

Clumping litterĬlumping litter is typically made of clay that contains sodium bentonite, a sealant that absorbs moisture and binds pockets of wet litter into clumps. And, because it can get stuck between the paw pads, cats sometimes track it around the house. Non-clumping litter is one of the cheapest cat litter choices, but it calls for a bit more human effort than some other types. This type of litter requires you to scoop excrement daily and replace the entire litter supply weekly. Non-clumping litter is typically made of clay, although some manufacturers have experimented with other materials (see below). Here are some of your choices: Non-clumping litter

The litterbox should be filled with litter, but what kind? If you buy a self-cleaning box, you must use the type specified by the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Before buying, consult your “pet owner intuition” to determine if your cat would be a good candidate for this type of receptacle. People who live in apartments or homes without basements may be particularly drawn to the hidden litter box.īecause most hidden boxes are encapsulated, the same drawbacks of a covered litter box (trapped odors, cramped quarters, feelings of vulnerability) often apply to these pieces of functional “furniture.” What’s more, some cats have innocently mistaken nicer pieces of furniture for their litter box and soiled inappropriately. This type of box looks like a regular piece of furniture, but it harbors a deep, dark secret inside: Kitty’s toilette.Ī hidden litter box might double as a nightstand, a credenza, or a large plant holder. Those who would like to camouflage the evidence of their pet’s bathroom habits can do so with a hidden litter box. Once she grows comfortable with it, you can gently reintroduce her to the motor noise. If your cat appears to be intimidated by the noise, cut the power for a few days and let her use her self-cleaning toilet like a traditional box. Some cats-particularly the skittish ones-will be leery of this. Failure to adhere to the guidelines could result in poor cleaning or other mechanical problems.Īs convenient as they are, self-cleaning litter boxes are the most expensive on the market, and they make a bit of motor noise. Many products stipulate a certain type and amount of litter. Prompted by an automated sensor, this type of box sifts and removes waste from the litter pan for you.īe sure to thoroughly read the directions before operating a self-cleaning litter box. Operated by battery and/or electricity, a self-cleaning litter box can be a godsend for cat owners who have neither the time nor the patience to change Kitty’s litter regularly. For some cats, a covered box is perfectly acceptable, but others will pooh-pooh it. The goal is to create a “bathroom” your cats wants to use. What’s more, larger cats may feel like they don’t have enough room to freely maneuver within the confines of an enclosed litter box. Not only do odors stay trapped inside the box-an offensive proposition, to be sure-but cats with a limited view of their surroundings may feel vulnerable. In addition to preserving your cat's dignity, a covered box contains odors and keeps excrement out of sight.įrom a cat’s point of view, however, a covered box isn’t necessarily ideal. Privacy-loving humans often believe this is the best choice for their pet. Covered litter boxĪ covered cat litter box is basically a traditional box with a lid. Fortunately, the open-top box is one of the cheapest litter boxes on the market.
Best automatic litter box trial#
You’ll probably have to figure out which type of siding your cat prefers by trial and error. Low-sided boxes are easier for the cat to access and easier to clean, but you may find yourself sweeping kicked-up litter bits from time to time. If you have a kitten or a senior cat with arthritis, however, a high-sided box can be difficult to navigate. The advantage of a high-sided box is that litter and debris are less likely to fly out as the cat does her business. Under the umbrella category of open-top boxes, you will find both low-sided and high-sided versions. For many cats, it’s the perfect place to do business.

This old-fashioned litter pan is typically rectangular and made of plastic. This isn’t as cut and dried as it may sound, but you have choices. You and your cat must mutually agree on a box type. Buying litter boxes, scooping poop, and refilling your cat’s box with fresh litter are hardly glamorous tasks, but most cat owners would agree they’re a small price to pay for the entertainment, companionship, and love provided by these adorable furry friends.
