The Pet Owner’s Guide to Choosing Litter Boxes for Cats
Every cat needs a litter box, as much as humans need their own toilet. To suit the needs of your feline pets, there is no one-type-fits-all litter box thus it is best to choose the right one for your furry friends. Cats have their own peeve about what kind of litter box they’re comfortable with and there are many of choices available in your local pet shops or online.
Litter boxes for cats come in different size, shape and style. Here are some things to consider before getting one for your pet.
Size and Depth
Picking the right size for your cat is essential. Choose a litter box that is big enough for your cat; if it’s too small it won’t be very inviting to use. Cats like space and you have to provide them with an area that will allow them to eliminate their waste with ease and comfort. The recommended width for litter boxes is 24 inches.
For kittens, a shallow box, not more than 3 inches is advisable. For adult cats, a depth of 6 inches is good enough for them.
Style and Design
Litter boxes for cats come in different designs, styles and accessories. The common designs available are the following:
- Open flat box: This is the basic rectangular box that is most commonly used and preferred by most cats. It is made of durable plastic and comes in a variety of size, shape, depth and color. This may also be the most practical and cheapest choice among other litter boxes.
- Hooded boxes: Some hooded boxes are just your basic pan with an additional hood on top. They are usually smaller, though and cramped up inside but most boxes are high enough to allow cats to stand while they do their thing. The purpose of these hooded boxes is to give cats privacy when they attend to their needs, but the closed space and poor ventilation makes this type of litter box prone to get very smelly.
- Self-cleaning boxes: These are high-end litter boxes for cats that are almost a luxury for pets and their owners. The cat box is electric powered and equipped with sensors that activate the self-cleaning system after the cat has left the litter box.
Conclusion
Finding the right litter box for your pet may require trial and error. Don’t insist on letting your cat deal with a box that she is not comfortable with. The right litter box for your cat will work both ways, it will make your pet happy and it will make your life easy. A happy pet is also equivalent to a happy owner.