Tackling Litter Box Odors With Ease

Sometimes you wish the litter box wasn’t inside your home; it stinks, it can be a pain to clean, and sometimes your cat won’t use it. But, could you even imagine a cat that isn’t litter box trained? Training a cat can be difficult but made simple. Some companies have even come out with training systems that are made just for cats from training to electric in-ground cat fences. Litter boxes are necessary for all cat-loving households. To keep the box smelling fresh and to keep the cat using the box, there are things you can do on a daily and weekly basis.

First consider the number of litter boxes in your house compared to the number of cats you have. Each cat should have her own box. If you have one cat, then you may want to consider multiple boxes. Placing a box in a couple of areas of your home can discourage your cat from using non-box areas. Cleanliness is extremely important to your feline. If you do not keep the box clean, then your cat may begin using other places of your home. This can become a huge problem that is difficult to correct. If your cat uses another area, then you must thoroughly clean it immediately (so that she doesn’t feel the need to return to the same spot) and investigate her litter box. Maybe her litter box is dirty, or she simply does not like the litter.

Cat owners are constantly complaining that no matter how many times they scoop out the box each day, the odor continues. If everything else is taken care of, then a daily or twice daily scooping should be eliminating the odors. If not, then the problem isn’t with your frequency of scooping. The first thing you should do is make sure you are using a clumping litter. It is much easier to remove wastes using a litter that clumps. Be careful not to breakup the clumps as you scoop them. The particles that fall back into the box can continue carrying the odors. The litter should be changed frequently to prevent bacterial growth (that can also cause unwanted odors). Read the suggestions on the back of the box. Many litters need to be completely replaced once a week. Replacing the litter is another opportunity for cleaning. Every time you put in new litter, the box should be cleaned also. To wash the box, all you have to do is use warm soap and water. Cleaning supplies are not recommended; the odors they release may cause your cat to stop using the box. When you fill the litter box back up, read the label again. The litter should be deep enough for you cat to scratch around. Shallow litter is often adds to foul smells. The smell can be easily carried around your home, into their cozy pet bed and/or pet carrier.

There are many odor blockers that you can buy from the store. You can spend tons and tons of money, and never get rid of the problem. A good, cheap way to help control odors starts with a clean, empty box. Take regular household baking soda and pour it in the bottom of the box. You should apply a very thin layer of baking soda, and then cover it with the litter. Do this every time you change the litter, and you will be able to notice a difference.

If you do not have time to clean your cat’s box each day, then consider purchasing a self-cleaning litter box. The CatGenie is one such cleaner that takes care of almost everything for you, and you can set the frequency of cleaning. It hooks up to a water supply. It removes your cat’s waste, then washes and dries the box. Instead of ordinary litter, the CatGenie uses special, reusable litter. Self-cleaning litter boxes cleaners can be costly, but to some cat owners they are a lifesaver.

Everyone wants a clean, fresh-smelling house. The last thing you want is to smell a litter box. Litter boxes must be cleaned frequently; the litter should be changed out and the box should be thoroughly washed on a weekly basis. Sometimes, adding a layer of baking soda to the bottom of the box can help with odors. If you cannot conquer the litter box smell, then consider trying a self-cleaning litter box. They can be pricey, but they can also provide the cleaning power and frequency that you cannot. If your cat stops using her box, then go directly to the source: her box. You should always remember that cleanliness is extremely important to your feline!