| When adding a new litter box, consider that a cat | | | | While it is convenient, the manufacturers warn that |
| may not use the new box for a few days. Do not | | | | the motor starts automatically and that hands and |
| force him into it. Do not put him inside it. Always | | | | clothing should be kept away. As with anything |
| sound positive when he gets near and let him accept | | | | automated, be careful. In addition, some cats are |
| it on his own terms. | | | | frightened of automated devices. Just one scare may |
| Covered litter boxes: Covered boxes help keep the | | | | be enough to stop a cat from using the box. |
| litter and smell contained and hidden. Some cats, | | | | This is a very expensive box that will not be any |
| however, do not like the cover. Covered boxes are | | | | good if your cat stops using it. But if you do decide |
| generally too small. If you are going to get one, get | | | | to try a box like this, which recommends a clumping |
| as large a box as you can. A covered box might leak | | | | litter, try one that does not contain sodium bentonite |
| unless the top has a locking lid and an inside lip. | | | | and forms a real solid clump for a machine such as |
| Scooping out solids is more inconvenient, because | | | | this to handle. There is also a box that comes with a |
| you have to deal with these extra parts. If you get | | | | reusable gravel-type litter with disposable pads, |
| a litter box with a swinging door, be prepared to | | | | though the smooth, little rocks may be a challenge |
| remove it. You may have to, because some cats like | | | | for finicky cats. |
| to stick their head out while relieving themselves. | | | | With clawed cats, you should be able to get by with |
| Uncovered litter boxes: Uncovered boxes are easier | | | | scooping solids once a day. But for declawed cats, |
| to maintain. They come in different sizes and shapes | | | | inside-only cats, or cats with litter box problems, |
| and are mostly rectangular. A few models have a "lip" | | | | scoop solids and wet spots more often. Be careful |
| which is claimed to keep down mess. You can also | | | | about sudden changes in litter brands, boxes and |
| use plastic utility bins, which are widely available at | | | | locations. Take the poop outside the house as soon |
| hardware and discount stores, as litter boxes. If you | | | | as you lift it out because it will stink up your garbage |
| get them, though, do not use anything taller than a | | | | and house. If the litter is biodegradable and flushable, |
| 12" tub, which is too high for cats. There is also a | | | | flush it down the toilet right away. |
| triangular box made especially for corners which | | | | Clay litter or non clumping litter usually starts to smell |
| works quite well for smaller areas. These are very | | | | in about a week. Dump, wash and thoroughly rinse |
| easy for cat owners to clean and handle. | | | | the box because cats can be very sensitive to |
| High-tech boxes:These are electronic, self-cleaning | | | | certain household cleaners. Leave an odor eliminator |
| litter boxes available that automatically remove the | | | | bag or an open box of baking soda near the litter |
| solids. One model even senses the cat entering the | | | | box area to absorb odors. Wash your hands |
| litter box. A few minutes after he leaves, a | | | | throughly after handling litter boxes or litter. And |
| mechanical part rakes across the scoopable litter | | | | remember, never handle a used cat litter if you are |
| recommended for these models, and places the | | | | pregnant! |
| clump in a disposal tray. | | | | |