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