How to make your own litterbox

Do you have a big kitty? Big kitties have big needs in the litterbox area. Instead of getting frustrated by dirty, smelly litterboxes, make your own cheaper, and better than most commercially available.

This type of litterbox is also useful for cats who have problems with spraying because it is almost completely contained and allows plenty of room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbermaid-type storage bin, lid optional, but nice to have
• litter
• box cutters (BE CAREFUL!)

1. Find a bin large enough to accomodate your kitty. The bin that I used is about 24" tall, 18" wide, and 26" long. If you can purchase the lid at the same time, do so -- this provides privacy for your kitty and helps keep other nuisances, like dogs or other kitties, at bay.

2. Trace the opening on the small side of the bin. Make sure that you allow enough room at the bottom of the opening to hold the litter. My opening is about 5" from the bottom of the bin and about 5" from the top. Also make sure that you allow the kitty enough room to get through the hole.

3. If you have younger, more agile kitties, instead of cutting the hole on the side, you could try cutting the hole on the top of the litterbox. This "style" of litterbox helps cut down on the tracking of litter outside of the box.

4. Cut along markings, CAREFULLY!!

5. Fill the bottom of the box with litter. Place your kitty inside the box and scratch her feet on the litter gently. Do so every few hours or so until you notice that she's used the litterbox.

Tips & Warnings

• CLEAN YOUR LITTERBOX DAILY
• Always have one extra litterbox per cat in household to help avoid behavioral elimination
• The Rubbermaid type bins allow for easy weekly wash outs.
• If your kitty stops using the litterbox, consult your veterinarian immediately. Urinary blockage is very common in cats.
• While most cats are easily converted to a new litterbox, some have issues. Pay attention to your cat and adjust accordingly.

[laurapayne]

on 3/6/2008 Beautiful Goldies as your avatar.