Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees success.
In finding the perfect cat box,
here are some things that must be considered:
Size
and Depth:
This maybe determined by the
number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of
cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the
size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are
advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are
desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in
length or width. Material of the Box:
Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.
Ease
of Cleaning:
Basic flat boxes are easy to
clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or
covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the
box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust
pan always at hand.
Covered boxes usually minimize
the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they
have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become
stinky due to poor ventilation.
There are also those
self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of
these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning
from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and faeces
and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an
occasional need for scooping them out.
Style
and Features: There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:
- Basic flat box.
This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colours. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim. - Covered cat boxes or hooded litter
boxes.
These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide "privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odours. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily manoeuvred for easy cleaning, and large vents. - Designer boxes.
Also known as "hidden boxes", this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation. - Sifting Boxes.
A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter. - Self-cleaning box.
These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.
Cost:
The basic flat box is the most
affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the
most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can
be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.
Appealing
to the Cat:
Cats generally do fine with the
open box type. Covered boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like
but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it
attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However,
they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their
business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning
cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean
and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if
they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit
again.
Finding the perfect cat litter
box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the
owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he
should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become
tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing
the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both
owner and pet, and the carpet as well! We hope that you finished reading this
article having learned at least a little bit of new information. If so, then we
have done our job.
Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-litter-trays-finding-the-right-one
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