How to Make a Litter Box Pleasant for a Cat

The litter box plays an important role in your cat's daily routine. Here are ways to ensure that the litter box experience is always a pleasant one.

Instructions

1. Scoop out the litter box every day to keep it clean. Cats don't like to step in dirty litter boxes. This is especially important if the cat has diarrhea or soft stool.

2. Change out the litter every few days or at least once a week. If it's clumping litter, do it at least every week or two. You may have to do it more frequently depending on how many cats share the litter or if there's an odor.

3. Add baking soda to the litter box to control odors or try adding a baking soda-based cat litter deodorizer. Keep in mind many cats don't like litter that is already deodorized.

4. Keep the litter box in a secluded area away from heavy traffic or activity. If you have more than one litter box, don't keep them next to each other.

5. Make sure the litter box isn't too small, unstable, wobbly or difficult for your cat to access.

6. Make sure your cat's litter box experience is always a positive one. Although it may be tempting, never grab your cat for something such as administering medication or flea treatment while she is in the box. This may traumatize the cat and cause her to avoid the litter box.

Tips & Warnings

• If your cats share a litter box, make sure they are content doing so. If a cat goes outside of the box, try giving him his own litter box and see if he's happier.

• There are a variety of natural cat litters available that are environmentally friendly and that cats enjoy. Cedar is a scent that is attractive to cats.

• Don't introduce your cat to a new litter abruptly. Cats don't usually take well to a sudden change in routine and may choose not to use the litter box. Read the directions on the package when introducing a new litter and gradually mix the new in with the old.