A cat’s litter box can be a source of harmful microbes that can spread throughout your house if not cleaned regularly. Not just for humans, it’s equally detrimental to your feline companion as they can quickly get sick because of the microbes. They may even hold their pee if they don’t find a clean place, leading to urinary obstruction.
Cleaning the litter box every day whenever you see it full can help promote a healthy environment for you and your cat. It has many benefits, like preventing and detecting cat diseases and keeping the house clean and odor-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about why it’s essential to keep your cat’s litter box clear of dirt and some best practices you can employ to clean them.
Why Should You Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box Regularly?
Just as you wouldn’t want your trashcan to fill with all the junk that will ultimately start to stink and attract all the uninvited visitors, the same goes for a cat’s litter box. Moreover, removing everything from a litter box is more difficult if several days pass without cleaning it.
Your cat is more likely to relieve itself elsewhere if it sees the litter box filled to the brim. In addition, cats are drawn to tidy areas where they can do their business. They may hold their waste if they don’t find clean places to relieve themselves.
It causes their pee to become more concentrated, increasing the risk that crystals and urine fragments could clog their urethra and give them a feline urethral obstruction (FUO), which is potentially fatal. Cats with FUO may develop stones, crystals, or mucus blockages in their urethra, which prevents them from urinating.
In addition to promoting a cat’s physical and mental wellness, a clean litter box keeps your furry friends interested in using it.
Benefits of Cleaning Litter Box Frequently
Here are some benefits of cleaning the litter box frequently.
| Benefit | How Does It Help? |
| Prevents urinary disease | If you keep the litter box clean, your cat won’t hold its pee. As a result, it can prevent diseases such as FUO. |
| Detects disease early | If you regularly clean the litter box, you will know when your cat isn’t using them. In addition, it can help detect any signs of diseases early on. |
| Keeps the stench away | Cat poop and pee can be extremely nasty smelling. It can also invite microbes leading to disease transmission. Keeping litter clean can prevent it. |
Tips on How Often You Should Clean the Litter Box
Here are some tips on how frequently you should clean your cat’s litter box.
- Scoop at least twice daily to remove any clumped poo. Add new litter to the top as needed, possibly every other day.
- If you have several cats and multiple boxes, you may need to clean your cat’s litter box more frequently.
- At least once a week, replace the litter in the box after thoroughly emptying it. However, wash it with warm water and a light detergent before re-filling it with new litter.
- To reduce litter being dragged everywhere, routinely sweep or hoover the area surrounding your cat’s litter box. You can also use a litter mat to reduce the work.
Signs That the Litter Box Needs to be Cleaned
Cats have their way of letting you know the litter box needs a clean-up. In addition, here are some signs that it’s time to clean the litter box.
- Your cat is trying to communicate with you by scratching outside the litter box rather than inside, alerting you that it is filthy and he doesn’t want to get his feet dirty.
- It’s time for a change if you smell anything or if most of the litter is clumped or damp.
Best Practices for Litter Box Placement
When placing the litter box, keep in mind certain things that will drive the cat to mess less often and make your clean-ups easier.
- If the litter box is placed too far away or adjacent to too much noise, your cat may not feel comfortable relieving themselves. So, always keep it in reachable places and away from any noise.
- A litter box is more likely to be used and appreciated if it is practical and offers some privacy.
- Keep the litter box away from heat sources such as vents or heaters to prevent odors from becoming even stronger.
- Invest in a litterbox that cleans itself, like the PetSafe Scoopfree Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox. It also comes with odor control to keep your home stench-free.
Conclusion:
No one likes seeing a dirty litterbox, not even your pet cat. As the pee and poo accumulate in the box, your cat will avoid using it. It can also lead to hygiene issues for you and your cat. So, keep the litter box clean by implementing simple hacks and tricks.
