“Wait a minute, I have to litter train my cat?”
Yes, why yes you do.’
Everything You Need to Know About Litter Training Your Cat or Kitten
Cats generally will use a litter box with a little coaxing. Set up the box, place the cat inside, and you needn’t do anything more than regular maintenance. People hypothesize that it’s your cat’s second nature since litter resembles ground material in the wild.
However, sometimes cats need assistance due to their age, they have a medical problem, or for one reason or another, they stop using their box and require retraining.
About 90% of all cats simply need a clean place to do their business and have their own show them where it is, and that’s all that matters.
The other 10% can turn a sweet companionship sour overnight. Does your companion fall into this category? Did you know Issues that could arise vary from using the wrong litter to the wrong litter box style to undiagnosed health conditions?
Owners seldom realize the choices they make for their cat’s bathroom can lead their companion to make their own toilet.
Cats have excellent memories, and like humans, they can associate certain sights, sounds, smells, and daily habits with negative reactions that occurred once.
For example, if your kitty once had a urinary tract infection and felt pain when using their litter box, they can stop using it.
The Top 5 Reasons Your Cat Refuses to Use Their Litter Box
According to ASPCA, This isn’t an exclusive list, and cats might have multiple reasons for refusing to use their litter box.
Always contact your veterinarian if your cat suddenly stops using their litter box to rule out an underlying health issue, such as a urinary tract infection.
- They don’t like the style.
- They don’t like the location.
- They don’t like litter.
- Your cat is sick.
- You haven’t spayed or neutered your cat, and they’re marking their territory.
What Do You Need to Litter Train Your Cat or Kitten
- Litter box
- Litter
- Litter box scooper
- Feline enzyme cleaner for accidents
What about fancy paw cleaning mats? Save your money; most don’t work any better than a ratty towel does.
You’re better off keeping a small hand broom or handheld vacuum nearby (a wet/dry model works well). After you scoop the boxes, clean up any litter.
- Lightweight & Cordless Handheld Vacuum: Cordless, always on hand and can be used virtually anywhere as the weight at just 1. 98lbs.
- Powerful & Strong Suction: Tidylife handheld vacuum provides 6000pa suction power, easily and thoroughly picks up 0. 5L of liquid spills or sloppy messes.
- Versatile Cleaning: It comes with 3 kinds of attachment, perfect for cleaning dust, crumbs, pet hair, even liquids.
- Fast Charging & Long-lasting power: Cordless vacuum with rechargeable 2200 mAh Li-ion battery, it takes 4-5 hours to fully charge and can last 22 minutes suction.
- What you get: Tidylife Handheld Vacuum X1, Crevice Tool X1, Dust Brush X1, Liquid Nozzle X1, Washable Filter X1, Charging Base X1, and User Manual X1. Also our worry-free 12 months .
Another notable problem with mats that collect litter is your cat might view it as an extension of their litter box. The same applies to your rugs, towels, or anywhere litter spills.
How to Pick a Litter Box Your Cat Will Love
Your cat can’t communicate the type of box they want to use before you buy one, so it’ll be up to you to decide. Various styles and sizes exist, and each litter box type has pros and cons.
Unless you have a picky kitty, you should be fine choosing based on your preferences and available space.
Automatic Litter Boxes Are Convenient
An automatic litter box makes scooping easier with automatic rakes that quickly run through the litter after your cat does their business.
Most units dispose of waste in a container receptacle that you toss in the trash. Fancier models can hook into your water and sewage system.
This type of box does have a few downsides. They’re not the greatest boxes if you have multiple cats, but many claims to be.
They might scare off your cat or clean themselves when your cat needs to use it. Also, these aren’t suitable for cats under 6 months old.
Popular Automatic Litter Box Models
CatGenie Self Washing Self-Flushing
- Automatic cat box flushes waste away and washes itself clean
- Uses litter-like Washable Granules not clay litter to satisfy cats need to dig and cover
- Requires hookup to cold water and electrical outlet
- AUTOMATICALLY SCOOPS AFTER EVERY USE: Equip with smart-detection motion sensor and removable automatic rake for a convenient cleanup
- 24/7 FRESHNESS WHEN USED AND STORED AS DIRECTED: Waste receptacle keeps mess and odor contained. High walls help prevent litter scatter. The paw cleaning ramp helps prevent tracking around the box
- EXTRA-LARGE BOX: Designed for multiple cats over 15 lb. This litter box is great for frequent travelers, families and children and multi-pet households
- NIGHT LIGHT: Includes night light setting to create nighttime visibility for your cats
- EASY SETUP: Simply refill, relax and remove. For optimal performance, get the full line of Nature's Miracle products - litter, accessories and more
Nature’s Miracle Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- AUTOMATICALLY SCOOPS AFTER EVERY USE: Equip with smart-detection motion sensor and removable automatic rake for a convenient cleanup
- 24/7 FRESHNESS WHEN USED AND STORED AS DIRECTED: Waste receptacle keeps mess and odor contained. High walls help prevent litter scatter. The paw cleaning ramp helps prevent tracking around the box
- EXTRA-LARGE BOX: Designed for multiple cats over 15 lb. This litter box is great for frequent travelers, families and children and multi-pet households
- NIGHT LIGHT: Includes night light setting to create nighttime visibility for your cats
- EASY SETUP: Simply refill, relax and remove. For optimal performance, get the full line of Nature's Miracle products - litter, accessories and more
LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box Self-Cleaning Scoop with Ramp
- MULTI-CAT SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX: This litter box has automatic scooping with a rake that removes waste for a clean, fresh start. It is designed to be used with multiple cats over 15 lb.
- LOW MAINTENANCE: When used as directed, the LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box requires no daily scooping, meaning you have a scoop-free clean up for up to 7 days
- ODOR CONTROL: Once the rake removes waste, the waste receptacles with carbon filters keep mess and odor contained.Easy Set-Up - Hassle-Free Assembly
- LITTER BOX DESIGN KEEPS AREA CLEAN: Designed with high walls to prevent litter scatter and a paw cleaning ramp to help prevent tracking around the box
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDE: 4 waste receptacles, 4 carbon filters, 1 scoop and rake cleaner, 1 paw cleaning ramp
PetSafe ScoopFree Original Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- AUTOMATICALLY REMOVES WASTE: No scooping, cleaning or refilling your cat's litter box for weeks
- UNBEATABLE ODOR CONTROL: Crystal litter removes smell by absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste
- NO MORE MESSY FLOORS: Low-tracking crystals are 99% dust free and don’t stick to your cat’s paws
- LEAK PROTECTION: Disposable trays have plastic lining to help protect against leaking and keep your floors clean
- EASY CLEANUP: Simply remove the tray and throw it away; each tray includes a lid for quick disposal
Litter-Robot III
While we don’t mention the brand above, we wanted to give you owner insight on automatic litter boxes from an unbiased source.
Bitwit’s video shows how the Litter-Robot III works, his opinion as a multiple cat owner, and he shares the initial reactions of his cats.
If you decide on an automatic model, consider starting with one and keeping a regular box for backup in case your cat refuses to use it. Also, YouTube can offer you an inside look at cat reactions, but every feline is different.
- Purax Smart Litter Box: Not only automatic poop scooping, but also automatic deodorization, instead of cleaning litter every day, now you only need to do 30 minutes cleaning once every 2 weeks-8 weeks, very worth the initial cost for the savings in sanity, time, smell, mess, litter.
- 100% Safe and Reliable: xSecure security system, we applied Hall sensor, infrared sensor, weight sensor, anti-trap infrared sensor to this automatic cat litter box, just to make sure your pet is not at risk. The remote alert device also allows you to be notified via your cell phone in time for emergencies.Warm Tips: Applicable weight range for cats: 1.5kg to 8kg, do not use for young pets under 6 months.
- APP CONTROL: Through the PETKIT app(2.4G Wifi Needed), you can control the automatic cat toilet remotely, and view informations about your pet's usage to track your cat's health. For example, we provide you with data on how often your cat uses it each day, which can help you detect any urinary problems in advance. PETKIT is always looking for ways to let you know more about your pets' health.
- Odor Removal: PETKIT provides you with 4 bottles of deodorizing replacement solution in this package, which automatically deodorizes the litter box through a separate deodorizing device, effectively removing unpleasant odors and formaldehyde. PETKIT automatic litter box is compatible with all clumpable litters.
- SERVICE & WARRANTY: PETKIT provides 12 months manufacturer warranty and service. Any questions or problems regarding the PETKIT products, please feel free to contact us. We offer US-based customer support team to help you. You can contact us by the US phone number or email, all emails will be replied within 24 hours.
Hooded Litter Boxes Will Keep Out Kids and Most Dogs
Your cat doesn’t need privacy. What a hooded box is great for is keeping out small children and dogs. The latter is harder to keep out unless you opt for a top entry.
A dog will have a harder time because the hole isn’t large enough for their heads, but an unsupervised and diligent dog will find a way inside.
You can face away from the entrance on a standard hooded box, but this might introduce litter box anxiety to your cat by making them feel cornered.
A hooded box can also keep heavy diggers from kicking out litter and clumps of waste. Some cats also like to pee on the sides, and this style can allow them to do their business without creating a huge mess on your floors. A flap might stop this as well as top entry models.
Hooded models aren’t suitable for all cats. Seniors, obese cats, or those with arthritis can have difficulty entering and exiting the boxes.
Small kittens might have the same issue. Taking off the hood and using it as a classic style pan might not be enough to assist them.
However, styles that use steps, like the Petmate Clean Step Dome listed below, can be a happy medium for you and your senior cat.
If you do choose a hooded box, you want the interior to be at least one and a half times larger than your cat. They might not use it or have trouble using it otherwise.
Notable Hooded Models
- ✅Top or front-entry– two door design will allow your lovey small cat can used. Our stop block makes the front door one-way entry. When your cat is small and can’t jump very high, you can just remove the stop block make the front door become two-way entry door. Our litter box can service any size for your cat.
- ✅Easy clean – The litter box is designed to provide quick and easy access for scooping and cleaning. The air filter works to remove odors.
- ✅Prevent litter scatter – the little box will stay put, and keeping tracked litter in the box, not on your floors. You don’t need to worry the litter. The litter box can reduce litter scatter up to 95%
- ✅Big size – Our Cat Litter Box is available to all size of cats. Inside Dimensions: (widest point) 20.00" X 16.57" X 17.87". Age range description: Kitten, included components: 1xCat Litter Box
- ✅Safe and high quality – we used safe and high-quality plastic to made. Bpa free. Your pet safety is our hope. If you have any issue or complain. Please email us first, and we will give you 100% satisfaction solution.
Pakeway Two Door Entry Cat Litter Box
- EXTRA LARGE RETRACTING LITTER PAN: Control litter box odors in your home with this litter pan with a canopy-style hood that traps odors & filters. The retracting visor rolls up for quick scooping.
- FOR MULTI-CAT HOMES: Suitable for homes with multiple cats & larger cat breeds. The visor reduces litter scatter and the filtered hood minimizes odors. Hood unlatches easily.
- PET CLEAN UP: Swiftly clean up after your dog or cat while at home or on walks with a variety of waste management products. From waste bags, rakes, pans, trainings pads to poop scoopers, litter boxes & litter, we've got you & your pet covered.
- Petmate: For over 50 years, we at Petmate are passionate about our dogs, cats & furry friends in general. Starting with the very first dog kennel, we've produced plenty of eco-friendly products that pets will love.
- JUST FOR PETS: Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens & other small furry friends! Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm & Hammer, Booda, Chuckit!, Jackson Galaxy & more!
Petmate 22793 Retracting Litter Pan
- Petphabet Cat Litter Box ideal for Multiple Cat Households Even in A Studio Apartment .Two average sized cats could all sit in kitty litter boxes at the same time and have a synchronized poop fest in jumbo litter box
- Removable & Clear Top Cover. high back and lid reduces spillover.Your cats won't feel closed in or like they could be blindly ambushed with litter box for cats
- No Exploding Cat.Safe for cats to move around in cat litter boxes and for you to scoop or clean litter by having the color strip that fits over the opening
- Roomy & Rounded. Dimension when assembled tall cat litter box is 24.8"L x 20"W x 16.5"H. Door opening size 8.2 X 7.8 inches
- Easy to Clean. non-stick plastic covered litter box for easy clean-up
Petphabet Litter Box with Lid
- MADE IN USA with global materials - The IRIS USA top entry kitty litter tray offers a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to your cat's bathroom needs. With the top entry kitty litter box, everything stays inside and out of sight, and the enclosed design lessens the prevalence of unpleasant odors in the room, something that's sure to make everyone in the family happy.
- TOP ENTRY - The top entry of the cat litter pan means more privacy for your cat, less litter spillage, and any spraying remains contained within the tall walls of the kitty litter box. It also functions to keep other pets, such as dogs, out of your cat's business, making for a stress-free environment for everyone.
- TIDY - The little holes in the lid catch any lingering litter particles on your cat's paws and keep them from spilling out onto the floor, keeping the area neat and clean and making clean-up a breeze.
- ORGANIZED - The included scoop features a hook, allowing you to hang it from the side of the kitty litter pan to store it between cleanings and have it within reach whenever it's needed, making the days of hunting around for the scoop a thing of the past.
- GREAT SIZE - Outside dimensions: 20.5"L x 14.75"W x 14.38"H, Entry: 9.25" Diameter, Inside dimensions (bottom): 17"L x 11.5"W
- KEEP LITTER IN THE BOX, NOT ON THE FLOOR: Unique, patented, clean step entrance captures litter scatter by wiping cat's paws as they step. The dome litter box is 50% larger than the average cat box, but built-in handle makes it easy to clean and move.
- MINIMIZE ODOR: A charcoal filter minimizes unwanted odors to keep your home as fresh and clean as possible, even in a multi cat household. Replacement filters and litter box liners are sold separately. Also, check out our cat litter scoop and cat litter mat selection
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: Petmate is not just a friend of furry family members, but the environment too. We produce eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable products from kennels to litter boxes and many in between.
- FOR ALL PETS AND SIZES: Ideal for dog litter box, puppy litter box, rabbit litter box, ferret litter box. A must have for your pet supplies for any indoor pet that is housebreaking or potty trained. Less expensive than puppy pads.
- USE YOUR FAVORITE LITTER: Great for pine litter, crystal cat litter, pellets for cat litter box and clumping cat litter. We suggest Arm & Hammer Slide.
Petmate Clean Step Litter Dome
AmazonBasics Hooded Cat Litter Box
- EASY ACCESS FOR CATS: The swinging plastic door allows your cat to enter and exit the hooded cat litter box with ease while keeping the interior mess contained
- ODOR CONTROL: The litter boxes feature a pre-installed carbon filter, reducing unpleasant odors, with replacement filters sold separately for continued freshness
- STAIN AND ODOR RESISTANT: The covered litter box is crafted from durable plastic that resists stains and odors and provides a clean and hygienic environment for your furry friend
- CONVENIENT HANDLING: The hooded litter box includes a built-in handle for easy carrying and snaps into place, simplifying the process of scooping or changing litter
- SPACIOUS ENCLOSED DESIGN: This enclosed litter box provides your cat a private space, offering a comfortable area to do their business in peace
What About Litter Box Furniture?
Litter box furniture encloses and/or completely hides the litter box. They can be a win-win if you can coax your cat to use them.
Keep in mind that your cat doesn’t care if their potty place looks like an end table.
You’ll want to purchase a box that fits inside the furniture if it doesn’t come with one too. We recommend a classic style box since your cat might not want to climb through multiple openings.
- [Enhanced function] The LitterLoo is made with non-toxic ECOFLEX; a proprietary composite blend of recycled polymers and wood fiber by-products. This ensures your cats litter box is not only durable and eco-friendly, but moisture and odor-resistant as well.
- [Hidden Litter Box] The LitterLoo is designed with an easy to use flip down front door, allowing you to hide away your cats litter box while accentuating your home’s decor. Perfect for small spaces, and available in 2 sizes & 4 colors, it’s the perfect fashion statement for your home.
- [Multi-Purpose] Not only does the LitterLoo discreetly house your cats litter box, but it can also be used as an end table; conveniently storing plants, lamps & other household treasures on top.
- [Long-Lasting] Enjoy peace of mind with the 10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty, ensuring your cats litter box is built to last.
- [Must Be Used with Litter Pans] This item MUST be used with a litter pan inside. If your pet misses the box or has a history of spraying, we recommend using a high sided litter pan to optimize sanitation and containment.
Is the Classic Litter Box Still the Most Popular Style Among Cats?
According to a recent study on cat litter box preference, no. Only eight of their participating felines had a preference, leaving 70% of the remaining cats without care.
Interestingly enough, one of the picky “no hood” cats changed its preference post-study when the researchers switched to an unscented litter.
One upside of a classic litter pan is its available sizes and shapes. You can also purchase side extensions that contain waste and litter without making your cat feel trapped. Another pro is they sit lower to the floor, which makes them suitable for aging cats and kittens.
Picking the Right Litter for Your Cat Might Matter More than Style
Litter is a relatively new invention. Prior to WWII, housecats didn’t care about boxes, location, or the type of litter. Their greatest concern was making sure someone let them outside in time.
Today paints a different picture. Most owners exclusively keep their cats indoors with some allowing outside access (and they still keep litter boxes).
Common Litter Material
- Clay, scented and unscented
- Clumping, scented, and unscented, with or without odor control additives
- Recycled paper
- Pine
- Corn
- Wheat
- Walnut shells
- Grass
- Gel crystals
Like with box style, your cat might have a preference in the type of material they want to use as a bathroom. How do they voice their opinion? Oh, you’ll notice they’ll pee and poop anywhere but the litter box.
Many litters have enormous downsides, depending on what you need the litter to do. Few of the natural ones, for example, provide you with a safe alternative to clumping litter that reacts to waste in the same manner. Harder to find grass litter comes the closest.
If your cat has food allergies, you might want to avoid corn and wheat litters. Your cat can lick their paws after using its box and ingest it.
The same applies to gel crystals, which use silica, a known animal toxin; despite the small amounts ingested, your animal will use their litter box multiple times a day.
Two popular litters are clay and clumping. Most clumping litters use a clay base. Both can cause dust to kick up when your cat uses the box, which can lead to respiratory issues and urinary tract infections. Kittens under three months old should use clay.
What Litter Do Cats Prefer?
However, studies show that cats prefer clumping litter without additional fragrance. Added scents are for owners; they partially mask the odor, but they’re not a replacement for scooping the litter box and can be harmful to your cat.
Do keep in mind that an automatic litter box might require a certain brand or variety. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and contact them for alternative suggestions and approved additives.
The Truth About Odor Control and Added Scents
Your cat’s nose is sensitive, and their litter box is stinky. That’s not a winning combination when you’re attempting to control or prevent odors from taking over your home.
Your first thought might be litter box additives, followed by aerosol or outlet-style air fresheners. Those products can be just as harmful and act as a deterrent too.
- Universal litter box filters: 6.5 inches x 6 inches rectangles, 1 cm in thickness, with good filtering effect; Cut them into various sizes to fit litter boxes, suitable for majority of litter boxes, to get rid of odors.
- Purposes: a good solution to solve the litter box unpleasant smells problem, do the good job to remove odors, maintain fresh and clean smells, keep your pets with good health and mood, make you live a happy life with your pets.
- Easy to fit: only fit replacement filter into inside air vent of litter box top, then the filter works with strong absorbing effect, let the litter box keep fresh and clean smells like a new one.
- High quality material: eco-friendly activated charcoal material with good absorption, the good effect of filters can last for a long time, disposable filters, it is not recommended that rinse them.
- Package includes: Each package includes 6 pieces of cat litter box filters, need to be replaced every 2-3 months; If there is any question for product quality or other problems, please feel free to contact us timely, we will solve problems for your side as soon as possible.
If you want superior odor control and a safer alternative, opt for activated charcoal filters.
Most hooded styles have a vented flap on top to hold them. Alternatively, you can choose to add granules to the litter.
- CAT LITTER ODOR STOPPER: Improve your home's air quality with our cat litter odor stopper, made from activated charcoal granules that absorb bad odors, strong air fresheners, and pet urine. Keep your home smelling fresh.
- EASY CLEANING & ODOR-FREE: Keep your kitty litter box tidy with our odor absorber, made from disposable activated charcoal crystals. Say goodbye to messy litter boxes and enjoy clean odor-free air at home.
- UNSCENTED AND SAFE: Great for your feline friends, our cat litter eliminates odors instead of covering them up with an artificial scent or perfume. It is safe for both humans and pets if ingested, making it the perfect addition to your kitty supplies.
- EFFECTIVE ODOR CONTROL: Get rid of the smell of pet poop, urine, and waste quickly and easily with our odor eliminator. Just one half cup into the feline litter box will extend the life of your kitty's litter box by at least 50% or more and make it odor free.
- NATURAL DEODORANT: Easily deodorize with our activated charcoal odor absorber pellets, perfect for cat litter boxes, poop bags and garbage containers. May also use to stop odor in compost pails, trash cans or anywhere you have something 'stinky' going on!
4 Quick Tips for Cat Litter
1. Pick a brand and give your cat at least one month before switching again. Every formula is different, and constant switching can lead to your cat seeking another potty.
2. Use clay or a natural litter material with kittens under three months old. Some vets recommend under six months to be safe.
3. Choose unscented litter if possible.
4. Watch and listen to your cat for signs of distress or pain when using the litter box. It might not be your litter, and it could be a sign of a medical condition.
Where Should You Place Your Litter Box?
If your first thought is to place your cat’s litter box in the farthest area of your home, you might find your cat doesn’t want to use it.
This isn’t the only mistake owners make with litter box placement. Owners aren’t to blame; the internet offers a lot of mixed advice.
How Many Boxes Do You Really Need?
Jackson Galaxy from Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell offers helpful tips backed by experts on where to place your cat’s litter box.
Most of his advice addresses cats that refuse to use their litter box, but it’s certainly useful for new owners that want to avoid creating issues.
Cat Health recommends you place two boxes side-by-side because cats don’t like to pee and poop in the same box. They go on to explain that these boxes actually count as one box. For example, if you have two cats, you should have six litter boxes in your home.
Their advice actually aligns with Jackson Galaxy’s since when he talks about not placing them side by side, he’s referring to those being your only litter boxes.
Imagine how many litter boxes you’d need to find space for if you owned four or more cats. Unfortunately, if you own multiple cats, their litter boxes will quickly overtake your house.
Our best advice? Use your cat as a guide. Do you notice one box with only poop and one with pee? Do they use the boxes equally? In areas where one box sees more use, consider placing a second one there. See if anything changes.
Do You Really Need to Face Them in Separate Directions?
A few videos touch on changing the direction your litter box faces. Some show them diagonal but in a corner. Others face a hooded litter box’s opening at the wall. To be frank, your cat likely doesn’t care about the direction as long as they feel safe.
How Else Can You Keep Dogs and Children Out of the Litter Box?
Remove the temptation without stressing out your cat. You should try to keep animals out of the room where the litter box sits. Baby gates and hexagon-shaped enclosures make good deterrents for most dogs.
Another option is to put cat openings in doors. While you can’t do this if you rent, you can cut small openings in the bottom of doors to give cats free access to rooms that would be otherwise off-limits to your dogs and small children.
The Kitty Pass makes an interior wall version and a door one. Both come in multiple sizes.
Do you live in a rental? Try the Door Buddy instead if you want to block access to other pets and children. This allows a gap wide enough for your cat to enter and exit the room. However, it might not stop small and toy breed dogs.
- The Kitty Pass Wall Tunnel is the safest and cutest way to let your cat pass thru a wall
- Smooth, wide opening allows your cat to pass through SAFELY, with no worries.
- Comes completely finished in a beautiful semi gloss white, or you can easily paint it yourself, to match your homes decor.
- Pass through opening is 7 1/2" wide and 7 1/2" high and can be used by all cats up to 20 lbs
- Easily fits all standard interior walls with 2x4 construction and 1/2 inch sheetrock
- ✅ THE ORIGINAL NO CUT CAT DOOR - Door Buddy’s adjustable door strap for pets is the original cat door alternative that gives cats back their space! No need for an indoor cat door and no more fighting a bulky dog gate with cat door. With Door Buddy you can have a cat door without cutting your door in a matter of seconds. While cheap cat door holder knock-offs are tempting, Door Buddy door latch is made in the USA and is both durable and effective. NOTE: This version DOES NOT INCLUDE A DOOR STOPPER.
- ✅ KEEP DOGS OUT OF LITTER BOX - Door Buddy’s door locks for dogs is the easiest way to keep door cracked open for cat while keeping dogs out of the litter box and cat food. Thanks to our extra strong 3M adhesive, Door Buddy installs in seconds and can stop most dogs even up to 120lb from getting into no-go rooms. Finally, a cat door interior door without any hassles and a dog proof feeding station for cats that doesn't make your cat feel trapped.
- ✅ SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE - A tool-free installation that is simple and works! The 3M adhesives stick to your door and door frame, the adjuster allows you to keep the door cracked open just enough to suit your cat's width, and finally lock the hook into the latch. The strap will flex around the door so it is easy to latch from either side of the door for quick and convenient access. DO NOT install on drywall. For extra large and motivated dogs, install on the back of your door for a stronger hold.
- ✅ CUSTOMIZABLE & ADJUSTABLE - Door Buddy works on all interior door types including bi-fold, sliding, pocket, and double doors. Now you can dog proof cat litter boxes and keep dog out cat food no matter the room! With our adjustable mechanism, you can customize the door opening width to keep door ajar from 0-6” wide. Adjust to the smallest gap to keep cat out of room or adjust it to fit your kitty and keep dogs out of room.
- ✅ MADE IN THE USA - Quality fur-parents deserve quality products. Door Buddy is small business owned, parent invented, and made in the USA. Unlike some other cheaper, less durable and imported cat door stopper straps, Door Buddy adjustable door strap and latch is both affordable and made with superior quality materials. Give our Door Buddy door strap for cats a try today and see for yourself why pet owners love it so much.
- The Kitty Pass XL is the safest and cutest way to let your cat in and out, of closed doors.
- Smooth, wide opening allows your cat to pass through SAFELY, without tails getting snagged or caught up.
- Comes completely finished in a beautiful semi gloss white, or you can easily paint it yourself, to match your homes decor.
- Pass through opening is 9" wide and 8" height and can be used by all cats up to 30 lbs
- Easily fits all standard interior doors with sizes, 1 1/4" to 1.75" thick
While deterring animals and children is ideal, you should also consider the reasons why your dog wants to eat cat feces. You might believe it’s normal behavior because so many dogs do it. It’s not normal; it’s a named condition.
According to the AKC, Coprophagia is what occurs when your dog eats cat stool on a regular basis. The reasons vary. Stress, sickness, malnutrition, and age can be factors. In 2012, a study concluded that dogs ingest this poop to protect their pack from parasites.
Unfortunately, this means science and medicine are still figuring out the way. If it’s due to stress, sickness, or malnutrition, you might be able to reverse it. You’ll be unlikely to reverse the condition if it’s instinct.
Regardless of the reason, a dog noshing on poop is gross and unhealthy. Speak with your vet. Work to address the issue, and use the best solution for your situation to keep Fido out of Fluffy’s litter box.
8 Quick Tips for Your Litter Box Placement
- Always have a litter box per cat and one extra.
- Spread litter boxes around your house.
- Keep a box on every floor
- Place boxes in social areas for your cat.
- If you use side-by-side placement, you count them as one box.
- Don’t move the box unless necessary.
- Don’t place them near air fresheners or electronic essential oil diffusers; many essential oils are harmful to cats, and electronic diffusers release essential oils into the environment, which they can ingest.
- Keep litter boxes away from dogs and children. Use barriers if possible. Consider addressing underlying issues with your dog.
Does Litter Depth Really Matter?
Yes, the Humane Society says cats can be finicky about their preferred litter depth. Two inches or less is a good place to start, and just because you add more litter, it doesn’t mean you scoop it less frequently.
How Often Do You Scoop?
To be honest, you can’t scoop it too much. Once a day works for one or two cats that have multiple boxes. If you have more than three cats, you might prefer twice or more. This is especially true if they congregate in the same boxes.
Do You Need Liners?
Litter box liners might sound like they’re practical in theory. Most cats don’t like them and will scratch holes in them, which renders them useless. Whether to use pan liners is up to you and your cat.
How to Litter Train or Retrain Cats and Kittens
Patience is a virtue you will need if your feline falls into the 10%. It can take you months to uncover, diagnose, and begin addressing the issues.
Just remember, yelling at your cat isn’t going to solve the problem. Throwing objects or rubbing their nose in their mess also won’t work.
The more frustrated you are with your cat, the more they’re likely to act out because of it.
According to the ASAPC, your feline develops likes and dislikes in the early months of its life. This includes their litter and box preferences. This is also the easiest time to train your cat to like what you bought.
However, sometimes it’s not a kitten that requires training. Your best bet for your own sanity is to work with your cat to find a litter box, litter, and suitable location should they decide not to like your choices.
4 Steps to Make Litter Training Cats and Kittens a Breeze
- Set up the litter box. Don’t move it. That will only confuse your car. The moment your new kitten or cat comes home, place them in the litter box.
- Place the kitten or cat back inside the box after they wake or eat. If you notice sniffing, crouching, or odd behavior, pick up your kitten and take it to the litter box.
- Reinforce positive behavior with a treat, attention, or a toy.
- Repeat as needed and with each litter box location in your house. You might wish to introduce one at a time; limit your cat’s exploration to a single floor or room until you’ve shown them each one.
Retraining Your Cat to Use Their Litter Box
Anytime you switch the location of your cat’s litter box, you have to retrain them. Sometimes cats will go back to the old location and use it.
This is as frustrating to your cat as it is to you. However, scolding, hitting, or throwing objects at your cat does not help.
Follow the same steps to train a kitten. Reinforce positive behavior with an equal reward. Clean up accidents promptly and spray down urine with an enzyme cleaner for cats. This will prevent them from scenting out the old litter box.
If your cat was recently ill, they could be associating the litter box with pain. Try moving the box first. However, you might need to replace it with a different style to break their negative association.
Strays or cats with unknown pasts can be tricky to train. An enticing tip is to mix clean soil with their litter. Gradually make the full switch to litter once they’re using the box on a regular basis.
Senior cats and those with disabilities need extra care. If you notice your cat isn’t quite making it into its box, you should consider moving it to a more accessible location.
A different style, such as classic, could also be beneficial to them as they sit lower to the ground.
As a last resort, you can opt for a non-litter box solution. Puppy pads can be a lifesaver for both your sanity and your carpet while your cat is retraining. A few owners make the switch because their cats won’t use anything else.
How to Diagnose and Fix Litter Box Avoidance
As their owner, you can do everything right and still have a cat that refuses to use its litter box. Sometimes they pee but don’t poop in one and vice versa.
It’s frustrating when it seems like you have the only cat in the world with a broken litter box instinct. However, you’re not alone. Remember, 10% of all cats have litter box issues. A large number of them wind up in shelters too.
Don’t give up on your cat. Your cat only has so many ways they can communicate. Not using their litter box is their way of saying something is wrong.
The moment you realize your cat isn’t using their litter box, you need to see your vet. Your cat could simply be sick with a treatable virus or infection.
The sickness doesn’t need to be related to the urinary tract or the digestive system. Most cats resume normal litter box use once the illness passes.
Your Cat isn’t Sick. Why Won’t He Use The Litter Box?
You’ve ruled out sickness, but your cat is still refusing to use its box.
Your next step is to start narrowing down the reasons, and the easiest way to do this is to create a journal or log.
What Questions and Information Goes in the Journal?
- How often are you scooping the litter box? Did you skip any days?
- Are you changing out the litter on a regular basis?
- Are you using the proper litter depth for the size box?
- Did you move your cat’s litter box?
- Did you change your cat’s brand or scent of litter?
- Did you add any powder to the cat box?
- Did you spray air freshener or place a plug-in unit too close to the litter box?
- Did your cat have continuous access to the litter box?
- Was the cat trapped in a room?
They might seem like pointless questions, but any one of them can lead to your cat not using the litter box. Some situations can cause stress or negative feelings, which your cat then ties to their bathroom. The latter can lead to avoidance.
Why Your Cat Might Pee on the Walls, Furniture, and Floor
The first question is simple. Is your cat spayed or neutered? No? He’s likely marking his territory. Females will mark too.
Reasons for your cat spray vary, and the best way to stop this instinctual behavior is to alter your cat as a kitten.
Once your cat sprays, spaying and neutering might not be enough to stop them. They won’t produce a high amount of pheromones, but something triggered their natural instinct beforehand. They can’t unlearn the behavior easily. An altered cat could spray too.
Cats begin and continue spraying for any number of reasons. The result is always the same. They’re laying claim to what they believe is theirs. Triggers can include animals and people inside and outside your home.
How Do You Correct Spraying?
Marking or spraying has no correlation to the litter box. A cat will spray due to stress, mating, territory, and for medical reasons, according to the Human Society.
Correcting your cat’s behavior could take time. Your first step is to locate marked areas.
A black-light flashlight or device makes this easy. Next, you want to take painter’s tape and mark each area with an X.
Once you’ve located and indicated each spot, you need to clean them thoroughly with the right enzyme cleaner.
If you use the wrong kind, it won’t destroy the uric acid, which is what gives cat pee its tale-tell odor and alerts your cat to pee there.
Two decent brands are BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner and Nature’s Miracle Just for Cat stain. Angry Orange is a close third.
- ELIMINATES THE STUFF OF STAINS AND STINKS: The bio-enzymatic spray activates on contact with ammonia crystals and organic matter and doesnt stop working until it has eliminated every trace of urine, feces, vomit and any other gross stuff it digs up.
- GIVE IT PERMISSION TO GO ANYWHERE IN YOUR HOUSE: You can trust it on carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, kennels, carrier, anywhere pets can go and stains could happen.
- WELL-BEHAVED AROUND PETS AND KIDS: With no chlorine, no chemical propellants, and nothing that stains or fades colors, its your houses best friend. Its even been Certified Safe for all carpets, fetching the Seal of Approval by the trusted Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: If your worst stains and odors arent gone, neither is your money. Well give you a full refund, no questions asked.
- Deep cleaning
- Fast drying to reduce tracking
- Removes pheromones
- Packagining may vary
- SEE YA LATER, STENCH - Smells like heaven, works like hell. Use this 8oz bottle of odor eliminator for strong odor that just won't go away! Cat and dog pee won't stand a chance.
- DESTROYS AT THE SOURCE - The enzymes in this carpet deodorizer work to effectively break smells right down to the protein, ensuring they don’t return. Essential for anyone seeking cat and dog housebreaking supplies!
- CONCENTRATED CLEANER - Just add 4 tbsp of this urine odor eliminator into a 32oz bottle of water - trust us, that's all you'll need. Then, just shake it up and spray to your heart's content.
- EFFECTIVE EVERYWHERE - While this works great as a carpet cleaner for pets with an overexcited bladder, you can also use it on tile, wood, grass, or wherever your pet does their business (except leather).
- LOVELY CITRUS SCENT - Derived from the oils found in orange peels, this enzyme cleaner is pet-friendly, aromatic, and leaves your home smelling like a tropical wonderland.
How to Clean Cat Urine
The surface will determine the method you need to use. Absolutely under no circumstances should you steam clean the area. This will set in stains and scents, and you’ll need to replace your carpet or floor.
Hard, non-porous surfaces are the simplest to clean because you’ll wipe them down with your enzyme cleaner. You don’t need to do anything else, and they should stop marking that area.
Carpets and upholstered furniture take more work and patience. If the spot is dry, you need to soak the carpet to the pad with your enzyme cleaner and allow it to air dry. You will repeat this until both the smell and stain disappear.
Is the urine spot still wet? First, blot up as much urine as possible. Follow the same steps as above.
You can assist in drying times with fans and dehumidifiers. Also, make sure to keep your cat out of the room. This limits their exposure to chemicals you’re using, and it ensures they don’t spray the spot you’ve finished cleaning.
Repeat these steps for every spot in your house. Mark the spot with another X once dry, or you can place down protective puppy pee pads. Some owners will affix them to furniture and walls too.
- Best Litter Boxes for Large Cats
- 23 Cat Litter Box Cleaning Hacks
- Best Travel Cat Carrier With Litter Box
Our Final Thoughts on Litter Box Training
Unless your cat falls into the 10% crowd, you shouldn’t have too many issues training your cat to use the litter box if you follow the tips here.
Cats have a bad rap for being finicky felines, but in truth, they aren’t. They’re simply limited in ways to communicate their issues.
Be patient with your cat or kitten. Make sure you address litter box problems with your vet. Keep records of any changes you make and your cat’s reaction. Chances are it’s a simple fix and something you’re overlooking.
Hi, This is Alexa, and I love cats. This Website is a Complete Journal about how to travel with a cat and other information about Cat Health, Cat Training, Cat Behavior, Cat Foods and more. I hope you find it useful.