Truths and Myths about how Far should the litter box be from food
For a long time, people have been fascinated by cats because of their mysterious disposition. It is hard to know what they want and when they will feed. Diet is the brick and mortar of a cat’s health. It would be best if you put in a lot of thought into what your cats feed on. It will pay dividends in the long run and help avoid costly, painful, and serious illnesses.
Many nutrition-savvy veterinarians strongly recommend that you feed your cat with canned food. They argue that it is much better as compared to the dry kibble.
Many do not know where they should place their cats’ stuff. It is a question that most of the cat owners ask regularly. Many think that storing all the cats’ stuff in one area is the logical thing to do. To others, placing the bowl in the kitchen is the answer. However, it all depends on the number of cats that you have.
If you have several cats, each of them should have their litter box. The boxes should not be near each other, and if possible, place them in separate rooms. Additionally, ensure that the litter boxes are far from food, water bowls, and the bed. Again, it would be helpful if all of them are in different rooms.
Moreover, most of the cat owners wonder where to put the litter box. There are several good choices, including the following places:
- Choose quiet areas
Avoid placing the litter tray in a place that has a lot of activities. Cats do not like to litter in a busy place or on a well-traversed route. The tray should not be obstructive to people in your house. Ideal locations are the ones far from the feeding stations, have unobstructed views, and where the cat cannot be cornered.
- Place little boxes in different rooms.
Most cats will require more than one litter box. When it comes to cats, the rule of thumb is one for the household and one for each cat. If you have four cats, then you will need to have five litter trays. All the trays should be in different rooms. If one tray does not feel safe, then a cat will use a different one because of the multiple choices.
Whether you live in a big or a small house, you should avoid placing the litter box in your sleeping area. The dangers of a litter box in the bedroom is that it may cause problems, including stepping on the cats’ feces and litter. Additionally, having the litter in the room means you will be breathing in the litter.
Moreover, the bacteria and dust from the litter box can pose problems to you and your family.
It comes as no surprise that your cat will be fussy, and with time the litter box will become full and smelly. If this happens, your cat will not use the tray, and it will go somewhere else.
Here is how to clean the litter box and keep your cat happy:
- Scoop out all clumps and droppings daily
- Place the waste in a sealed bag and dispose it off.
- Wash the litter scoop and place it in a plastic bag
- Clean the box cover using soap and water
- Never wash the litter box with chemicals as cats are sensitive to smell, and they might avoid it.
You already know that you need to change your cats’ litter box. However, the question on many people’s minds is how often to replace the litter box. Several factors will determine how often you will replace the box. One factor is the number of cats you have and the material that the litter tray is made of.
It would help if you replaced the box at least once in a year. Nonetheless, you can do it multiple times if you have several cats or if the box is made of plastic.
If you have a large laundry room, then you can place the cat’s litter pan in the room. You can choose a corner in the room, and it will provide a great spot to tuck a covered box. Concealing the litter box in the laundry room is vital as it contains the odor and keeps the dogs away.
However, ensure that the washing machine and dryer are strong and silent. Loud noises will scare the cat away.
A question that is on most cat owners is the amount of money they spend on their favorite pet. How much cat litter per week will keep your cat comfortable. It mostly gets down to the litter you use and the number of cats that you own.
In general, if you have one adult cat, you will use between 7 and 10 pounds of litter in a week. For a small cat, you will need 5 pounds of litter each week.
Can you put a litter box next to the food?
You should avoid placing the litter box next to the food bowls. If the cat has a choice, then it will not eat next to where it goes to the bathroom if your room is a small place, the two boxes in two opposite corners of the room.
Where should you keep a litter box?
The best place to keep the litter tray is in the bathroom. However, ensure you keep the door open when you are not using it.
How often should you change out all the kitty litter?
If you are using clay litter, you should replace it twice a week. However, depending on the situation and cleaning the litter box daily, you might use the litter for two weeks.
How full should a litter box be?
Most manufacturers recommend that you use three inches of litter. If your cat is a deep scratcher, you may be forced to use up to four litter inches.
How to clean a litter box in an apartment
If you have a small apartment, you will have to clean your cats’ litter box more often. Clean with a clean, wet, and soapy disposable sponge. Open the pre-packed litter and pour it inside a 2-3 inches box.
Where to put a cat litter box in a small apartment?
If you live in a small apartment, the best place to keep your litter box is the bathroom.
Conclusion
There is no doubt having a cat as a pet is an excellent addition to your family. Ensure that the cat is comfortable as possible, and there will be very few challenges.