![]() ![]() How to stay safe when cleaning the litter box.What are the risks associated with a dirty litter box?.Geddes has worked for Food & Wine, Parenting, Seventeen and Airbnb magazines and creates content for dozens of sites, including Care, Fisher-Price, the National Sleep Foundation and Realtor. She’s also the devoted owner of a rescue pup named Django, a temperamental Shepherd mix. Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York City writer/editor and the mom of two teenage girls. It features a sturdy ribbed bottom and a lid that locks in place, and it’s made to withstand cat box smells. If you’re in the market for a new cat box, try the Petmate Large Hooded Litter Pan Set with Microban. And while this may be hard to witness, be ready for your cat to jump right into the now-clean box the minute you’ve tidied it up (they love a clean place to go!). “This is important for cats-they prefer deep litter so they can bury their waste,” says Dr. Once the cat litter box is clean, be sure to replace the litter at the proper depth. Allow it air dry or use a couple of clean paper towels to remove the water. Dump out the dirty litter and then give the box a good scrubbing with the hot water and soap solution. “These products contain vapors that can be toxic to your cat,” says Dr. You should also avoid common commercial cleaners. “If the cleanser you use has perfume, it could turn off your cat and force him to poop in a different spot,” she warns. And while litter box odor control is the goal here, don’t use soap that has an overly strong scent, she cautions. “Hot, soapy water is all you need,” she says. Hohenhaus is a fan of the basics when it comes to changing cat litter. Or you could consider the Fresh Step Deluxe Cleanup Kit-it has all you need (scooper, dust pan, broom) to make cleaning a litter box easy.ĭr. You might include Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Litter Deodorizer, which can be sprayed right on the litter to combat cat smell. Before you begin, lay down newspaper or some plastic sheeting to catch stray litter, and then gather your supplies. Good spots for this less-than-pleasant chore include the backyard grass, on the work bench in your garage, or outside on the patio. Remove your cat’s litter box from the bathroom or laundry area when you’re ready to clean it. For a clean scent when you’re done, sprinkle on some Tidy Cats Litter Box Deodorizer. ![]() “Traditional clay litter needs switching once a week because it can become soaked through, but the kind that clumps can go longer, as it just requires that you pour more in when it gets low,” she explains. And when it’s time to change the litter out for a brand-new batch, note the type you’re using. “Always use a litter scoop-never your hands!-when you touch the box, and then wash well when you’re finished,” she urges. And if your cat shows signs of any gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea), you’ll need to tackle this task more frequently. Hohenhaus scoops hers twice a day, but recommends that cat owners clean theirs once a day at a minimum. And you probably don’t do it as often as you should. Hohenhaus.Īdmit it, cleaning a litter box isn’t something you rush to do when you get home from work. “Cat feces has to sit in the box for a few days before it becomes infectious to people, so cleaning it regularly is your best defense,” explains Dr. Most people affected by this condition won’t appear to have symptoms, but if you’re pregnant or have a compromised immune system, toxoplasmosis can be serious. And if you keep this special area pristine, it’ll cut down on the chance that your feline friend will take his business elsewhere.īring harmony-as well as fresher air-into your home with these smart tips for cleaning a litter box and changing cat litter:Īs important as it is to keep your cat happy with a clean place to poop and pee, protecting your family from toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by parasites sometimes found in feline waste, is even more critical. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, staff doctor at New York City’s Animal Medical Center. “Cats really love a clean litter box,” notes Dr. ![]() But along with significantly cutting down on cat smells in your house, effectively cleaning a litter box will please your furry friend. It’s a dirty job for sure one that’s often passed around the family with a “not me” kind of response. ![]()
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