1. Use the right container. Size counts, and bigger is better, as long as the sides are low enough for the cat to get in and out of easily. A good rule of thumb is that the box should be at least large enough for the cat to turn around in, to dig in, and to situate himself in comfortably.

2. Use the right litter. Cats can be fussy about the type of litter they use, but most seem to prefer fine-grained litters (like scoopable or clumping litter), which are softer and less dusty. Most cheaper clay litters are more coarse-grained, but high quality non-scoopable litters are fine-grained enough to suit most cats.

Avoid scented litters - lots of cats **** them. A thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box will keep odors down, but regular scooping and cleaning is the real answer.

3. Use the right amount of litter. Don't make it too deep. Cats prefer a relatively shallow depth of litter, usually in the 2" to 3" range. If your litter is at a depth over 4", your cat may not be comfortable using it.

4. Have the right number of boxes. The optimum is to have as many boxes as you have cats, plus one extra. While that's not always practical, you should definitely have more than one litter box if you have more than one cat. Even if you only have one cat, it's a good idea to have a litter box on each level of your house.

5. Put the boxes in the right locations. Cats like their privacy, so put the box in a place that's quiet and out of the way. But not TOO far away! For one thing, if the box is so far away that you forget about it, you're less likely to keep it scooped and clean. And if it's so far away that it's inconvenient to get to, your cat is going to find alternative places to take care of business.

6. Most important of all: clean, clean, clean!! Cats vary a great deal in their tolerance for soiled litter, but eventually every cat will simply refuse to use a box that's too dirty. Scoop daily, and add litter as needed to maintain a depth of 2" to 3".

Change the litter and wash out the box regularly. Scoopable litter usually only needs to be changed every two or three weeks, while standard litter should be changed at least once a week.

Don't use strong or potentially toxic cleaners or chemicals to wash out the box - the could be harmful to your cat. And even if they're not harmful, if they leave a noticeable smell behind, your cat may refuse to use the box.

By: Ruth Butters

About the Author:

Cats are adorable pets and the best size for apartments and for single people who don’t have much time to take the pet out for a walk. All cats need is food, water, grooming and a litter box. Cats are also very sensitive when it comes to smells and they may refuse to use the litter box unless it is clean. Here are some great reasons why you too should consider investing in an automatic cat litter box.

How Does the Automatic Cat Litter Box Work?

The automatic cat litter box looks just like the normal litter box but it is electronically operated through sensors that can determine when your cat has used it and cleans the deposit to a safe, closed compartment, which you can then clean when you get home. The automatic cat litter box is extremely safe and precise. All you need to do is ensure every morning before you leave the house that you have filled it with the litter necessary for the day and it is ready to operate.

Convenient and Easy to Use

Even if you are home all day it can happen that you get carried away with house work and forget to clean or change the cat litter box. With an automatic cat litter box, your cat will never again have to suffer or wait for you to clean it as it is all done automatically. Cats are very clean and a dirty box may restrict them from using it, and because they still have to do their job, they will look for places in the house that are suitable like your plants, closet and so on.

The automatic cat litter box is not cheap but it will save you a lot of time not to mention that your cat will have an ever-ready litter box to use as he or she pleases even at night when you are asleep. Traditional litter boxes may be cheaper but you will have to watch it constantly to ensure it is clean and ready for your cat to use.

Helpful Tips

The automatic cat litter box is larger then the traditional box so, you need to find a place where your cat can use it with ease. Remember to place it in a quiet place, as cats like to use the litter box in privacy just like humans.

Make your cat happy and your work easier with an automatic cat litter box that works around the clock so your cat can enjoy being clean and you don’t have to worry about it when you are not at home and/or busy with other work. The automatic cat litter box comes with a guarantee that the waste will not produce any smell when stored away so, your cat can use the box as many times as she or he wishes.

By: Roland Jefferson

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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 ***** 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 *** and **** 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!

By: Jay Schindler

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Cats most certainly require litter boxes in which they feel comfortable and will like using. Most litter box problems can be avoided by understanding the basic nature of the cat and its needs. It is much easier to prevent inappropriate ********* in cats than to deal with problems should they occur later.

It may be a misconception that cats use litter boxes instinctively though they are more likely to eliminate in soft soil or sand. Litter boxes including large cat litter boxes are a convenience that accommodates cats, though one will find the cat being weak in its desire to eliminate while using a litter box.

Most Litter Boxes Tend to Be Too Small

A large cat litter box is recommended, and it is a fact that most cat boxes tend to be too small and are designed for convenience of humans, and not for felines. A large cat litter box should be at least two feet wide and long. It is possible to make a large cat litter box at home, and an under-bed storage box for sweaters would be adequate to create one.

The LitterMaid Mega Self-Cleaning litter box is a good example of the large cat litter box, and it has a sturdy removable ramp that supports very large and heavy cats, and also helps catch litter that is scattered about the box. It also provides sufficient privacy for the cat, which is something that every cat loves.

Another large cat litter box one can consider using for the cat is the one sold by Omega Paw that is easy to use, self-cleaning, cleans quickly, controls dust, and is sanitary as well. The large size of this cat litter box allows for paw cleaning with a litter mat and measures is 20"x23"x19.

Still another large cat litter box that will keep the cat happy is the one sold by Petmate which takes litter care out of the cat owner's hand and has an extra large waste box capacity and is certainly large, measuring 26.8"x16.5"x4".

Selecting a large cat litter box is probably the most important purchase a cat owner can make for his or her cat that will ensure the cat's health and well-being. A litter box that is of adequate size should be large enough to accommodate the cat so as to avoid accidents as well as help develop good litter box habits.

By: Andrew Manifield

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As strange as this sounds, it is a fairly common occurrence in households that have both dogs and cats living together. Since a cat's meal is not totally digested, the ***** may give off a strong odor, an odor that may be appealing to your dog. Totally disgusting to us, the fact is that dogs find this to be a "tasty treat". 

Why do they do that? 

Many dog owners' first question is, "Is this caused by a nutritional deficiency." In a very few cases this may be to supplement a dietary deficiency. Although, in most cases it is found to be a habit of well nourished dogs and they seem to just like the taste.

Will it harm my dog?

Dog owners' next concern is usually, "Will it harm my dog." Although, it is felt that this behavior is certainly not a healthy one for your dog, most often it will not cause severe harm. You may want to have your dog checked by your veterinarian for intestinal parasites and if you are using "clumping" litter to assure that there are no intestinal blockages. If you notice any unusual symptoms or a change in eating or bowel patterns, consult your veterinarian and advise him of this discovered habit. In some cases, a cat will abandon using a litter box if a dog intrudes. To some pet owners this can be as serious a problem as the dog eating the cat *****.

How do I stop this behavior?

The best way to stop this behavior is to prevent access to the cat litter box by the dog. If your dog is larger in size than the cat, an easy solution is a cat litter box with a cover and an opening small enough for the cat to enter but that will not allow the dog access. Many pet stores carry this type of cat litter box. Another solution is to use a dog gate or a baby gate at the doorway to the room in which the cat litter box is keep preventing the dog access to that room. Position the gate off the floor enough that the cat can get under but the dog cannot. Another option is to put a chain on the doorknob attached to the doorframe in a length that allows the cat to enter but bars the dog's entry. In the case of a small dog, you may have to position the cat litter box in a place above the floor where the dog cannot reach.

In Conclusion:

Having your dog eating cat ***** may be a "tasty treat" for him but is a disgusting and unhealthy behavior. Your cat may also feel that this invades their privacy. The best thing to do is to prevent your dog's access to the litter box. There are many other more suitable treats available for your dog to enjoy! Life without a Pet is a dull life indeed !!

By: Sharon Kraft

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When adding a new litter box, consider that a cat may not use the new box for a few days. Do not force him into it. Do not put him inside it. Always sound positive when he gets near and let him accept it on his own terms.

Covered litter boxes: Covered boxes help keep the litter and smell contained and hidden. Some cats, however, do not like the cover. Covered boxes are generally too small. If you are going to get one, get as large a box as you can. A covered box might leak unless the top has a locking lid and an inside lip. Scooping out solids is more inconvenient, because you have to deal with these extra parts. If you get a litter box with a swinging door, be prepared to remove it. You may have to, because some cats like to stick their head out while relieving themselves.

Uncovered litter boxes: Uncovered boxes are easier to maintain. They come in different sizes and shapes and are mostly rectangular. A few models have a "lip" which is claimed to keep down mess. You can also use plastic utility bins, which are widely available at hardware and discount stores, as litter boxes. If you get them, though, do not use anything taller than a 12" tub, which is too high for cats. There is also a triangular box made especially for corners which works quite well for smaller areas. These are very easy for cat owners to clean and handle.

High-tech boxes:These are electronic, self-cleaning litter boxes available that automatically remove the solids. One model even senses the cat entering the litter box. A few minutes after he leaves, a mechanical part rakes across the scoopable litter recommended for these models, and places the clump in a disposal tray.

While it is convenient, the manufacturers warn that the motor starts automatically and that hands and clothing should be kept away. As with anything automated, be careful. In addition, some cats are frightened of automated devices. Just one scare may be enough to stop a cat from using the box.

This is a very expensive box that will not be any good if your cat stops using it. But if you do decide to try a box like this, which recommends a clumping litter, try one that does not contain sodium bentonite and forms a real solid clump for a machine such as this to handle. There is also a box that comes with a reusable gravel-type litter with disposable pads, though the smooth, little rocks may be a challenge for finicky cats.

With clawed cats, you should be able to get by with scooping solids once a day. But for declawed cats, inside-only cats, or cats with litter box problems, scoop solids and wet spots more often. Be careful about sudden changes in litter brands, boxes and locations. Take the **** outside the house as soon as you lift it out because it will stink up your garbage and house. If the litter is biodegradable and flushable, flush it down the toilet right away.

Clay litter or non clumping litter usually starts to smell in about a week. Dump, wash and thoroughly rinse the box because cats can be very sensitive to certain household cleaners. Leave an odor eliminator bag or an open box of baking soda near the litter box area to absorb odors. Wash your hands throughly after handling litter boxes or litter. And remember, never handle a used cat litter if you are pregnant!

By: Tristan Andrews

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Cats are undoubtedly one of the most popular pets and anyone that has one knows that a cat litter box is probably the least attractive thing about your pet.

Cats are known to be finicky about food but the can also where they "do their business". Thankfully, most cats will use their litter box religiously if it is kept clean and they are introduced to it properly.

Through the years, specialty pet supplies firms have developed the cat box. The principal aim of the box is to provide the cat with convenient and hygienic restroom where it should urinate and excrete stool.

The cat litter box, for many years already, has been providing great comfort to the cat and to the pet owner alike. For the cat's part, the simple and cute furniture will eliminate the need to search further for a place to do its elimination rituals.

For the part of the owner, unwanted urine and stool in the most unexpected places of the house will be prevented. Thus, the cat box makes up for a good symbiotic relationship between the cat and its owner.

There are numerous types of cat litter boxes sold in the market currently. Through the years, manufacturers have been modifying the type of litter they put into the box. The preference of the cat, according to experiences and observations, has been the topmost consideration when one decides what type of litter they put into the cat box.

Preventing Cat Litter Box problems

Inevitably, problems can not always be avoided. By instinct, cats are very hygienic and will find a safe and discreet place for their bathroom activities. You must have observed that even without training, cats dig for a place where they would eliminate, and after they are done, they dig further to cover the urine and the stool. For them, they need to cover their waste for protective reasons so that predators will not be alerted to their whereabouts.

Basically, if you have just bought a cat litter box, all you need to do is to place the box in an accessible place of the house. Do not put the cat box in places where the cat will not like it. Pet owners usually have cat litter problems if their boxes are placed in the basement, in the attic, in the garage or in anyplace not easily accessable.

Buying the right and preferred cat box will also be necessary. In the past, litter boxes with clay litters had become popular but experiences of cat owners indicate that cats do not prefer clay a litter substrates.

Buy littering materials that are as fine as sand. This would facilitate for easy digging. Also, make sure the litter is at least two inches deep. Deeper than that, the cat will only have the perception that it is just a trap.

Because the market is almost saturated with different types of cat litter boxes, make sure you invest in one that will surely be of great use. Make sure the furniture is big and tall enough so the cat will be comfortable using it.

There are covered and uncovered cat boxes. The cat's preference will be the basis for choosing between the two. Normally, cats prefer the open space one, but there are also some that are more comfortable in the covered cat litter boxes.

To help avoid potential problems, make sure to clean the box regularly. It is not imperative to clean the furniture daily, but you could just scoop out the stool and urine every other day. If you do so, you need to change the litter substrate every three weeks.

Take note that if the cat finds the litter box unhygienic, it will opt to do its elimination rituals elsewhere, much to your annoyance.

Bear in mind that like you, cats want their restrooms to be as clean and as comfortable as possible. Buying and maintaining cat litter boxes will be greatly beneficial, and would surely help keep that harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

By: Lee Dobbins

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Cat owners are always looking for ways to enhance the methods used to make life more comfortable for their pets. In the case of an automatic cat litter box, there is the chance to make things easier for both pet and owner. Here are a couple of ways that the automatic litter box for cats can be a good thing.

Just as the name implies, the litter box has a feature that automatically takes care of depositing your cat waste in a compartment or tray where it is effectively out of sight and out of mind. Most of these automatic trays do not resemble your typical litter box so much as an open ended tray that sits on top of a rectangular cardboard box. Also, these automatic boxes do not use standard cat litter. Instead they rely on selica gel crystals, which resemble the filler most people use in the bottom of an aquarium. The crystals do not clump but they do absorb the moisture and allow it to evaporate, which helps to keep the odor down.

So what makes this automatic cat litter box automatic? A comb is activated when sensors pick up the fact that the cat has just used the litter box. The comb then moves across the surface, effectively pushing the waste into the cardboard storage section. The result is a clean looking litter box that your fussy cat will use again with no problem.

There are several different brands of automated litter boxes on the market today. Your local pet supply stores will probably carry at least one or two nationally known brands. In addition, a quick search on the Internet will allow you to find ordering information on a number of other automatic boxes. Compare several of these brands and see which one you think would work best for you and your pet.

For people that work long hours and don't want to come home to a dirty litter box, this automatic cat litter box is a great thing. Also, anyone who is going to be away for a few days need not worry about the cat box at all. You can get up to thirty days usage before you need to replace the cardboard tray. Find out more about this excellent solution to pet hygiene. If you love your cats but **** to clean the litter box, this solution will certainly make life easier for both of you.

By: Mayoor Patel

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Cat litter has definitely provided a lot of pet and homeowners with so much convenience. Before cat lovers had to put up with the unbearable stench of cat urine and ***** but thanks to cat litter, Pussy's excrements are easy to eliminate and no longer as bad smelling. There are many different kinds and brands of cat litter in the market and one of the best of them all is pine cat litter.

Cat litter is used as a filling material for cat litter boxes where house cats defecate or urinate. The cat litter is supposed to absorb the moisture and reduce the bad smell coming from urine and feces, making the litter box more bearable at home. Pine cat litter fulfills these roles remarkably well, making it one of the best choices as a litter box filler.

There are different kinds of cat litter available in the market, allowing cat owners to choose from the wide variety according to their tastes and purposes. Some cat lovers choose cat litter for their odor control and absorbing power. Others choose cat litter that cannot easily be scattered all over the house. Some buy cat litter because they are biodegradable and environment friendly. Pine cat litter apparently can fulfill these considerations as it quite absorbent, track-resistant, and easy to dispose of.

Pine cat litter is a very much recommended type of cat litter for all cat lovers everywhere. A lot of people who have tried other kinds of cat litter such as clay, silica, sand, have ended up using pine cat litter because of its many advantages. There were people who first doubted using pine cat litter, but eventually they realized that it probably is the best kind of cat litter available commercially.

What Makes Pine Cat Litter So Good

Pine cat litter is a very good choice among other kinds of cat litter. First of all, it is organic - a gift of Mother Nature. It comes from recycled materials and it is in itself recyclable. Pine cat litter comes from biodegradable pine sawdust, it can easily be flushed down your toilet in small amounts. It can also be mixed into your garden soil to be used as compost fertilizer, saving you the need to buy synthetic or commercial plant food.

Pine cat litter also does not contain silica dust, unlike other types of cat litter like clay. Silica dust can be hazardous to health, and it would not be advisable to have them in products like cat litter. The dust particles can go airborne and be inhaled not only by your cat but other members of the family as well and this can cause a lot of problems in the lungs. When inhaled, silica dust can induce bronchitis or even lung cancer. It is not worth the risk to get these diseases just for a cheaper brand of cat litter. Pine cat litter would probably be a better choice for you and your cat in terms of health concerns.

Some cat owners get worried that their cats would not welcome the switch from their old cat litter to pine cat litter. Pine cat litter may have a very different texture from other kinds of cat litter. It usually comes in pellet form unlike the softer texture of other types, which seems to be more comfortable for cats. However, cats are actually tougher than most people think and they can definitely withstand the rougher texture of pine cat litter. Some cats may even like the tough consistency better than the sandy and smooth grain of other cat litter types.

Pine cat litter can be the best choice for you and your cat. It does most, if not everything that you would expect from an excellent cat litter. It is a good absorbent and deodorizer. It is easy to clean up and can even have other uses after consumption. It is safe for your health and that of your cat's. Most of all, it is environment friendly, so you do not have to worry about contributing to the deterioration of the planet.

The next time you buy cat litter for your feline friend, consider getting pine cat litter. It is good for you cat, good for you, and good for the planet. What more can you ask for?

By: Lee Dobbins

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If you **** the chore of scooping cat litter just to keep the odor and germs at bay, you may be interested to know that automatic cat litter boxes can significantly cut down on the work involved. These robotic trays are ideal for busy lifestyles as well as elderly pet owners. People with disabilities can also benefit from the ease of use and extra help from the unit.

Are you ready to kick your old box to the curb and try out this amazing new gadget? Read on to learn more about this exciting new technology and how it can help you keep kitty's area clean with ease.

The benefits of using a self cleaning cat box are many. First, you have to consider the odor control factor. If it were humanly possible to scoop up after each use of the litter box, it's unlikely that you would ever have a problem with litter box smells. Unfortunately, most of us are entirely too busy to follow kitty's every move and clean up immediately after every trip to the box. The automatic litter box is a tireless creation and most models run around the clock, cleaning waste after every use so you don't have to. This makes for a significant decrease in smell coming from the litter box and may even make it possible to keep the box in places you otherwise wouldn't want to.

On average, an automatic cat litter box only needs attention once a week or so. This regular maintenance consists of cleaning the waste out of the storage area and adding litter if needed. Be careful when choosing a pan and note whether it uses ordinary clumping litter or requires you to purchase special litter. Different units have different requirements, and special litter can be more costly than basic litter.

If you are shopping for an automatic litter box, you will have quite a number of choices. There are different brands and models for every possible need or budget. Some are more basic wile some even resemble a human potty! Most models are designed to accommodate households with multiple cats. Keep in mind that self cleaning boxes are not recommended for small kittens, although they are perfectly safe for older cats.

The only drawback to most leading brands is that they all make some noise as they complete their cleaning cycle. If kitty needs to use the box during this time, they may initially have difficulty using the box with this noise. Fortunately over time most all cats adapt to the box and its noises and functions and have no problem using it.

Should you invest in an automatic cat litter box? Absolutely! Many cat owners consider their self cleaning pans to be worth their weight in gold. Not only will you make the nasty chore of cleaning up after kitty's business easier on yourself, but your pet will enjoy an always fresh box too and thats just healthier all around. You never know, you just might find that your self cleaning litter box is the best investment you've ever made!

By: A.J. Lowery

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