Content
- cat litter box
- closed cat litter box
- Cat litter box with sieve
- Self-cleaning cat litter box
- What is the best hygienic sand for cats
- Where to put the cat litter box?
- How to Make a Simple Cat Litter Box
There are dozens of different sandboxes available on the market. Most cats instinctively know how to use the litter box, also called a toilet tray. Usually, just present the box to the cat and he'll know what to do. But what is the ideal sandbox?
Many tutors, especially those who have recently adopted a feline, wonder which is the best cat litter box. The Animal Expert will answer that question!
cat litter box
Choosing a litter box for the cat must fit his size and the environment where he lives. Ideally, the box should be big enough for the cat to walk around on itself (everyone knows that cats love to walk around inside the box before choosing the ideal place to do their needs). Experts advise that the box should be 1.5 times the size of the cat (from the nose to the end of the tail).
If you've recently adopted a puppy, it's best to buy a cat litter box now. great thinking about the future and the size it will reach. However, if you choose to buy a small box, remember that you will have to increase the box as it grows. You need to keep in mind that no matter which box you buy, it should be easy for the cat to get in and out (some boxes have a very high entrance for kittens).
One of the main reasons for abandoning cats is elimination behavior outside the litter box. For this reason, a group of researchers, J.J. Ellis R.T.S. McGowan F. Martin decided to study the reasons why cats defecate outside the box and their preferences¹. This study concluded that the main reason cats urinate outside the box is because of lack of local hygiene! Cats hate dirty litter boxes. In the study, litter boxes littered with faux feces and urine also prevented cats from expressing normal elimination behavior, ending up needing outside the box. In short, the problem, contrary to what tutors might think, is not the smell or who used the box before it, but the cleaning. In a cat's bathroom, just the image of the box dirty with fake waste is enough for him to avoid using it at all costs.
Taking into account what we said, the most important thing is that you clean the sandboxevery day!
As for the size of the sandbox, the one recommended by researchers is nothing new, the bigger the box, the better¹! This fact was also proven by other researchers, in 2014, whose study indicated that given the opportunity to choose between a small litter box and a larger one, both being clean, cats always chose the largest².
closed cat litter box
Enclosed sandboxes are the first choice for many tutors who prefer a closed bathroom for cats, as these have the advantage of preventing the cat from spreading sand all over the place and reducing the odor that comes out of the box. Furthermore, some guardians believe that the kitten will have more privacy in such a box.
However, although this type of box seems more aesthetically attractive for the guardians, they are not the best choice for the animal, as indicated by the Portuguese veterinarian specialized in animal behavior, Gonçalo Pereira³.
Several experts argue that the best option is to use a wide sandbox and discovery, as this type of box provides the cat with different spaces to comfortably perform the natural behaviors associated with elimination.
If the problem in your case is the cat spreading sand everywhere, read our article with effective solutions for this problem.
Cat litter box with sieve
An easier way to keep your litter box clean is to choose a cat litter box with sieve. The idea of these boxes is quite simple, they allow you to sift the sand without needing a shovel.
This type of box is especially useful for tutors who choose to use granules as an absorbent. The granules, when they come into contact with the urine, turn into powder that goes to the underside of the sieve as it manages to pass through the orifices.
In the case of using common cat litter, this box is not so useful, as the stones pass indiscriminately through the holes.
Self-cleaning cat litter box
One of the great novelties on the market are automatic litter boxes for cats. These boxes are designed to be always clean and the tutor doesn't need to worry about this issue. They can be programmed to do four cleanings a day, or even to clean themselves each time the cat uses the box.
It's a real "Castle" from litter boxes for cats and for tutors who no longer have to worry about cleaning. There are different models available, most with the same concept, collect the waste of the cats, clean and dry the sand leaving the box ready for the next use. Opt for a self-cleaning litter box or a self-cleaning sandbox is one of the best tricks for the stench of cat litter.
The only thing that doesn't seem to be perfect about these boxes is the price! However, most tutors who have opted for these models claim that it is worth the investment.
What is the best hygienic sand for cats
the choice of type of sand is extremely important. Some cats may even refuse to urinate and/or defecate on a certain type of sand. Above all, you should try to get to know your cat and understand its preferences.
Most cats prefer thin sand, due to her soft touch, and odorless. Silica sands can be harmful, especially if your cat ingests them.
There are several options in the market for excellent quality sands, which allow properly control the odor, and that are not harmful to your feline. Read all about this matter in our article on what is the best cat litter.
Where to put the cat litter box?
While it may not seem like it, most cats care a great deal about the location of the litter box. It is important that the feline likes the place where you put the box, to prevent it from not using the box for that reason.
You must avoid noisy places like near washing machines that might scare the kitten and make him associate the moment of need with something negative. Areas with a very cold floor are also not usually liked by cats. The place should be easily accessible and quiet, where the cat can have some privacy. Preferably, it should be placed in the corner of the wall, so the cat feels more secure.
The best place for the cat's litter box is where he chooses. To know your cat's favorite place, try placing several litter boxes in different places in the house and you will quickly see what your cat's favorite is. The same applies to the sandbox type. Your cat may not be like most cats and prefer a different type of box. The ideal is to have several alternatives and let your cat choose.
How to Make a Simple Cat Litter Box
If you haven't found or still don't have a sandbox ready, here's a step by step so that you can learn how to assemble your kitten's litter box yourself. Adapting to this type of litter box depends a lot on the animal, as each one reacts in a different way.
Necessary materials:
- 1 Drill or screwdriver;
- 2 plastic boxes or trays and equal sizes;
- 4 screws;
- 4 wine corks or table legs;
- Aquarium stones.
Procedures:
- Drill one of the plastic boxes with a drill or screwdriver with several holes in the bottom of it;
- Sand the remaining plastic that was left out;
- Fit the box with holes inside the other box of the same size that is not pierced, without touching the bottom.
- Screw the table feet onto each end of the plastic box, making the perforated box snug on top, without touching the bottom of the other box.
- Place the aquarium stones on top so that they fill the entire space.
Mode of use:
- The litter box should be washed daily;
- The cat's pee runs down the pebbles, goes through the holes and stays in the bottom box. It is she who will have to be continually cleaned. The stool is on top, making cleaning easier.
In addition to choosing the ideal type of box, you must adapt the number of boxes to the number of cats in the house. Read our article that explains how many litter boxes you should have per cat to learn more.
Each cat is a different world, they have different tastes and personalities and that's why they are amazing beings. What type of litter box does your cat prefer? Share with us in the comments!