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One of the least attractive things about cat litter boxes is the litter that almost inevitably gets tracked out on the cat’s paws, or is scratched out when the cat is trying to conceal their mess.  It is all too easy for this litter to be tracked all around the house, especially if the cat owners are at work or school all day.  Coming home to scattered litter just means one more chore to do before relaxing.

Fortunately, cat box design has improved over the years, and several models of cat litter box now have been designed to minimize or eliminate litter scatter altogether.  One approach is simply a litter box with higher sides.  This will definitely help with the litter that might be scattered around while the cat is scratching in the box.  The main problem with old style litter boxes was that the sides were generally just not high enough to keep the litter inside.

A variation on this is the covered litter box.  The addition of a cover over the litter tray will definitely help prevent your cat from scratching out litter when they have finished their business.  These boxes usually have a fairly small entry door, which means that there is just less area that can be affected by the cat’s scratching activity.

One style of covered box incorporates a curved stairway leading to the litter pan.  Not only will the design of this box keep litter from being pawed out, but the stairway will trap any litter that has adhered to the cat’s feet.  This box will allow your cat to dig at will, without making a mess on your floor.

A litter box that it would be nearly impossible for a cat to scratch any litter from is the top opening box.  To get at the litter, the cat has to drop down from the top doorway.  Many cats evidently do not even bother to jump in, and have learned to perch on the edge of the door.  If your cat prefers to get in a good scratch, there will be no problem with litter being spread with this design.

In order to prevent litter tracking with any cat box, there are several mats and other devices available to ‘wipe off’ your cat’s feet after they have finished with the litter tray.  Litter mats, in a variety of colors, can be placed at your cat’s exit point to catch the litter before it has a chance to get into your rug.  A plastic fenced pathway is also available to help assure that your cat takes the correct way to leave the litter box.  The pathway is gridded to removed the litter from your cat’s feet as they walk on it, overcoming the problem of the cat missing most of the ordinary litter mat.

Taking the time to find a good litter containment system will mean that not only will your home be cleaner and safer, but you will also have more time to enjoy playing with your cat.

Growing catnip from seed can mean having a supply of the freshest catnip on hand. Home grown catnip will be more fragrant and more potent than the type you buy. Catnip plants can be grown inside the home or outside in the garden. The seeds can be purchased at any nursery supply company. Catnip is a plant that grows aggressively so nothing special is required.

The best growth comes from well drained or sandy soil. Catnip is a full sunlight plant and is more aromatic when grown in full sun. It is possible to grow it in partial shade but full sun will grow larger plants with more flowers. Growing catnip from seed for outdoor planting should begin by starting the seed indoors in pots a few weeks before the last frost. Indoor plants can be started at any time. Be sure to put your pots near a sunny window.

Your indoor pots can be filled with potting soil from a nursery. A potting soil with a neutral pH is best. Begin by filling the pots with soil to within 1/4″ inch of the top. Wet the soil with a little water. Form a little dimple in the soil with your finger. Place a few seeds in the dimple. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. After the last frost you may then transplant your catnip outdoors.

Take note of the fact that if you have any stray cats in the neighborhood they will begin chewing on the plants. They can even ruin the work you have done.  You can solve this problem by putting your plants in large pots and locate them where cats can not get to them.

Here are a few tips for growing catnip from seed. Watering will be necessary every two weeks if there is little rain. Before winter weather begins be sure to palce some mulch around the base of your plants to protect them. During the growing season you should fertilize your catnip every two weeks. As the plants just begin to flower you can stop fertilizing.  Remove any faded blooms to keep your plants looking nice. After the first frost cut the plants back to ground level. As the plants begin to grow in the spring you can harvest some stems and leaves and dry them. Drying will take about 2-3 weeks.  Place the dry leaves in a closed container and store in a cool place.  You might also be interested in effects of catnip on cats.

Though most people are aware that dog runs exist, unless you actually own one you probably won’t fully appreciate how useful they are.  You can use a dog kennel guide to help you decide on the type of dog kennel and run that would most suit your dog and family but before you start your research there are several things that everyone should know about dog runs.

Firstly, the main use of a dog run is to allow your dog to get some exercise in a safe space while you are out.  Of course this should not replace daily walks with you but a large run will allow your dog to pick up a bit of speed and to play with his toys as he wishes.  The advantage over just letting him have the run of the garden is that it prevents your flower beds from being dug up and from dog muck where you might not be expecting it.  The run is also a strong structure which will prevent your dog from escaping the garden and maybe causing harm to himself or others.

The best type to buy is a galvanised dog run.  This is because the steel will have been treated with zinc to prevent corrosion and rust, therefore giving it a much longer life.  It will also prevent a weakening of the metal struts which could be dangerous if they were to break.  Though these runs might be slightly more expensive, they will save you money in the long run as they should never need replacing.

If you have a dog who is good at jumping then you should buy a run with a roof attached while if your dog is an escape artist then some chicken wire nailed around the edges of the pen will stop him digging his way out though you will need to be very careful not to have any stray wires poking out.