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Litter Box Problems and How to Fix Them

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Multiple Cats and Litter Boxes

If you have more than one cat, you really should have more than one litter box. Cats are VERY finicky about their business and, by nature, want to have their very own place to “go.” While they will – if forced to – share a box, they’d be much happier with their own.

If you’re lucky enough to have three or more cats in your life, multiple litter boxes is a must.  The corner litter box, pictured here, is our favorite solution. I love that it fits snugly in a corner and the high sides are a real plus as they prevent litter from being thrashed all over the floor.  When you click through the link you’ll find that there’s a great deal for buying two at once.

  • Ideal for cats that like to dig in litter
  • High sides reduce litter scatter
  • Offers space saving value for those with limited room space
  • High polished finish that is odor and stain resistant and easy to clean
  • Made in the USA

Litter Box Location

When deciding where to place a litter box, always keep “privacy” in the front of your mind. Cats feel vulnerable while doing their business and MUCH prefer to do it in private.  You also want an area where there is not a lot of noise. Since noise is something cats aren’t terribly fond of, you’ll want their bathroom to be as noise-free as possible. While a lot of cats are fine with having their litter box in a laundry room, others balk at the noise from a washer or dryer – even going so far as to find another quieter spot while they’re running.

Not good!

Keeping Litter Boxes Smelling Fresh 

The only way to keep litter boxes from stinking is to keep them impeccably clean. This is also the best thing to do for your cat – as well as the healthiest. As I said above, cats are very finicky about their bathroom – but it goes further than that. They’re incredibly finicky about everything! That’s why it’s so important to keep their water sparkling clean and fresh, their food area clean and tidy, their beds clean and neat, and their litter boxes clean and fresh.

If you think about it – all of these things are your cat’s world. Why would she want any of it to be stinky or dirty?!

I keep grocery bags and a litter scoop hidden near our cats’ litter boxes so I’m able to clean up after them throughout the day. Let’s face it, if we have to search for a bag, we’re less likely to clean the box as soon as we see that it needs it. However, if everything we need is already there, we’re much more inclined to jump on the task.

What’s the Best Cat Litter?

As someone who has had cats all her life, I’m incredibly familiar with cat litter. I mean INCREDIBLY familiar with it. I’ve found one thing to be absolutely true – the cheap stuff is cheap for a reason. Leave it sitting on the shelf and walk away. Seriously – if it isn’t a name you recognize, don’t even think of putting it into your cart or into your cat’s life.

My personal favorite cat litter brand is Purina Tidy Cat. Purina – there’s a name you can absolutely trust.

Allow me to say, right up front, that this is not at all an advertisement for Tidy Cat- simply a recommendation from one cat parent to another. My “go to” cat litter is Purina Tidy Cat Lightweight with Glade (pictured on the left). It can be hard to find in some stores but I’ve always found it at Target. It’s just excellent and has never let me (or my furry babies) down.

Why lightweight? A couple of reasons.

  1. One of our precious cats is a senior and the lightweight seems easier for her to cover her business. She is one of those who spends a great deal of time getting things just right when she’s doing her thing and the lightweight seems much, much easier for her to accomplish her mission!
  2. It’s easier to lift into and out of the cart and vehicle!
  3. It is 100 percent easier to clean. It clumps beautifully and is easier to lift out of the box with the scoop.

Why “glade-scented?”  Well I guess that one’s obvious! I used to use the little boxes of scented baking-powder in the litter boxes but this Tidy Cat with Glade makes it completely unnecessary.

From one cat parent to another… this is the cat litter to use!


How to Deal With Cats Who Pee in all the Wrong Places and Even Wet the Bed…. Yours!

By

Princes Huck

Cats are peculiar, wonderful, amazing, adorable, intelligent, peculiar, entertaining, precious, beautiful, peculiar, and then some. Did I mention they were peculiar? Because they most certainly are.

You could have 50 cats in the course of your life (if you’re lucky) and odds are no two will ever be quite the same in temperament, personality, and manners. What’s even more fascinating to me is that you could (at any one given time), have three from the same litter and each will probably be completely original. They may look alike, but few ever act alike.

Many people experience, firsthand, just how different and peculiar cats can be when it comes to their pottying behaviors and habits. I hear from people often who have cats that get pretty creative with their peeing habits. Some cats, who have a diversion to litter boxes, have been known to prefer bathroom rugs, dirty clothes (these are the lucky cat parents, in my opinion), furniture, and even beds.

If your cat pees anywhere other than the litter box, you first need to take a long, hard look at the litter box.

  • Is it clean? Litter boxes need to be cleaned several times a day – not just once and certainly not once every other day.
  • If you have more than one cat, do you have more than one litter box? One box per two cats is a good ratio. Cats are very particular about their “business” and don’t want to share their sacred spot with too many others.
  • Is the litter box easy to get in and out of? Some cats (whether it’s due to age, weight, or a previous injury) have trouble getting in and out of high-sided litter boxes. Your solution may be as simple as a shorter box.
  • Is it in a safe, quiet place? Many cats are uncomfortable using a litter box that’s near loud noises (tv, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers….). In fact, if the cat in question has her “accidents” consistently in one place of the home, the location may give you a clue. We had a little girl (cat, of course!) who insisted on peeing on bathroom rugs. After I answered the two questions above with a, “Yes,” “Yes,” and a, “Yes,”  I asked myself,  “What is it about the bathrooms that she’d find more attractive for peeing than the litter box?” The answer was fast and furious – they’re quieter. The litter boxes were in another part of the house, fairly near ever-present kitchen activity and well-within earshot of ever-playing televisions. Being a very timid cat, by nature, she was apparently more comfortable in quieter settings. When you come to this type of realization, you may have to get another litter box and put it in the quietest place you can find for the rebel cat.
  • Some cats may not like a hooded litter box – most cats use whatever is available but I have heard of people having to simply remove the hood.

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter (pictured at the right) is one you may want to try if you have a cat who has forgotten how the whole litter box thing works (or if you’re training a new cat). I’d definitely recommend clicking through and reading all about it. It sounds absolutely amazing… the thing that sold me on it was the first review at the bottom of the page.

This litter sounds like the very thing that could solve MANY cat litter problems.

If the litter box situation passes inspection, make absolutely certain the cat is healthy.

  • A quick trip to the vet can make certain your cat doesn’t have an underlying health problem.
  • Often, for reasons we humans may never understand, having a cat spayed or neutered solves the problem. Again, I have no idea why – maybe it calms them down a bit.. who knows? But I’ve seen cats suddenly accept litter boxes again once they were spayed or neutered. Seems the problem is often fixed once they are!

Bed-Wetting Cats

Now, we cat lovers know that they aren’t always the most well-mannered “toddlers.”  However, when they resort to peeing on their parent’s bed, that takes mischievousness to a whole other level! While getting to the bottom of litter, litter box, or temperament or health issues, there are a few things to do to save your sanity and your bedtime:

  • Buy a large waterproof shower curtain liner. Use it directly on top of your covers (if you don’t mind the looks of it). The “feel” of the liner turns off most cats – and, IF the bed-wetter decides to risk it all and still wet the bed, only the liner gets wet, saving your covers, sheets, and mattress.  You could always put a cheap “who really cares about this blanket anyway” directly under the liner for further protection.
  • If the liner lying on top is a turn off, buy an inexpensive comforter to place right on top of the liner… one that (should it get wet), won’t disrupt the rest of your linens.
  • If the cat has soiled your mattress, it’s a real headache to try to get rid of the smell. Febreeze just won’t “cut it.” You’ll need an Odor Neutralizer Made Specifically for Cats. Spray this on the mattress to get rid of the urine smell that their little noses can still pick up.
  • Buying a mattress cover can also put the odds back in your favor.

Whatever you do, don’t yell (and for Heaven’s sake NEVER hit) a cat. Cats are not like human children or dogs. They do not understand what you consider “discipline,” and will only think you are mean and are trying to harm or kill them. It will affect your relationship with your cat in a horrible, often irreversible way. Imagine if someone with a similar size advantage yelling at or striking you!

It simply does not work – you cannot reason with a cat. You have to outsmart them.

Go through each of the steps above and find the solution that works for your family. If it comes down to simply buying extra throw rugs and washing them frequently and using a shower curtain liner and extra covers on your bed (or shutting your bedroom door, if that’s an option) – trust me, the companionship, love, and entertainment a cat brings to your home is more than worth it.


Litter Box Tips and Troubleshooting

By


Nacho

Is the Litter Box Clean Yet?!

A while back I wrote about what I consider to be the best litter boxes and best cat litter. Click either link to see the post – these really are the best litter boxes I’ve ever seen and I wouldn’t switch to a new brand of cat litter if you paid me to.

I wanted to kind of expound on the previous a post a little with a few troubleshooting tips. Before doing so, though, I have to tell on our cats. They consistently do something that, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear they were doing on purpose. Whenever anyone is coming over for a visit, they somehow do their business right before they arrive. It’s absolutely uncanny, but at least one of them will do it each and every time. What’s worse is the fact that they don’t do it 10 or even 5 minutes before someone pulls into the driveway… they do it, like a minute beforehand OR (in a move that probably earns them bonus “cat points,” they’ll do it just as someone is pulling up the driveway!). Fortunately, I keep a cleaning station beside the litter boxes so there’s always a bag handy.

I’ve learned to keep my antibacterial hand sanitizer nearby too.  It is just so peculiar that they do this so regularly.

Something else they do that amuses me is they flock to a clean set of litter boxes… I mean FLOCK to it. It always reminds me of an artist with a clean canvas. “I must do what I must do!!”

Cats!

Back to litter box tips and troubleshooting. I hear from a lot of cat parents who have questions you, yourself, may have. Ironically, the first question is one I’ve actually personally had to deal with… so I know, firsthand (or maybe I should say first-elbow) that the struggle is real!

What’s the easiest way to handle cat litter duties with a bad elbow?

This question gets me where I live. I have tendonitis in my right elbow that flares up from time to time. While that may not sound terribly bad, the fact that the pain is especially bad AND that each flare  up lasts for weeks on end makes it worse than it sounds.

As you can imagine, cleaning a litter box makes a painful elbow even more painful. However, there are a few easy tips that’ll help you if you’re in the same (or a similar) boat.

  1. Buy cat litter in a tub as opposed to a box. This way you can keep a large old plastic cup to scoop out litter to add to the litter box(es). This is much, much easier than picking up a cumbersome, heavy box each time you want to add more litter.
  2. In addition to buying cat litter in tubs, I buy the lightweight litter. The lightweight litter is, as you’d expect, much lighter. Whether you have elbow, shoulder, or back issues or you simply aren’t very strong (I know the feeling!) – lightweight cat litter is much easier to dish out and scoop up.
  3. Speaking of scooping… there’s actually a simple solution at the end of your arm. Using a metal cat litter scoop (like the DuraScoop Metal Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop on Amazon pictured here) instead of the ever-popular plastic one, is actually much easier to scoop with. We’d need someone much better versed in science to explain why this is, but it makes a big difference. What’s more, using a “jumbo” size, like the one pictured below, makes it even easier.

 How can I know if I’m nose-blind to litter box smells?

This is a good one! The first answer that pops to my mind is this:  Have someone (a friend or family member) who you KNOW will always be truthful with you keep you honest. Tell them to let you know if they ever smell either litter, ammonia, or the cat’s business. Be sure to explain that it’s not an insult to you (or your cat!) and that neither of you will get sore. Let them know what a huge favor they’re doing for you. If the time comes where they DO smell something other than what you want them to smell – ask yourself if you’ve been cleaning the litter box regularly (more than once a day). Also, determine if you’ve recently dumped out the whole shebang and cleaned the box and area around the box. If you’ve done each of these things, then you may want to switch cat litter.

I live in a small apartment and refuse to even think about giving up my cats (they’re family!). I just don’t want my apartment to smell bad. Any advice?

First off, as a cat lover (and mom), I applaud your cattitude! They are, indeed, family!

Second of all, cats are incredibly clean, wonderful, entertaining, and loving pets. They’re so much fun and are a great source of companionship. A cat, herself, does not smell bad. Sure, the breath can be a bit much after she eats tuna, but a cat (itself) doesn’t smell bad because she wouldn’t stand for it. They’re incredibly picky about smells.

The only thing, obviously, to worry about smelling with cats are their food and their litter. If you use dry food and never allow it to get wet, you’re way ahead of the food game. As for wet food, be sure you don’t let it sit out. Only give your cat what she’ll eat then toss the rest.

As for litter box odors, the tips above as well as in the article linked to at the top will give you a great head start on staying out of a smelly situation. However, there are a few extra tips I’d like to share – they’ll serve you well whether you live in a small space or a large one.

  1. Be sure the litter box is in a well-ventilated area. Never stick one in a closet – this will simply trap the odors.
  2.  Consider an air purifier.  The one I’ve linked to, here, is a basic, inexpensive one that’ll help freshen air while reducing pet odors.  There are many shapes, sizes, and varieties of air purifiers on Amazon – click the link to have a look.  What is air purification all about? Air purifiers actually clean the air – they don’t mask odors, they remove them and leave you with freshness that doesn’t come in a can.
  3. Change the litter often. Seriously, this is so important – and yet so neglected. A cat is a very finicky little being. They do not, at all, want to do their business in an area with pre-existing waste beneath their feet. Can’t blame them! Check the litter box(es) throughout the day and clean whenever something catches your eye.
  4. When you’ve cleaned the litter box, don’t allow the bag of waste to just sit in your trash can, it’ll begin to smell.
  5. Use a little baking soda in the litter box to help absorb odors. Personally, I use the one in the litter box aisle that’s lightly scented and made just for litter boxes. It smells pretty AND does a great job of keeping odors away.
  6. Don’t spray air sanitizer directly over the litter or on the cat’s breathing level.

I have asthma and I often wheeze after cleaning the cat box. What can I do to prevent this problem?

This is another question that hits close to home. I, too, have asthma. I’ve found that lightweight litter produces less “dust” when I’m cleaning the litter box and, therefore, makes it a much cleaner and less toxic environment for my lungs.  CatSpot makes a fascinating litter that is made from 100% coconut (See CatSpot 100% Coconut Litter). It’s all natural, lightweight, and dust-free. This would be the first cat litter I’d try if traditional cat litter bothered my breathing. Unless you have an allergy to certain types of cat litter, I’m certain it’s the dust that comes up when you clean the cat’s box.


Finally, here’s a problem a lot of cat parents run into…

I clean the litter box throughout the day and yet, no matter what room I’m in, I can still smell litter! It’s driving me crazy. Why does the smell of litter follow me everywhere?

Short answer? Because it’s probably on your clothes and in your nose! Sorry to gross you out, but the dust that visibly comes up when you’re cleaning the box(es) can (and does) get onto your clothes and even in your nostrils. You can alleviate the clothes problem by wearing an old flannel button up top backward (or jacket, raincoat, whatever…) over your clothes and tossing it into the laundry after the fact.

As for the nostrils, you could always grab a box of mouth masks to use or you could keep it simpler by tying a bandanna around your mouth/nose each time. I’ve also heard of people sticking pieces of tissue into each nostril while cleaning.

Personally? I just buy lightweight, dust-free litter and it alleviates the problem all together.

Cat Litter Mats: Functional and Beautiful

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All cat parents know the nightmare of stepping on cat litter – whether it’s in sock feet or house shoes, it’s not a pretty sight.  Someone with ingenuity and creativity (I suspect a cat lover) has come up with the perfect solution.  The PetFusion SmartGrip Cat Litter Mat (Gray Twist), shown above, can keep the entire litter box area cleaner, neater, tidier, and much more attractive.

Let’s face it, these are all things that matter greatly to a cat.

Litter Mat Features:

  • Soft material, SmartGrip design, and large surface area keeps cat litter off your floor. PVC material free from phthalates and vinyl chloride
  • Your cat(s) will no longer jump out of the box, preferring to relax their paws and release trapped litter on the soft material. Litter held in place by small indentations. Outer channel catches litter that tries to escape
  • Multiple cleaning options! Easy to sweep clean or pour litter back into box. If vacuum, use hand-held or attachment
  • Finally a mat that you can clean with a damp sponge or cloth to eliminate stains and odors. Material is closed pore to resist moisture absorption and prevent mildew and lasting odors
  • Neutral color and stylish design flows with your home. Durable to prevent sliding and flexible to fit in tight spaces, including closets or small bathrooms

These Litter Mats are available in the following colors:  Beige Fusion, Beige Twist, Gray Fusion, Gray Twist, Sage Fusion, Sage Twist.

Your Cat’s Litter Box: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

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The beautiful… and I do mean beautiful… Cat Washroom Bench is the stuff dreams are made of – for the cat’s parents as well as the cat.  The bench keeps your cat’s litter box out of sight while giving you an attractive extra place to set things.

It’s a bonus for your cat as well because, as we all know, cats are all about privacy.  Having his or  her own bathroom will mean the world to them!

Speaking of litter boxes, did you know that most cats absolutely hate for their food and water dishes to be near their litter box.  I can’t say I blame them. Think about it, how much would we love to eat in our bathroom.

No, thanks!

For more information about the beautiful Cat Washroom Bench, just click the link.

Cleanstep Dome Cat Litter Box: Available in 3 Gorgeous Colors

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The Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Box, shown here in Titanium is also available in three gorgeous colors: Pearl, Pearl White, and Brushed Nickel. I

was sure I had decided on the Pearl one, then I looked at the Titanium color and leaned in that direction. Then… wouldn’t you know it… I looked long and hard at the Brushed Nickel and wanted that one.

Suffice to say, it’s gorgeous in any color.

I love the modern, futuristic look!

Product Features

  • Efficiently designed for cleanliness and privacy
  • 99-percent odor-free box blends nicely with your home décor
  • Large enough to easily accommodate 2 cats
  • No assembly required
  • Includes built-in elevated ramp and large-capacity air filter

Amazon.com Product Description

The covered Booda Cleanstep is designed to keep your floors clean of litter and provide your cat with a clean, private place to potty. The 99-percent odor-free litter box is nicely shaped and colored to blend into your home décor. It measures 21 x 21 inches, which is large enough to accommodate a 2-cat household. Includes a built-in elevated ramp that cleans your cat’s paws on his way out and a large-capacity air filter to keep your home smelling nice.

See Booda Dome Cleanstep Cat Box, Titanium for more information. You’re going to love this one!

#1 Best-Seller on Amazon


The Curious Cat Cube, Cat House / Cat Condo is currently the #1 Best-Seller on Amazon in Cat Houses & Condos.

An Ingenious Litter Box…


The Open Top Cat Litter Box Kit with Shield and Scoop is a number 1 best-seller on Amazon and has excellent reviews.

Christmas EVERYDAY!


If you're like me, you love nothing more than seeing your cat(s) with new toys. This collection of cat toys will make everyday feel like Christmas!

Cat Tunnel..


The adorable cat tunnel will give your cat(s) endless fun as they explore every nook and cranny!

Photographs on the Blog

I do not claim to have taken all of the photographs on this website. I did not take any of the “product” or “affiliate” merchandise photos  (unless I am reviewing a product, in which case it will be marked “Review”), nor do I claim to own them. If you are a photographer that sees something you want removed, simply e-mail me.

Keep Your Indoor Cat Active and Entertained

Alexa

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Cat Entertained!