And Meow, A Few Words About Litterbox Setup

There are numerous reasons why we adore our feline companions. One of the many things that makes Fluffy such a great and perfect pet is that she takes care of her requirements using a litterbox. You won’t have to rush home to walk your lovely little puppy; she’ll take care of herself. However, while setting up your feline friend’s litterbox isn’t difficult, there are a few things to remember. A Fort Myers, FL vet provides some advice on this below.

Have the appropriate number of litter boxes.

One of the most prevalent blunders is failing to have enough litterboxes. Cats often prefer not to share restrooms. As a general guideline, you should have one box for each furball, plus at least one more. If your home has more than one storey, you should keep extra litterboxes on each level.

What is the best place for a litterbox?

The classic phrase “location, location, location” clearly applies here. This is actually critical for avoiding litterbox issues.

Here are a few tips:

Give Kitty Some Privacy. Cats, like humans, want peace and quiet when they are doing their thing. Make sure to place your pet’s box in a location that is both convenient for her and private.

This can be a little difficult, though. You don’t want the litterbox to be overly visible, nor should it be in a secluded location that is difficult to access.

Ensure Easy Access Your cat’s box should be easily accessible. Ideally, it should be located somewhere with many access routes. This can also be useful if your pets do not always get along. That way, if Fluffy is terrified to walk by Mittens, she can always turn around! (If your pets aren’t getting along, ask your vet for advice.)

Prioritize Sanitation Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you will also need to consider sanitation. Litterboxes should never be placed near food or water sources for you or your cat. The kitchen is likewise not an appropriate place.

Make It Comfortable Make sure that the litterbox does not become a frightening environment for your kitty companion. Don’t place the litterbox near anything that might produce a sudden noise, such as a speaker or doorbell. The washer or dryer may also be noisy enough to shock your kitty companion. It’s also preferable if you don’t choose a location where another cat might be peering down at Fluffy while she’s doing her job.

Avoid Overcrowding Kitties do not like sharing litterboxes. However, simply placing two next to one other may not be effective. Fluffy considers that to be one large litterbox.

Turn On the Lights You might wish to install motion lights and/or nightlights near your cat’s litterbox. Nobody wants to have to find a bathroom in complete darkness!

Do I Have to Teach My Kitten How to Use the Litterbox?

Cats normally don’t require much training here because they bury their feces naturally. This helps them hide from predators in the wild. However, if you have a kitten, you may need to help her out. Ask your veterinarian in Severn, MD for specific advice on this.

It is crucial to understand that kittens should never be given clay or clumping litters. The reason for this is that young furballs are typically clumsy. Little Fluffy might accidentally consume some of the litter. This might induce bowel obstructions, which can be extremely dangerous—and potentially fatal.

What If My Cat Stops Using Her Box?

Occasionally, a cat will acquire a dislike for her litterbox. It can be exceedingly frustrating for humans to deal with. Before you can address the problem, you must first figure out why your cat is no longer using her litter box.

The first step would be to rule out any medical difficulties. If your kitty friend used to use her litterbox properly but has recently turned sloppy, a health condition could be to cause. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If your feline companion gives you the thumbs up, you’ll know you have a fussy cat rather than a sick cat.

It could also come down to personal preference. Did you recently switch to a new litter or litterbox? If that’s the case, return to the old style. If you’ve recently added a hood or switched to a covered box, go back to a plain one.

Overcrowding can also be a problem. You should also check to determine if there are any impediments that would prevent your pet from utilizing her personal powder room.

We realize how upsetting litterbox mishaps can be, but you should never penalize your cat after an accident. This may confuse your pet. If she slips and goes just outside the box, punishing her where she produced the mess may cause her to create a negative association with the litterbox. This could make her anxious—or perhaps more anxious—about the package. That is the very last thing you want!

How to Deal With Hiding the Litterbox

Fluffy’s personal powder area will never be a visually appealing highlight. If your home is large enough, you might be able to fit it into a spare bathroom or utility room. Otherwise, you may wish to take some precautions to disguise it.

Here are a few alternative solutions:

Room Divider: Placing a room divider in a corner can also give your space a trendy feel. Just give adequate space for your cat to enter and exit.

End Table: You may also place an end table above the litter box. The most difficult element may be finding one that is the correct size. You can drape fabric over the table and/or include a pet-safe plant. (Plus, the plant will help filter the air.)

Closet: If you own your home—or are willing to give up a portion of your security deposit—you may put the litterbox in the closet and install a kitty door so your pet can come and go as she pleases.

Upcycled Furniture: There are many different types of furniture that can be used here. End tables with doors are an excellent choice. This can also be accomplished with a desk, trunk, or chest. Cut a cat hole at one end. Then gain access through the existing doors.

Custom Components: There are also components designed expressly to hide litterboxes. These will cost more than upcycling an older piece, but they will be more sturdy, appealing, and hopefully last longer.

How Do You Remove Litterbox Odors?

Cleaning is the best option here. No matter what else you do or don’t do, keeping the litterbox clean is the only way to keep it from smelling bad.

That being said, there are a few points to consider. Liners, deodorizers, air fresheners, and air purifiers are all beneficial. Consult your Fort Myers, FL veterinarian for suggestions.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Fort Myers, FL Pet Hospital

Do you have any concerns regarding your kitten’s health or care? Contact us, your Fort Myers, FL neighborhood pet hospital, at any time!