by Ralph Mcallister

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 29, 2009

Cat ownership can hold a list of rewarding experiences. Taking care of your cat's litter box would not make that list. For many people, it may be the one thing to deter them from owning a cat - the odor of the litter box being the main factor. It is definitely something you need to consider before diving into the world of cat fancy.

Odor from a litter box can be contained, believe it or not. It just is one of those things that require diligence in regular maintenance. The first item on the list is a proper litter box. This depends on the size, age and number of cats you will have. Small cats, young or old, can use a standard, non-jumbo sized litter box - unless it is a multi-cat household. Multi-cat, elder cats and large cats need a jumbo sized litter box. The litter will be filled up faster and the cats will need more room. Cats might not always master the concept of containment when it comes to using the litter box, so proper space should be considered. You will realize this if you get a cat that will scrape the litter over the edge of the container. If your cat(s) seem to accept a covered litter box, you can contain the litter and its odor much better.

The next key to reducing the litter box odor depends on your tolerance level and how often you take the effort contain the odor. The litter box should at least be checked daily for the level of solids left. Most cats are good about actually burying solids in the litter, whereas others don't do much beyond pushing litter in the general direction. Fecal odor is the hardest to clear out but is more short term than urine if it is covered or removed promptly. Going more than two days for solid waste removal is pushing it if you want an odor free cat area; three or more is just looking for the smell to permeate the part of the home where the litter is located. Urine waste usually reaches the saturation limit in three or four days, again depending on the size, age and number of cats using the litter. Large cats, of course pee a lot more, and multi-cats fill it up faster. For these cases, make it two days minimum for replacement of the saturated litter. If you have zero tolerance for waste odor, you might take the approach of a shallow litter level placed in a plastic box liner with a draw string.

Once you have your cat(s), litter box and litter, follow these tips in keeping the odors under control:

1 - Strategic location. Choose a room or corner of the home where there is less traffic to place the litter container.

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