On one hand, too much litter in your cat's litter box can cause overflow and spillage problems all over your bathroom floor. On the other hand, too little litter in the box can create smelly and messy poo problems when your cat isn't able to dig enough litter to hide their solid waste.
You need enough litter for your cat to cover his or her waste, but it's easy to go overboard. If you're using too much litter, your cat will find a way to let you know—usually by displaying undesirable litter box behavior, like going outside the box.
Most cat litter manufacturers recommend using two to three inches of litter. You may want to use three to four inches if your cats are deep scratchers who will dig to the bottom of the litter box if you use less. Start with two inches and experiment until you find the ideal depth for your cat.
Litter Causes Pollution
These poisons can make their way into the soil and freshwater sources, which negatively impacts both humans and animals. In fact, 60% of water pollution is attributed to litter.
How often should you scoop a litter box? For best odor control, you should scoop the box twice a day. If you're busy or you just forget, you can probably go with a daily single scoop. You don't want clumps and lumps to sit undisturbed for longer than a day though.
Did you know that a dirty litter box can make your cat sick? Cats can develop various health problems from using a dirty litter box, such as painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections.
Most cats will urinate each time they go to the box, and for most cats, this averages out to about twice per day. The clumps are usually golf-ball to tennis-ball sized and easy to distinguish from the tubular stool that you'll find once per day on average.
How much litter should I put in the litter tray? Most vets recommend a depth of 3-4cm of cat litter in a litter tray, but your cat may have a different preference, so it's best to keep an eye out to make sure your cat is happy.
If your cat is hanging around inside the litter box for longer than a few minutes, there is a chance they could be having trouble eliminating solid waste or urine, and that they could be sick.
Healthy cats will generally visit the litter box between three and five times each day, and this includes going both number one and number two. If your cat is relieving itself more than five times each day, this doesn't necessarily point to a health issue.
It could be a health problem
Sometimes, sleeping in the litter box is a sign that your cat might be suffering from a painful issue that's causing frequent urination. Needing to use the litter box far more often than normal could lead to a habit of sleeping inside – even though it's not the cleanest place to nap.
Your cat could be just trying to maintain her scent in the box, even though you're cleaning it. Animals usually go to the bathroom to give us a message. If it's outside the litter box, they could be stressed or in need of a clean place to go.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business,” said By Dr. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder.
The litter needs to be deep enough that it absorbs liquids and odors. Aim for a 3-inch layer as a starting point and add more as needed.
Basements and laundry rooms are popular choices but not actually recommended. Instead, Geller suggests the bedroom. "Your bedroom is a good location for a cat litter box since it's usually a quiet place," she says.
“You don't want to make sudden changes with the litter box by moving it from a place where it was for a long time,” she says. “Cats are very sensitive to sudden changes to their environment. They may not take the time to look” for the box's new location.
Scoop out urine-soaked clumps and poop at least once or twice a day, or more if needed to keep the litter box fresh and to minimize odor. Each time you scoop the litter box, you'll be taking a fair amount of litter with you, so be sure to top off the box with extra litter afterwards.
As a general rule, the correct size litter box should be at least as long as your cat, from their nose to the tip of their tail (when extended), and its width should be at least as wide as your cat is long (with their tail not extended).
Cat poo (faeces) should be removed from the litter box regularly. It is a good idea to take poops out as soon as they happen but if you can't, aim for twice a day (morning and evening). Urine should be cleaned out at least once a day too.
In Conclusion
Keeping your cat's litter box in the bedroom isn't ideal so if you can, move it to a more appropriate part of the house. Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia.
If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Cats won't use a dirty litter box.
So the idea of using a filthy restroom is just as repulsive to them as it is to us.
There is also the chance that a choosy cat might prefer one type of litter box (covered/uncovered), a specific litter, or even one placement over another. By providing two litter boxes you can easily identify your cat's preferences and save yourself both from potential discomfort.
The Best Way to Dispose of Cat Poop
To dispose of your pet's waste, scoop out all waste clumps, double bag them, and place them in a trash can outside. If you want to minimize your environmental impact, you can use a biodegradable poop bag, which will improve the chances of the waste properly breaking down.
Sprinkle baking soda in your box.
Yes! Baking soda is 100% non toxic. Mixing a little baking soda with the litter can help absorb pet urine odors. Cats typically detest artificial scents, so we recommend you avoid any scented soda options.