Tips For Setting Up Your Cat’s Litterbox

One great thing about cats is the fact that you don’t have to rush home to walk them. Fluffy will use a litterbox to discretely do her business. Of course, there are some things to keep in mind when setting up your furry pal’s bathroom. Read on as a local Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some advice on setting up Fluffy’s purrsonal powder room.

Just like people, cats prefer to have some privacy while doing their business. Put your feline buddy’s litterbox in a quiet area that is easy for her to reach. Don’t put it in direct sunlight, drafty areas, or spots that get really hot or cold.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing litters. If you have a kitten, avoid clay or clumping litters for now. Baby cats are a bit clumsy, which is of course adorable. However, they can sometimes accidentally ingest litter. This can cause serious—and potentially life-threatening—intestinal blockages. For older cats, you can use whatever you like. Some kitties are rather finicky about litter. Let Fluffy have her say as well!

Litterboxes don’t exactly make great décor pieces. If you want to hide your kitty’s bathroom, try upcycling an old end table. Cut a kitty door in one side, and then use the doors for cleaning access. Another option is to put the litterbox under an end table with legs. Putting a pet-safe plant on top will help with the smell.

Most litterboxes are fairly similar in size, so minor differences won’t matter much. However, if you have a kitten, you’ll want to get one of the smaller ones for now. If Fluffy is a senior, she may appreciate a litterbox with low walls, as it will be easier for her to get in and out of.

Fluffy’s litterbox can get, well, a bit stinky. One way to combat those foul odors is to put some pet-safe plants near the box. The ASPCA has a full list of both safe and unsafe plants here . A good air purifier will also help, and will remove dust and dander from the air. Another option is to put a timed-release air freshener near the box.

Please reach out to us, your local Oconomowoc, WI vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!