Most cats have a natural instinct to bury their waste. It's important to note that not all cats have the same burying behaviour, and it can vary depending on factors such as their individual personality, the type of litter they are using, and their overall environment (i.e. outdoor vs indoor).
Cats are also very finicky & clean creatures, which is why it is important to keep up with the hygiene of their litter box - but how often?
Scoop waste 1 to 2 times daily
Would you use an unflushed toilet? Scooping the litter box daily is essential to remove poop & clumps of urine-soaked litter. This helps keep the litter box clean & minimizes odours. If you live in a multi cat household, cleaning twice a day is advisable. Mixing in baking soda in a cat litter box can help control odours & absorb moisture.
If you have a messy cat or one that does not bury its waste, I would clean up once in the morning & once at night to keep my home odour free.
Change Litter regularly
How often you change the entire litter box depends on the type of litter you use & the number of cats using it. It is recommended to completely change the litter & clean the box every 1-2 weeks. However, some litters may require more frequent changing, while others can last longer.
Thorough cleaning
It would surprise you how many cat owners do not change the litter regularly but keep topping up a smelly litter box, thinking that they are providing their cat(s) with "clean litter".
Emptying the box & refilling with new litter is not good enough. Odour tends to linger. It is recommended to spray down the box with a urine odour remover or baking soda & soaking it in warm water, giving it a good scrub before drying & reusing.
Monitor for bad odour & cleanliness
Pay attention to any unpleasant odours or signs of dirtiness. If you notice strong smells or if the litter becomes excessively soiled before the usual cleaning interval, you may need to clean the litter box more frequently. If one of the cats has diarhoea, please clean & wash the box more often as the wet stools tend to stick to the base, the litter scoop & smells bad.
Depth of Litter
Ensure that the litter depth in the box is appropriate. Most cats prefer a litter depth of around 2-3 inches, while some actually prefer a deeper litter for deep burying. If the litter becomes too shallow, clumpy or powdery, it can lead to tracking around the house or clinging onto their fur & paw pads, make it dirty & difficult to clean.
Avoid brands that leave a powdery residue.
Avoid scented Litter
Choose a litter type (e.g. soya, pine, paper) & brand that your cat is comfortable with. Changing types of litter suddenly may cause them to do their business elsewhere.
Many cats do not appreciate scented litter as it is unnatural to them & remember their sense of smell is more powerful than yours.
Choose an unscented litter & cleaning often & properly should not result in a smelly litterbox.
Please find below a detailed Infographic for your easy reference.
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