Litter Box Set-up
My litter box set-up has changed many times over the years, but after a lot of trial an error, I have finally found what works best for me and for my cats. Not sponsored, but as an affiliate with Amazon and Chewy, I may earn from qualifying purchases. The views expressed here are my own based on what has worked well for me.
Litter Boxes
When I first became a cat owner I thought the best litter box possible would a covered box, because I didn’t want to see litter or cat waste. Overtime though, I’ve come to think of covered boxes as one of the worst options possible. They trap odors, which make them unpleasant for cats to use, but more importantly, they hide what’s going on. It may seem strange to stalk your cat when they are using the box, but the more we know about their habits, the more easily we can identify if something changes or if their health may be compromised.
For my adult cats, I have found the Litter Genie Litter Box to be the best fit. It has higher sides which help to catch everything, it has a handled grip that makes it easy to empty and refill, and the general texture is easy to wipe down as needed.
Litter Genie
I promise I’m not sponsored by Litter Genie (maybe someday!), I just believe in their products. Adding a Litter Genie to my litter routine made a huge improvement. While it seems like a simple concept, being able to quickly dispose of cat waste has eliminated lingering smells. I keep a Litter Genie next to every liter box station I have, including in the foster room. It’s easy to set-up and use, and if you don’t have one already, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Plastic Paneling
I use plastic paneling to outline my litter box area as an extra precaution. In the foster room this is helpful for kitties who are learning and are prone to making messes. This is also helpful with cats who inadvertently lift their rears while urinating. The paneling protects my walls and is easy to clean.
Litter Options
When it comes to choosing a litter for your cat there are several things to consider:
age of the cat (clumping vs non clumping)
type of litter (clay, paper, pine, etc)
individual preference
Clumping vs. Nonclumping
Cats under 6-weeks must use non-clumping litter. Like human toddlers, kittens explore the world with their mouth so non-clumping litter is the safest option for them. While we don’t want to encourage kittens to eat litter, it is a normal exploration activity for them and having kitten-safe litter available will ensure no health consequences. I prefer Tidy Cats 24/7. Nonclumping litter which can be purchased from Chewy, Amazon, and most other retailers. For kittens with diarrhea or when something more sensitive is needed, Yesterday’s News is my go-to.
Type of Litter and Preference
There are many times of litter available such as clay, pine, paper, crystal, tofu, etc. When considering a litter, you may wish to think about sustainability, price point, and allergies. Some cats will use whatever type of litter is set-out for them, and others may refuse to use a box containing a litter they do not like. If you are switching types of litter, do so slowly while providing lots of options for your cat so they can have the ability to make good decisions.
While sustainability is important to me, my allergies prevent me from using pine based litters, and my cats will only use clay. With these considerations in mind, I have spent years trying various types of clay litter searching for one that I like and that my cats will also use.
My all time favorite clay clumping litter is Frisco Unscented, available exclusively from Chewy. It clumps well, truly is unscented, and never “sours”. It passes approval with my cats and that’s good enough for me.