Outdoor Creatures

(Outdoor pets) Choosing The Right Litter Box For Your Cat

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By Jay Schindler

 Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.

Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat’s satisfaction also guarantees success.

In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered:

Size and Depth

This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.

Material of the Box

Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.

Ease of Cleaning

Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand.

Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.

There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and feces and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out.

Style and Features

There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:

-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim.

-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide “privacy” for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents.

-Designer boxes. Also known as “hidden boxes”, this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat’s convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation.

-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.

-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.

Cost

The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.

Appealing to the Cat

Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the “privacy” which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again.

Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well!

To learn about elephant facts and wolf facts, visit the Animals Facts website.

Reasons Why You Should Walk Your Cat
By Jay Schindler

 Aside from dogs, cats are the next best pets for the home. In fact, 34.7 million households in the United States own at least one cat.

However, the benefits of owning a cat are not constrained to having them as mere pets because cats, like dogs, can be trained to do tricks as well. Even if they are known as “house cats,” it is important for them to be given the taste of the outdoor environment. This can be done through walking.

Yes, it is important to engage a cat in outdoor activities such as walking, just like the dog. This is because cats need further stimulation by having a taste of the activities gained by being outside. Walking them outdoors makes them feel entertained and stimulated.

Studies show that cats that are constrained inside the house show a significant sign of boredom and depression. These are not likely to be noticed since cats cannot verbally or even physically tell their owners that they are bored and depressed.

However, there were signs that were noted in a study that projects the negative effects of not having occasional walks outside the house. Scratching the furniture was noted to have a direct association with depression that the cat is experiencing.

The problem with most cat owners is that they tend to pamper their cats and they forget to give them the benefits of enjoying the environment. Hence, a growing health problem arises because most cats are found to be obese.

What people do not know is that even if they are known to be domestic animals and have been in “close contact” with people for more than 3,500 years, cats are known to be born hunters. In fact, most zoologists contend that cats are the “most graceful hunters” in this world.

For this reason, walking a cat is extremely important. Proper use of materials should be observed when walking your cat. Walking your cat does not necessarily mean it is okay to leave your cats outside. They can encounter danger such as getting a disease or being hurt by neighbors or vehicles..

Try to train your cat to walk with a leash and a harness on. It is best to use a jacket as well so that your cat will be comfortable while walking.

Walking your cat is not a hard work. You just have to use the right tools and the proper training of your cat and you can be assured of a happy and stress-free feline at home.

Read about frog facts and bird facts at the Animals Facts website.

How To Train Your Cat To Litter Correctly
By Jay Schindler

 One of the most daunting tasks that you have as a cat owner is litter-training them. You would not want them to soil your bed sheet or wet your favorite furniture.

In litter-training your pet cat, make sure that you start while they are young kittens and they will surely carry this habit as they grow.

Here are the basics on how you can successfully litter-train your cat:

1. Familiarize your cat with the “safe” areas within your house.

You may use crate-training while the cat is young. This is so that they will not roam around the house freely when they are not properly trained yet.

By giving them free rein on every area or room in your house, you will let your pet think that they can litter everywhere.

For starters, familiarize you cat with the areas around the house where they can roam around. Then start introducing the area where the litter box is located.

As a pet owner, you would basically have an idea of when your cat will eliminate.

The most likely times are after feeding, when they wake up and after going outside and walking.

2. Feed them on a regular basis.

Feeding your cat on a regular basis would help maintain a schedule of some sort within their system. After feeding, try to entice them to go to the area where the litter box is located.

Play with them for some time and once they are about to eliminate, the litter box is easily within reach.

Doing this on a regular basis would more or less train your cat of the proper place to soil or urinate.

When your cat takes a catnap, place her near a litter box after waking. Make sure that you muster encouraging words and stroke the coat to soothe her.

This is also your way of showing your cat that you are pleased about what she is doing.

3. Clean the litter box.

Cats are very tidy creatures. If they see or feel that the litter box is dirty, they will not want to go there.

These are some ways to keep the litter box clean and train your cat to use it:

-Your cat would not use a litter box that smells bad. After your cat has used the litter box, make sure that it is cleaned for the next time that your pet needs to use it.

-Discard the old litter immediately after use. Rinse the litter box with water. You can add some lemon juice or vinegar to remove the smell of urine. This would make the litter box clean and pleasant smelling to your cat.

-Place the litter box in an area that is easily accessible to your cat. If you assign one room for them, you may place the litter box at the opposite end of their sleeping area.

Always supply your cat with clean water to drink, this may also be placed near the litter box so that they can urinate there after drinking.

-If you have more than one cat, place several litter boxes in strategic areas.

4. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, it may be caused by stress.

Cats will react to stress by urinating or soiling your favorite piece of furniture.

There are also physical reasons why your cat will soil your carpet or wet your bed sheet. Your cat may have urinary tract problems that you would not know about.

It is best to consult your veterinarian if your cat suddenly urinates a lot or soils your furniture.

A sudden change in your cats behavior means that you should consult with a professional.

5. Do not associate the litter box with punishment.

You may also use psychology for litter training your cat.

If they litter on your carpet, do not lead them to the litter box after the fact. If you do this, the litter box would serve as their punishment and it will be very hard for you to get them to use it again.

Do not scold your pet because they cannot help it if they have not been suitably house-broken yet.

Praise your cat and shower them with a lot of affection for each time that they use the litter box.

With enough time and patience, you can learn to litter-train your pet cat and succeed while doing so.

For tips on fish facts and shark facts, visit the Animals Facts website.

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Monday, October 27th, 2008 at 7:50 pm and is filed under pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.