Types Of Litter Boxes For Cats
This section is mainly for people who are new to litter box. Some of the different types are:
1. Simple Litter Boxes
Simple types of litter boxes for cats that are available include the cake pan or the open type, the covered or hooded boxes and the corner kinds.
1.1 The “cake pan”
wherein the name speaks for itself, looks like a baking cake pan. The advantage is that it is the most common and most inexpensive kind of litter boxes for cats. The downside is that they are oftentimes too small or shallow for most cats. It is the nature of cats to look for room before looking for their “spot” wherein they can start digging. These boxes do not allow them this luxury. Plus, even if you use cat litter fillers in this type of litter box for cats, you will find them thrown from the box when your cat starts digging, creating a mess1 and making the cleaning process2 tedious.
1.2 Covered litter box
Also called hooded litter box are the ones which have enclosure. These would work for only one or two cats, but when you have multiple cats at home, this type of kitty litter box becomes analogous to a public toilet and would cause stink and bad odor even if it has odor controlling features. And there are some cats who do not like to go potty in enclosed spaces. They might just use covered litter box or hooded litter box for sleeping or hiding.
1.3 The corner litter box
Quite similar to a cake pan types of litter box for cats except that its shape is triangular. It is very ideal for small spaces and you can just put it in the corner of a room. While the downside is also like the cake pan type, some manufacturers came out with higher walls to prevent the kitty litter fillers from being thrown everywhere while your cat digs its way in.
2. Sifting Litter Boxes
Another one of the types of litter boxes for cats are the sifting litter boxes. They are also quite the same as the cake pan litter box for cats. It includes a grate in the middle which allows you to take away the clumps while the clean litter falls back inside the box. But like the covered litter box, it also tends to be smaller thus it is only ideal for one or two cats inside the house. Some downside is that there are cats who do not like the texture and feel of the grate when they start digging.
3. Disposable Litter Box
As the name implies, disposable types of litter boxes for cats are used only for a short period of time and then you will need to replace it with a new litter box. The materials used for disposable kinds are not as sturdy as the ones above-mentioned litter boxes for cats and you can even make your own disposable litter box.
4. Automatic Cat Litter Box
Please go to automatic litter box guide for details.
5. Litter Box Accessories
Comparing to lawns, yards, or even the wilderness, cats look for sandy or soft soil where they can urinate or excrete their feces and then bury them easily. Litter boxes for cats actually provide a simulation of this. You also will need to have kitty litter box fillers, which are sand-like, loose materials which absorb moisture and odor. Because of this technology, cats will not feel they are inside the litter box because of the lifelike feel of excreting outside, thus will make them feel comfortable to excrete animal waste.
5.1 Litter Box Covers
Litter box covers are somewhat furniture types of litter boxes for cats which give their kitty litter boxes a more “homey” feel. Plus, this piece of furniture can blend into your room without the initial giveaway that inside it is a litter box for cats. This litter box cover also provides protection and safety of the cats from prodding dogs, as well as safety of your babies and kids. This can also double as a tranquil place for your kitty to rest, eat and just lay around sans the litter box. It also has a lid which owners can easily access and a doorway at the back portion for the cat’s entrance.
It is up to you to carefully consider which type suits you best because you not only consider your pet’s ability to adapt, but your convenience in terms of maintenance and cleaning as well.
