Litter Box Bafflement

Pet Mate Hooded Litter Pan

Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box

Clever Cat Top Entry Litter Box

Does this kitty look happy?

Homemade Storage Container Litter Box

 How much money do you think you need to invest in a cat toilet?  If you see a litter box on the market that claims to be "self-cleaning" ask yourself how does the  litter get to the trash can?  How much litter can be swept into a bin attached to it before your cat notices it still stinks and decides it wants to pee in the foyer?  Don't be seduced into buying a fancy litter box when you can make your own for $20 less by purchasing a storage container (like a Rubber Maid or Heavy Duty Sterilite) and cutting out a U-shaped door big enough for your cat to step over. You will be amazed at how simple it is to clean and maintain.  Cleaning a storage container is as just a matter of pouring the old litter out and (preferably washing the container out too with mild soap and water) and replacing with fresh litter.  The easier it is for you to clean your cat's box, the greater the chances you will succeed in happy toileting and a friendlier environment for all.  This is no substitute for frequent scooping, and an open container with high sides is much easier to keep fresh than a bubble-dome box where you need a flashlight to determine where the poop is.  I have also noticed the two-piece hooded pans will often leak if you have a cat that likes to stand and pee like my alpha cat, Tigger.  A single high-sided box eliminates this problem.  The Clever Cat Top Entry Litter Box (pictured) closely reflects the storage container concept, but older cats shouldn't be required to hop over a high side to climb into a box, and I think the cats prefer to see what's around them. Just remove the top and use the bottom and fill with litter.  Younger cats like this box just fine.  I have one of these without a door and my kitten thinks it's the bomb.  If you do go with a covered litter box, the advantage to an enclosed system is the reduction of dust and smell if you are faithful at removing dirty litter.  I still recommend a simple box with a lid that snaps on and with deep sides like the pictured Pet Mate Hooded pan.  Anything with gears and sensors just sounds too complicated to stay clean and if it's like the public toilets that flush "automatically"--we've all been there and I can tell you, they don't always work.  Someone has to clean that mess up eventually.

Placement of the box is also key.  All cats want a quiet place to do their business, just like humans, and definitely not high traffic areas where they may be startled or stalked while in the throes of squatting. Unfortunately, my cats have to compete with a furnace that sometimes comes on suddenly and even the laundry which can click on and off as it cycles.  Ideally, having multiple boxes throughout your home will allow your cat to choose the most peaceful place to go and avoid a stressful experience which can lead to accidents.  But I have five boxes and three cats.  Unless I am going to put litter boxes in the bedrooms, I had to resort to a laundry room box and the storage room. Your cat will become accustomed to certain house noises, but should never have to worry about constant interruption or an audience.

One more thing I have heard about, but never tried, is the actual TOILET TRAINED cat.  I have seen many sites that sell products that can train your cat to sit on a real commode and go.  This fascinates me, but I don't know if I have the patience to go there. If you have a trained potty cat, I would love for you to tell me how this is working out for you and how long it took for you to accomplish.  I just love the YouTube videos of a cat using a toilet.  What I want to know is what happens after and kitty doesn't need to scratch or cover up?  I'm just so curious about this... It's amazing.

So there are my little ideas on litter boxes and what works for me.  If you have any suggestions or comments, let me know!