How to Decide Between Litter Boxes
The Latest Trends in Cat Litter Boxes
Choosing between litter boxes may not seem complicated, but with dozens of different styles and models on the market, you might wonder exactly what the ideal cat litter box contains. Here’s the lowdown on choosing the right potty spot for Fluffy, from the size and shape of the box to flushable cat litter:
- Size. Small litter boxes are okay for kittens and a one-cat household, but if you have a large cat or multiple cats, get the largest litter box available.
- Materials. Basic cat litter boxes are rectangular and made of plastic. The box you pick should be light enough to pick up easily. Plastic is easy to clean, but it does retain odor after a while, so you may want to invest in litter box liners. The litter material matters, too. Be kind to yourself and the earth and choose organic or flushable cat litter.
- Covered or open. Most cats prefer covered litter boxes. You can purchase a box with a hood, and there are even fancy covered boxes that look like furniture. Hooded boxes provide privacy and prevent litter from being kicked outside of the box. Some hooded boxes have a swinging door – your cat may or may not accept this feature. If he doesn’t like the door, you can always remove it. Some boxes are equipped with a removable rim so that Fluffy can’t easily kick litter out.
- Sifting box. This type of box is really two litter boxes in one – one that’s solid on the bottom and one that’s kind of like a colander on the top. When it’s time to clean the box, simply remove the top box, sift it gently, and toss out the waste. If you use flushable cat litter, empty it into the toilet directly.
- Disposable. Disposable boxes are really convenient and some even come with a fold up hood and odor control features. When the litter becomes soiled, simply pick up the box and toss it. Most come with the litter already included.
- Vented. Some boxes come with vents that contain replaceable odor controlling filters and pads. This is a nice feature if you have an odor problem or if the box is going to be in a public area of your home.
- Depth. Usually, a depth of three to six inches or so will do – you may need a deeper box and more litter for larger cats, male cats, or multiple cats.
- Color and opacity. Color depends on your taste. The opacity of the box’s hood, however, is up to your cat. Some cats prefer more privacy than others, so you may have to experiment a bit with the type of hood that your cat will tolerate.
- Electronic. There are several self-cleaning boxes on the market, and consumers seem to like them, especially for multiple cat households. These units usually have a sifter that’s activated by the motion of the cat leaving the box. Waste is collected in a receptacle for easy clean up. Just make sure that the unit’s noise doesn’t scare Fluffy and make him refuse to use the box. Find out what the return policy is before you purchase this type of box.
The best cat litter boxes are the ones that your cat will use. If he doesn’t like one model, get him another.
Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a dog trainer, bird care and behavior consultant, and a freelance writer in New York City. She is the author of more than 26 books on pet care and training and is the host of www.dogfessions.com.