Litter Box choices...
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| Tue, 03-08-2005 - 9:25am |
I'm back with some more questions about adding a cat to our family. We still haven't gone to the shelter, but I want to be prepared for when/if we do get a cat.
First, what kind of litter box is best to get? I initially loved the idea of the automatic litter box, but after reading reviews of it I'm not convinced it's worth it. I can clean a litter box easier than trying to service a machine, KWIM? When I had my cat growing up, we had an open litter box, but it was in the basement. We also only had a one story house. My family lives in a two-story house now, with hard wood on the main floor and carpet from the stairs up into the second floor (bedrooms).
I'm interested in covered boxes but wonder about how cats like them? And then there's brands and sizes. How do you choose? Also, because my dog IS a dog, AND a male, he tends not to be the brightest crayon in the box. Should I be concerned about him eating the cat poop?
We have a basement, and go down there frequently, but with two stories I figured it would best work to have the box on the main floor. We have a half bathroom (toilet and sink), and a small laundry room there. For odor and cosmetic reasons, which is best to place the box?
And finally, what kind of litter do you use? Is it like food and you should switch brands slowly? What if I don't like the brand the shelter is using? Which cuts down on odors most effectively?
Any advice appreciated! Thanks!
Rebecca


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Hi! Most of that stuff comes down to personal choice--yours & the cat's. I have a covered box, but some cats don't like them. I think they help w/the smell. I don't really think the brand matters. The only little thing I've run into is that mine uses a larger size filter, which some stores don't carry, so it's a pain trying to buy them. I don't hear particularly good things about the automatic boxes. As you said, I don't find cleaning the litter to be much of a job. I personally, & a lot of us here, I think, refer clumping litter. It's easier to keep the box clean b/c you can scoop out the pee as well as the poop, every day. There are a lot of clumping brands. I went through several before I found the one that works best for me & my cats. If you don't use a clumping litter, adding plain baking soda helps w/the smell. Don't use baking soda w/clumping litter. If you were to switch your box between clumping & non-clumping, it would be best to do it all at once. The 2 don't mix. But otherwise, it doesn't matter how you switch. You don't have to do it slowly, like food, I don't think. But I'm not sure. The laundry room or powder room sound like good places to put the box. Some people put it in the cellar & leave the cellar door open all the time. That way the smell isn't around the people.
You might consider adopting 2 cats at the same time, to keep each other company. That works best if they're both kittens, or if they are adults who already know each other & get along.
Katz
There's a kitten listed on petfinder for my local shelter who has "special needs." Her two back paws don't work well. I'm really interested in checking her out when we get there. I don't know how many people are interested in special needs pets. We'll see.
Here's the blip on her: "Flip is a special needs kitty. Her legs just do not always move the right directions. She does use the litter box. She is a very happy kitten. She is about 5 months old (01/05)."
I would be open to getting a second kitten/cat, but it may take some persuasive techniques on my part to get DH to agree. Although he doesn't have to do much, I'm the one who takes care of everything (naturally), but sometimes you have to humor the man so he thinks he actually has a say. LOL
Thanks!
Rebecca
Katz
Hi Rebecca.