Proper organisation of the toilet is a mandatory aspect of life and education of a city cat, which is unable to go outside to cope with the need.
One of the easiest ways to ensure the comfort of a pet in these cases is to install a special tray with a litter in it. The next question is – how best to use cat litter?
Why do I need cat litter at all?
Our grandmothers did not even think about the need to buy specialised cat litter and used what is on the farm: old newspapers, sawdust, and sand. Such a folk method would not be so popular if it was not effective, but compared to modern special granules, it still loses out.
Paper and sand absorb moisture well but absolutely cannot cope with the smell. Only sawdust can fight it, but they also have their disadvantages: because of its lightweight, they cling to the wool and are spread throughout the apartment. In this regard, we can fairly say that the ready-made artificial cat litter is much more practical, and it is much more convenient to use.
How much litter should I pour into the cat tray?
The answer to this question depends directly on whether you use a cat tray: simple or with a cat grate.
If there is a grating in the tray, which protects the cat’s feet from direct contact with the loose mass, the question of its quantity is solved by itself – the litter should fill almost all the space under it. This will allow us to prolong the interval between cleanings.
How to clean after the cat?
Two things will help you in this matter:
- a specialised perforated scoop, which is obligatory for any cat owner,
- optional packages for the tray.
The trowel should be used to remove wet, sticky litter, and solid excreta. This should be done regularly, as soon as your pet has done his job. The fact is that all cats are very clean and are very likely to refuse to go to the “dirty” toilet. The perforation in the trowel will help sift through the clean granules, thus saving the litter.
Tray bags are used as bedding so that the plastic base itself does not have to be washed. This is quite convenient, but only if a tray with a frame or grate is used. The edges of the bag are clamped between it and the base, so it does not knock down or tear when used. In other cases, the cat will likely tear the bag when buried.
How often should I do a full cleaning?
Here, everything depends on the type and quality of litter used: some do a better job of absorbing and holding the smell, while others do worse. Most manufacturers also give recommendations on the packages, but we recommend just to keep the tray clean: as soon as you smell a slight smell or notice that the litter after regular cleaning with a scoop is too little for comfortable use, you can make a full replacement with a wash container and scoop.
How do I dispose of the litter?
Litters can be:
- absorbent – the simplest example – wood, which falls apart when wet,
- lumpy – consist of small pieces of clay or synthetic material, when wet, they are glued together.
Lumpy species should be disposed of only in a bag together with other household waste. You should not wash the toilet bowl as you can do with absorbent ones. Because of their ability to stick together, they can cause serious clogging of sewage pipes. If in doubt, check the information on the package. Quality litters are always accompanied by instructions for disposal.
The general rule for how much cat litter to use is about three to four inches. This is just the right amount for your cat to cover its box and be able to dig in it. You don’t want the box to be too deep or it will be too slippery for your cat to use. You’ll also want to be sure to provide enough litter for your cat to urinate. However, you should also be sure to monitor your cat’s behaviour and notice any changes.
Depending on the number of cats in your home, you may need more or less cat litter than what’s recommended. A single cat’s litter box should be approximately three inches deep. Multiple cats need three boxes. Generally, you will need one box for each cat, but if you have more than one, you may want to have more than one. Putting the litter box in a convenient place will encourage your cat to go and urinate in it. This is not the end of your quest for an ideal feline house, though.
If you’re not sure how much cat litter your cat needs, don’t worry! Most manufacturers recommend two to three inches, although some cats need up to four inches. It’s important to keep an eye on your feline’s health and don’t forget to consult your vet for more guidance. If you’re not sure, you can always adjust the amount. Once you’ve filled your cat’s litter box, level it with a spatula.
Depending on your cat’s age and size, you should have three to six inches of cat litter in their litter box. In addition to this, you should also consider the type of litter. Smaller cats usually need seven to nine pounds of the stuff per week, while large cats can require up to forty pounds per month. Whether you have a single or multiple cats, they will need different amounts of cat food.
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