Keeping Litter in the Box
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.