What mistakes should be avoided in the cat litter box? Many people wonder why a cat does not adhere to relieving itself in the litter box, even though it has been trained for a long time.
Others wonder about the cause of diseases that affect cats, and there is no doubt that the majority of cats learn at a young age to use the litter box or litter box from their mothers.
However, there are some adopted cats who behave inappropriately when relieving themselves around the house, and also do not adhere to using litter boxes.
In addition, some people neglect to clean the litter box, which leads to the cat ignoring the obligation to relieve himself in the litter box.
Therefore, in this article, we will take a look at the mistakes that should be avoided in the cat litter box, because all of these mistakes lead to many problems, including medical problems.
9 mistakes to avoid in the cat litter box
There are some common mistakes that you should avoid when using the litter box, because something must have disturbed her while she was using the litter box.
Here you notice that she is uncomfortable and hesitant to return to the box, or she may enter the box, but leave quickly before using the box. Therefore, in the following points, I will discuss with you some important mistakes, including the following:
1. Using the wrong sand
You must use sand designated for the cat's box, so that it is comfortable and loves to sit inside it comfortably.
It is worth noting that you should not use charcoal or slippery sand, because it causes breathing and digestion problems in cats, so look for a sandbox made of large and rough ingredients, such as “pine pellets.”
There are also many types of sand designated for cats, where the phrase “safe for cats” is written. While you find the preferred type, continue to use it as much as possible.
But when your cat rejects all commercial litters, replace them with natural yellow litter.
2. Not cleaning the sandbox regularly
It is necessary to clean the cat's box regularly because they are sensitive creatures that are quickly affected by the presence of unpleasant odors or during defecation, and this makes them hate using the box again.
In addition to protecting the box from bacterial accumulations that affect the cat’s health with many serious diseases.
So use a metal or reinforced plastic sand shovel to remove clumps of urine and feces. This keeps the box clean and free of litter and encourages cats to use the box.
It is also preferable to clean the box completely if your cat suffers from diarrhea, because the feces seep more and more into the sand, causing an increasingly unpleasant odor.
Warning: Do not use cleaning products with solvents to clean the sandbox, because the steam rising from it can make it sick, and this is because some cats always like to lick the sandbox.
3. Not using a sufficient amount of sand
You should use enough sand in the box, because cats like to dig before going to the bathroom.
Also, to avoid leakage and the emergence of unpleasant odors, more sand must be added when needed, and after emptying or cleaning the box, you must make sure to refill it with the same amount of sand as before.
It is worth noting that cats prefer sand of a certain depth, so be careful in how you use it, and also make sure that the depth of the sand in the box is equal to 5 cm.
4. Not changing the sand regularly
It is worth noting that it is important to change the sand in the cat box regularly, and it is also preferable to change it completely at least every two weeks.
It should be noted that cats love to dig, so they can hide their feces and it is not visible to you, but your cat can see it, and this makes him disgusted with using the box.
So when cleaning, make sure to remove the sand completely. Also, use the cat box liner to replace it easily and make it easier to clean.
5. Not choosing the appropriate fund
The box must be chosen appropriate for the size of the cat, as well as the type of sand used in it. The box must also be wide enough for the cat to be able to enter, exit, and turn around in it easily.
Warning: If the box is too small, your cat may refuse to use it and urinate in any part of the house. You can learn in detail how to choose the appropriate sand box for cats.
6. Not cleaning the area surrounding the box
Care should be taken to clean the area surrounding the cat box regularly, in order to avoid the spread of the unpleasant odor and also the bacteria that cause many diseases.
It is worth noting that you place a designated rug under the cat’s sandbox, to catch any sand that may fall from the box, and also to help you clean it easily.
Warning: Be careful not to punish your cat in any way if it stains your house with sand, because punishment will make it more stubborn or move away from you because of its fear.
7. The box is not dried well
Keep in mind to dry the litter box for cats well after cleaning it, in order to avoid the accumulation of moisture and bacteria. It is also preferable to put a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box.
It is also preferable to choose the appropriate type that has many features, such as “hoods, air purifiers, and self-cleaning mechanisms.”
8. Not placing the box in a suitable place
Consider placing the sandbox for cats in a suitable place with good ventilation, and also avoid placing it in a narrow or closed place, or in a place exposed to direct sunlight so that the cat is not harmed by it or dislikes using it.
Also try to place a litter box for cats in a place in the house that is not crowded with people, because cats love privacy and quiet when relieving themselves.
Warning: Do not disturb the cat while it is using the litter box, because it may prevent it from using the litter box later.
9. Do not ignore signs of substitution
Finally, one of the mistakes that must also be avoided in the litter box or litter box for cats is that you must pay attention to the replacement marks on the cat box and change it in a timely manner, so that waste does not accumulate or this leads to the spread of unpleasant odors and the accumulation of bacteria.
Know the advantages and disadvantages of open and covered boxes
In the following lines, we will talk about the difference between an open fund and a closed fund:
Advantages of open fund
One of the advantages of an open litter box is the cat’s freedom to rotate, move, and dig. Also, some cats prefer to know what surrounds them.
Disadvantages of open box
One of the disadvantages of an open cat litter box is seeing the box dirty, which is not very pleasant, and causes annoyance and disgust, as the cat scatters the litter outside of it.
Advantages of closed box
One of the advantages of a closed cat litter box is that some cats prefer to relieve themselves in privacy. It also prevents the unpleasant odors emitted inside it from escaping to the outside. In addition, the surrounding area of the litter box will remain clean.
Disadvantages of closed box
Bad odors remain inside it, so it needs to be cleaned frequently so that the cat does not sit inside it again.
Conclusion
In short, you must avoid these mistakes and commit to cleaning and maintaining the cat litter box regularly, and choosing the appropriate sand and box for the cat. As a result, you will provide a clean and healthy environment for the cat to maintain its health and comfort.
Finally, monitor your cat to find out the reason, and if you do not find the result, consult a veterinarian to ensure its health