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There is no one-size-fits-all litter box. Some cats
prefer open boxes with low sides, because they are
easier to enter and exit. Others do best if your boxes
have high sides, or covering hoods. As with so many
things about our feline friends, cats have the final
word when it comes to litter boxes.
As a
rule, though, smaller boxes with low sides are best for
kittens and tiny cats. Boxes with hoods can offer some
sensitive cats an added sense of privacy and security.
However, some cats become even more nervous in a covered
box, because they feel trapped.
Covered boxes can also be a good form of odor control,
since the gasses from a cat’s waste spend more time
lingering in the enclosed area. However, this also means
that the area inside the covered box can become stinky
pretty fast. Since your cat can’t hold her nose, she may
decide to solve the problem by avoiding the litter box
completely, and do her business in other areas of the
house.
You
can avoid this unhappy situation by remembering that
hooded boxes have to be cleaned more often and more
thoroughly than other litter boxes. Aside from removing
soiled litter and wiping down hood stains with warm
water on a daily basis, you will have to wash the hooded
box weekly.
Warm
water and soap should be used to wash any litter box.
Bleach should be avoided, because some cats are turned
off by the smell of this disinfectant. Remember to dry
the litter box and hood thoroughly before using them
again.
If
possible, the box and hood should be allowed to air dry
(this kills more germs), while a back up box is used.
Applying a cat-safe litter box deodorizing spray to the
box before putting the litter in will also help to
combat odors.
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