How to Clean a Cat Litter Box

A brief how to on cleaning the cat litter box.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat litter Scoop
• Cat box
• Cat litter
• Garbage bag
• Baking Soda (optional)
• Cat - Someone's gotta do the dead in the box, right?

1. 
   Cute cats - always leave little messes behind them.

   If you have a cat, there is a certain amount of clean up that is expected. No matter how cute and cuddly your kitty is, they leave a litter box mess behind them. Everyone should know how to clean the litter box, and so I've decided to let you all in on my personal routine of cleaning the litter box.

2. First, look in the cat box. Check to see if it has been used. This should be easy - you'll see clumps of litter shifted around, and the cat will have dug in the box. Gross stuff in box. Check!

3. 
   Cat Scoop

   Now, we make sure we have a handy GARBAGE BAG. I like using a small plastic bag that I get groceries in. Take the scoop, and use it to remove the used litter. Move the scoop around, and shift all the litter to see if you can find any clumps. Put all clumps into the Garbage bag.

4. 
   garbage can - Ones with covers are the best kind.

   Tie the garbage bag up, and put it in the garbage. This way the used cat litter is double bagged, and it smells less.

5. Repeat the process everyday. I like to do it once in the morning, and once at night. Cats love clean litter boxes. If the litter box gets to full, they will do their business elsewhere, and that means extra cleaning! We want to avoid that at all costs.

6. 
   Scrub the box good to get the smell out!

   Fully clean the cat box once or twice a week. Empty out all the litter, and then wash it with soap and water. Use an old rag, hot water, and some elbow grease to get all the clumps off the litter plan.

7. 
   Yay! Cat box is Clean!

   Give yourself a pat on the back, and be content with a job well done! If you keep up with the cat litter box on a daily basis it will not become an overwhelming chore - with a stinky smell to boot. Your cat and your family will be happier, because you cleaned the cat box.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the cat box. This helps keep odors away. (Do this only when putting new litter in the box)
• Place a mat, or an old towel under the cat box. This helps to prevent kitty litter from being tracked across the floors.
• If you are pregnant do not clean the cat box. The cat box can contain chemicals that are bad for pregnant women.
• If you have kids discourage them from playing in the cat box. It is not a sand box. If they want the sand box, tell them to play with the one outside - or make them a separate one and show them the difference.
• Do not accept any gifts given to you by toddlers who have played in said "sand box". Tell them to put it back, and wash their hands right away. Remove any toys from the box (toddler may have put toys in box) and wash them right away. Hot water, antibacterial soap!

[ctackett77]

on 10/20/2008 I love your article. I wish I could remember to add as many details to mine, lol.