How to Clean a Litter Box: Clean Litter Box, Happy Kitty
How to Clean a Litter Box: Clean Litter Box, Happy Kitty
It's a nasty chore, but someone's got to do it! This article will help you to clean a litter box without exposing yourself to any nasty kitty er, materials, or toxins from the litter.
First things first when it comes to how to clean a litter box; read the ingredients on your litter. It seems docile enough, but many of the litter brands out there have toxins in the litter that can be harmful to both your and your kitty's health.
Silica dust is a usually culprit and it has many nasty side effects over time. This is one that you really have to watch out for: most kitty litter brands have this in the litter, and some even boast it as the main ingredient.
I am currently using cat litter that is made out of little bits of rolled recycled newspaper (I bought it that way-I'm certainly not that crafty or patient!). It doesn't have dust, which is a huge plus because that stuff doesn't smell fantastic, it's usually toxic or at least not healthful, and it tracks everywhere! This new stuff does not track, which leads to a happy kitty and a happy homeowner.
...Onto how to go about cleaning litter boxes!
Gather a bag that is strong and has no holes in it, gloves if possible, and a handy dandy cat litter box grated shovel or scooper.
Uncover your cat litter box to expose and clean litter box sand or pellets.
With the bag handy, use the grated shovel or scooper to clean litter box, looking for the nasty used portions and scooping them out and into the bag (this is the point of getting a clean litter box where I highly recommend holding your breath for the sake of your nose!).
This is a good place to mention the importance of buying kitty litter that "clumps", so that you can get rid of the nasty wet spots that otherwise can create quite an aroma if left to their own devices.
Secure the bag tightly; very tightly, and immediately remove it from the house and into the garbage bag.
Sprinkle fresh kitty litter into the clean litter box in order to give your cat ample material to bury their next adventure.
Here's one of the most important parts of how to clean a litter box; wash your hands.
When I say wash your hands, I mean use hot soap and water to really, really scrub at your hands well. When you clean a litter box you expose yourself to all kinds of unhealthy items and you don't want to mess around with it.
You should replace your kitty litter box sand or pellets at least once every two weeks or so , but the specifics will depend on how many cats you have and their bathroom habits.
Do pay attention to what your litter is made out of and do change litter regularly; it is important to keep a clean litter box for your health and your kitty's health as well.
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Comments
Great information for anyone who wants to take proper care of their cat. I'm glad that you reminded people to carefully wash their hands, afterwards, too!
Thanks for the feedback Deborah!
I have always scooped out the litter, but never replaced the litter I took out with fresh stuff - thanks for the tip!
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