stainless steel hardware
  • Provides a safe, discrete resting/sleeping area for dogs and cats
  • Minimum assembly required; instructions and hardware included
  • Measures 18.5 x 16.5 x 18.5 inches; 1-year warranty

Introducing the most versatile, practical and multi-functional Cat Washroom /Night Stand Pet House that blends seamlessly in any interior settings and style with the classic clean white cabinet design, wainscoting paneling details and stainless steel hardware.

Rating: (out of 56 reviews)

List Price: $ 129.99

Price:

IRIS Cat Litter Pan with Scoop, Large, Navy

  • Easy to Clean
  • Design Prevents Spills
  • Durable Plastic Design to Withstand Every day Usage
  • Scoop Included
  • Made in the USA

The IRIS Open Top Litter Pan makes cleaning up after your cat a snap. High polish interior allows pan to be easily cleaned and beautiful navy color blends in no matter where you place the pan. Regular pan 15″ W x 18 7/8″ L x 6 1/8″ H keeps litter in and fits anywhere. The pan comes with litter scoop included. Scoop is designed to fit anywhere on the pan. Uses standard litter pan liners.

Rating: (out of 7 reviews)

List Price: $ 6.99

Price:

LitterMaid LMC100 Litter Box Carpet

  • Sits under litter box to catch scattered litter
  • Made from 100-percent polypropylene fiber and latex foam
  • Easy to install, use, and clean
  • Also ideal for cat scratching
  • Measures 27 x 33 inches

Littermaid carpet 27″ x 33″

Rating: (out of 35 reviews)

List Price: $ 17.99

Price:

Site Categories