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

About the Author:

Dear My Human,

I wanted to write you because we have a very serious issue to address. This issue is my litter box. My litter box demands are not being met to my satisfaction. Please find below my requirements to be a healthy and happy cat- and if these wishes are met, I will no longer **** on the floor:

1. I need a big litter box, like, the Taj Mahal of litter boxes. It needs to be big enough so that I can move around, stretch my little cat paws as far as they can go, read a newspaper, inspect my beautiful self and so forth. Also, I require a deep litter box so that if I so choose, I can dig to the ends of the earth in search of the finest fish. But, my dear human, the box cannot be too tall so as to cause injury my fabulous physique. I would advise cutting a “cats only” entrance for me if the box is too tall. If there is more than just one fantastic feline in the home, the quantity of litter boxes must reflect this. Many a cat doctor advise that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the home. This would be greatly appreciated, and well… I think I deserve it!

2. I understand that you don’t like when I track my litter around the house. Well, my human, there is something you can do. A litter box mat will catch the extra litter clumps from my graceful paws! It is, in essence, a red carpet grand entrance to my commode, and que bellisimo… a functional one at that! Mats come in many different colors and patterns, so you can accommodate my high society, cultured taste. Paparazzi, cameras, and fans are optional.

3. But what, my human, is the good of a red carpeted Taj Mahal litter box if it is not smelling of flowers and sunshine?!? You must promise to keep my litter box clean as the spring breeze. I have an unprecedented sense of smell; my nose abilities are far stronger than those of your primitive nasal cavities. If you don’t enjoy the smell of my commode, then most certainly I do not. We cats are simply creatures of a higher order, who will not tolerate foul smell or unsanitary conditions. In lieu of this information, human, my litter must be of the clumping order, unscented and dust free.

4. The proper cleaning of my commode should be completed twice a day. I ask you, my human, do you enjoy performing your business in an unsightly toilet? Nay, you say? I don’t often like to point out the similarities of you human creatures and we alluring felines, but unsightly commodes are not enjoyable for either of us. Please be wary of keeping the litter box sanitary, or I will remind you in a way that is unbecoming to my cat nature. Proper cleaning supplies and attire are advisable. A litter scoop made of plastic and strong will, a filter with the power of 1,000 white oleanders, and a proper holding container, preferably with the bright, enticing colors of the earth and sun will do. In this way, you can achieve litter box cleanliness that is fit for a king or queen! (namely, me). That being said, a maid’s outfit would make this more official, so please go to your local human store and purchase some appropriate cleaning attire.

5. My human, I understand that you are busy and may not have the time to keep my Taj Mahal box in perfect condition. (Try looking as good as me every day for a week…now THAT would keep you busy) But alas! There are easier ways to fulfill my cleanliness requirements! It is possible to purchase litter box liners, which easily fit in the bottom of my box. When the time has come to clean my commode, you simply lift the whole liner and dispose with the other rubbish. Simple, yet fruitful! Another easy way is a roll and clean litter box. Sometimes, you humans are just so darn innovative! You pick up this light, attractive box which serves as my commode; flip it over, and TA DA! The unused litter goes to the bottom, the used litter and the cute little droplings I produce are filtered into a tray that can be easily removed.

6. Location, Location, Location, my human friend. Location is of much importance for my litter box. Please do not place my litter box in a room or closet where the door is often closed, (because believe me, I will find a door that is open… probably your bedroom) a place only reachable by stairs, (when I grow older into a senior cat full of wit and wisdom, it may be difficult for me to reach it) or a very open, very public space (Unlike you, human, in your simple nature, this is not because of modesty, but because of my instinctual nature to always be aware of my surroundings. It is a wild jungle out there, and I don’t want to be ambushed by an enemy when my guard is down).

7. You say you don’t want the litter box seen by your “oh so high society” human friends? It is possible to acquire a very trendy, discreet and fabulous decoration to go over my commode. In fact, it matches the rest of our furniture! How Savvy! It looks like a wooden chest, (which you can place foliage and human pictures on top of so that I can knock them over with grace and ease) and even your most cultured friends will never know that inside is my very own Taj Mahal! While they come in different styles and colors, I prefer the one in wood with that fabulous cherry color. Perfect for the most refined fancy cat.

Thank you, my human, for taking the time to read my requirements to be a healthy, happy, and “non pooping on the floor” cat. To help you implement these wishes straight away, please visit www.mythreecats.com for reliable, online, amazing service for all my cat accessories.

By: Carolyn

About the Author:

There are many reasons why a cat might have toilet issues, but one of the most common (and fortunately, most easily solved) is the litter box itself. Here's a quick checklist that can help you identify problems and correct them.

It has to be clean ... but not TOO clean. Cats are fastidious creatures and a smelly, soiled litter box can be such a turn-off that they simply stop using it. Scoop daily and do a complete litter change on a regular basis, but don't clean it so rigorously or so often that the box smells like disinfectant. Cats depend on their sense of smell and odors like detergent, disinfectant, etc. can be both off-putting and confusing. This is particularly important when you're dealing with a new arrival or a very young cat that's still in the process of mastering litter box training.

It has to be the right size. Generally speaking, bigger is better (especially if you have a multi-cat household). Many containers sold as litter boxes are simply too small to be efficient or comfortable. The litter box should be large enough to accommodate the cat's entire body and deep enough to let the cat cover the waste. A too-small box is an invitation to problems. Make sure the sides of the box aren't too high for the cat to climb over easily (particularly if you have an older cat).

It has to be in the right place. Cats are very private about toilet matters and if the box is in a high-traffic area a cat may feel vulnerable, exposed, and unsafe when using it. Try to locate your litter box in an out-of-the-way corner, and make sure it's constantly accessible; if the cat has to get a human to open a door so she can get to the box, you're both going to have problems. If you have an older cat, try to locate the box in the same room or at least on the same floor where the cat spends the most time. Going up and downstairs is can be a problem for older cats, just as it is for their human friends.

It has to contain a brand of litter the cat is comfortable with. The smell and texture of litter varies greatly from brand to brand. If you've just changed to a new type of litter, try changing back. Usually whatever brand the cat is most accustomed to will be the most successful.

It has to have the right cat-to-box ratio. Some cats are OK with sharing a box, but some aren't. If you're adding a new cat to the household, be sure to add a new litter box as well.

By: Ruth Butters

About the Author: