cat care

The Scoop on Litter Boxes: A Complete Guide on Keeping it Clean for Kitty

While some dogs can be trained to use a box and some cats can be trained to use a toilet, by and large, our dogs do their business outside and our cats have their own little indoor outhouse: the litter box.

A cat’s natural instinct is to cover their own waste. It is believed to be an inherited survival skill to keep predators from tracking a feline’s scent out in the wild.

Whether you’re a new cat parent or troubleshooting a sticky situation, we’ll cover the basics for you!

The Essential Box: Lid or No Lid?

Item number one is gettin a litter box. On the cat supplies aisle, you have your cheap pan with no lid and then the covered unit.

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A 2012 research study determined that cats had no apparent preference for covered or uncovered, as the usage frequency of each type was evenly split. What’s most important to cats when it comes to a litter box is hygiene: is it clean enough to use? However, some cats may make it obvious that they don’t like a closed box.

Advantages for Covered Boxes

  • Humans don’t have to see the waste.
  • Odor reduction.
  • Keeps small children and other animals out of the box.
  • Prevents litter mess surrounding the box – a cat covering up waste can kick a lot of litter out of the tray (however a box with no lid and high edges would have the same benefit).

Advantages for Uncovered

  • Humans see the evidence of waste and remember to clean it out.
  • Better for skittish cats – cats don’t like sensory reduction, they want to be able to surroundings and not feel trapped.
  • Circulation for quicker dry time (compared to the lidded one).
  • Won’t be outgrown as quickly

3 Litter Box Top Sellers

Recommendations from Our Community

“I have used an automatic poop box.
It was rad. It worked well. It had blades that would swipe across and pull the poop into a container.”

Deb H. about LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box

“Loved this Martha Stewart one for years. It’s really good for clumping litter because you just shake it out and dump.”

Quinn L. about Martha Stewart Pets® Sifting Litter Box

Fur Star Pet Care recommends top entry cat boxes.

Litter-acy: Filling You in on Product Options

When it comes to cat box compatibility, litter is probably the most important factor since the cat comes in direct contact with it.

columbus area in home cat sitter

Cat Communication

Some kinds of litter can annoy or hurt some cats. Thankfully, you can alternate between products to find the right material for your pet.

Types of Litter

  • Clay cat litter – Urine absorbed by pulverized clay.
  • Clumping litter – Made with a clay base, waste creates clumps for removal.
  • Odor control – Contains baking soda, enzymes or fragrance to eliminate odors.
  • Crystal – Super absorbent with a combination of clumping and deodorizing benefits.
  • Grain – Natural blend of pine, wheat, and corn. Neutralizes odors, plus reduced tracking.
  • Recycled paper – Absorbent, track-free, dust-free, and eco-conscious.
  • Sand – Absorbent and cats are attracted to sand.

Top Sellers

  • Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Pellets

    • Features: Separates solid & liquid waste for superior odor control,
      non-tracking, long-lasting cat litter pellets, super low dust, and easy cleanup.

Recommendations from Our Community

“I currently mix lightweight scoopable clay with regular… Lightweight is double the price and doesn’t clump as well. But easy to carry home and dispose of. Saves money and my back … They do last longer. Smell okay. Dry up pee. Get one of each. ” – Deb H.

“The wood pellets are much much cheaper and you can buy a giant bag… we have a green recycling bin for garden and food products we can toss the wood pellets in there.” Quinn L.

“I buy Naturally Fresh. It’s made out of walnut shells, which are the same color as my floor, & it’s a lot lighter than the clay stuff.” Tess C.

Owner’s Pick: Garfield brand (get the green bag!)

Scoping Out Scoops

Scoops are needed for boxes that don’t have a sifting system. The cheap plastic ones are in every store, but you can order nicer ones online.

columbus ohio cat sitter

Everything Has a Place

Top Sellers

  • Petmate Litter Scoop w/ Microban

    • Features: Made from recycled plastic, Microban anti-microbial for stain & odor resistance, extra-wide mouth, and large slits.

Recommendations from Our Community

Tess C. uses Booda Scoop & Hide Caddy!

Need a little help? Sometimes we just can’t get to it. For example, pregnant women are advised not to come into contact with litter.

Our Columbus Ohio area in home pet care service can pitch in with scooping duties. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

What about Liners?

Thinking about using some liners? Here are some best selling suggestions.

Litter Genie Disposal System

For those who have spent some time with babies, remember those Diaper Genies? Well there’s a version for cat litter! Oh, joy!

It’s a condensed waste collection system, so fewer trips to the bin.

Read More: Questions to Ask Your Vet

Creatures of Habit: Tips to Maintain Your Cat Litter Situation

Back from the store. Now, what do we do with all this?

Where to Place the Box?

Place the boxes away from high-traffic or noisy areas, but place them where the cat can find it easily. Keep food and water dishes away. We wouldn’t put a toilet in our kitchen, right?

Some owners recommend having more than one litter box, especially if you have more than one cat in the household.

This increases accessibility, especially if you have a large or two-story home.

How to Prevent Litter Mess Around the Box?

  • Use a litter trapper mat or a bath mat.
  • Use dust-free litter or one of the non-tracking options mentioned above.
  • Trim cat’s nails.
  • Use a box with high walls or top entry.
  • Keep litter bags out of reach or in plastic containers (cats may claw them open}.

If all else fails, keep a hand vac right next to the box for quick clean up.

How Often to Scoop or Clean?

Some say you should scoop twice a day, but a minimum of once a day is probably enough to keep things hygienic for your cat.

Of course, this depends on how many cats are using the box and how much a single cat will produce.

If you aren’t using disposable trays or liners, wash the box a few times per month.

Clean the outside of the box and the area as needed.

How Often Do I Change the Litter?

It is recommended to change out the litter twice per week.

Can I Flush Cat Litter Down the Toilet?

This is probably not a good idea. Use waste bags or the Litter Genie mentioned above.

What Should I Do For Multiple Cats?

It is recommended to have at least one litter box per cat. Place the boxes in separate but easy-to-access areas of the home.

If the cats seem to be sharing a box, try a multi-cat litter.

columbus ohio cat sitters

Best Friends

Is It Okay to Use Fragrance Deodorizers?

It’s an achievement to have a home that doesn’t smell like a cat lives there. For that purpose, there are a variety of deodorizing products on the market and some include fragrance products.

This could be disruptive in litter box use if the cat is put off by the smell. Like if you start using a fragrance product and your cat starts to refuse to use the box, he probably doesn’t like the smell. Using a fragrance neutral product like baking soda is a potential alternative.

Staying on top of waste removal and cleaning is the best way to fight odors.

Do I Need to Train My Kitten to Use the Litter Box?

Depending on how long a kitten has spent with her mother, she may already be trained to some extent. Kittens learn how to use a litter box from their mother’s habits.

Place a litter box (preferably with no lid) in a room that has no rugs or carpets. After feeding, put the kitten in the room. Having the cat litter as a the only appropriate surface for their excremental instincts, they will likely use the litterbox. Optional: reward them with treats if they successfully use the box.

If the cat or kitten is having issues finding or not using the litter box, try using cat litter with attractant.

Watch for Adverse Reactions to Litter

Refusal to use the litter box can be a telltale sign that your cat is uncomfortable with or allergic to something about the litter box. It’s likely to be the litter itself or something mixed with the litter.

  • Check the paw and pads on the cat. Is there bleeding or sores?

  • Is your cat having allergy symptoms?

  • Know the signs of a UTI  or constipation.

Products galore and a community of cat lovers are here to support your cat litter box success. Ask your local pet store for recommendations or consult the internet community to troubleshoot any issues.

Your Columbus Ohio area in home cat sitters are no stranger to daily scooping duty. Your cats won’t be the only ones getting attention, we’ll also check on the litter box.

If you just need a quick cleaning, we charge $15. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

 

woman giving cat a treat autumn leaves columbus area dog walker columbus area in home pet care 43207 43215

What Pets Teach Us About Gratitude

This year has flown by, hasn’t it? We’re already planning Thanksgiving gatherings and getting apple cider and pumpkin pie cravings.

This is also the time of year when we reflect on what we are grateful for. Often our relationships are what reveal what’s rare and precious in life.

As we count our blessings this season, let’s also count the ways our pets add meaning to the experience of gratitude.

Appreciation for the Simple Things

Pets aren’t materialistic and image-conscious like humans can be. They don’t need expensive mattresses or a new fall wardrobe. They get excited at mealtimes for food that isn’t appetizing to us.

Pets are happy with the simple things. Like children, they will play with random things around the house rather than that new toy you bought from the pet store.

They teach us that it’s the little things that can be the big things. They set an example for being content with what you have which is what gratitude is all about.

Big holiday plans? We’re your Columbus area dog walkers and in home pet care service. Book now before we’re booked up. Call or text us at: (614) 439-1621.

The Gift of Unconditional Love

While relationships between humans can be very complicated, the relationship between a person and pet is fairly simple.

While people in the home may be holding grudges or irritated at each other’s bad habits, an animal isn’t going to get into a row with you. They have no interest in holding onto the past nor in judging their humans.

They accept you as you are.

While humans tend to withhold love and trust in their relationships, animals are a shining example of loyalty.

Unconditional love between humans isn’t common, but with pets it certainly is! They inspire gratitude by meeting us with an unwavering love every day.

True Companionship

Have you asked your dog if she’s free tonight for an after-dinner walk? Have you asked your cat if he’s available for a fireside cuddle?

Pets don’t keep calendars, have schedule conflicts, nor will they flake on you last minute. They are the ones who are there for us when we need touch and presence. They aren’t too busy for you.

Pets show us what a faithful companion truly is. They show gratitude by showing up for us daily.

The Gift of Healing

Sometimes grief we bear just can’t be put into words. When we turn to others for help, the words of humans can make us feel even more alienated and misunderstood. Other times we just don’t want to feel that we are burdening others with the tough times we go through.

Animals are there for us as healers.

They won’t ask you questions you’d rather not answer.

You can talk to them without fear of saying the wrong thing.

They won’t think you’re being weird for hugging too long.

They don’t need to end the visit or phone call and go back to their lives. You are their life.

They teach us gratitude through healing in giving freely of togetherness.

 

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Amanda Sommers of Houston, TX shares the story of Ted, a rescue cat

A Homeless Cat Learns to Trust: “The beginning was rocky. This kitty only wanted to hide upstairs under the spare bed we had. We had to move all his stuff up there because he refused to come down. After about a month, he began to venture downstairs. It wasn’t long after that that our new kitty, whom we renamed Ted, was this very affectionate loving big furball that always wanted his belly rubbed.”

Amanda Saves Ted: “The firemen had to pull me out of the smoke filled house because I tried to crawl in after them. I could hear them crying for me and I couldn’t do anything. Luckily they were okay and I was able to retrieve them all. After that Ted couldn’t stand to have me out of his sight.”

Ted Saves Amanda: “I was back home with my Ted. He was pouty at first because I had left him but I know he could tell I missed him. After that, we only grew closer. He was my little rock through the divorce, through my depression when it got bad again”

Read More: Grateful for Our Local Pet Rescue Organizations

Daily Purpose & Routine

Sometimes it’s so hard to get the day started, especially if you have nothing planned for the day.

Some days you may wish someone would take the dog out to potty or serve breakfast to the cat, but having that push to get the day going can be beneficial for you.

Having a sense of purpose and routine is a way to stave off boredom and blues. Having pet counting on you to care for them can keep you going when you occasionally feel like giving up.

Through this experience of having creatures to care for every day, we gain fulfillment through responsibility. We can be grateful for the way they keep us going.

Every day is rewarding when your life’s purpose is caring for animals. Fur Star Pet Care is here to lend a hand from needing a Columbus area dog walker or in home pet care. Call or text us: (614) 439-1621.

The Receiving is in the Giving

When love and care are mutual, it is a rich experience. We care for animals and they care for us.

Sometimes the act of caretaking is how we experience the essence of love and the warmth of feeling needed. Gratitude is experienced in needing them just as much as they need us.

dog with bandana columbus area dog walker columbus area in home pet care 43207 43215

“I realized how her neediness had changed my heart. I realized that her neediness was no different than my own, and that, by making sure her unique daily needs were being met, my needs were being met as well. Just as she needed constant reassurance that she was loved unconditionally, she, in her overwhelmingly quirky ways, was assuring me of that same unconditional love…. So, what has Dora taught me about gratitude? She’s taught me that, even though it’s easy to be grateful for the shiny, beautiful things we’ve been freely given, it’s equally rewarding to find blessings in the strangest, quirkiest, most unexpected places.”

The Virtue of Patience

Generally speaking, pets are so patient. They trust you will eventually fill the food bowl, the water dish, and take the daily walk.

They also require so much patience. They may potty where they aren’t supposed to, run off to make us chase after them, bark too much, or meow too early in the morning.

We can be grateful for the patience they grace us with as well as the opportunity to practice more patience with them.

At Fur Star Pet Care we are grateful for our loyal clients and every precious moment spent with these cherished pets.

Every day is like a holiday for a Columbus area dog walker. When we’re not loving every minute of in home pet care, we’re enjoying the variety of taking care of reptiles, rodents, pigs, ferrets, hedgehogs, and even horses! Lucky us. Call or text us: (614) 439-1621.

Read More: Fur Star Pet Care Serves a Variety of Pets

 

Camping with Your Pets: A Checklist for Bringing Your Animals into the Great Outdoors

Are you feeling cooped up in the house lately? When you take your dog for a walk, do you take the same route every time? Would you and your pets enjoy a change of scenery?

When thinking of taking a vacation, does the idea of boarding your pets or flying with them sound dreadful? Does the idea of having to go down the hotel elevator every time your pet needs to do their business sound like a hassle?

What if you skipped the airline and hotel bookings and instead woke up to natural surroundings every vacation day with new adventures to be had? Imagine enjoying the best weather of the year in the great outdoors.

Consider a camping vacation!

Manners Check

Does your dog have the right temperament to share campgrounds with other families and animals? Will he be quiet for your neighbors after dark?

The last thing you want on your vacation is a confrontation by other campers or a park ranger.

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It may be a good time to brush up on your dog’s behavioral training with a local dog trainer. 

Supplies Check

It’s pretty straightforward with packing for a camping trip. Everything your pets need at home, they will need on a camping trip. Let’s go over the list.

Shelter Needs

Bringing your pets camping doesn’t mean you have to share sleeping space. You can purchase a separate tent for everyone’s comfort. Chewy.com has this cool tent, though others out there are less expensive.

Some family size tents come with separate compartments, like this Coleman tent with a separate screened porch. A friend went camping with the Coleman tent, and she loved having a this screened porch while camping.

Kitty can come along on the trip as well. Just bring a carrier with a shoulder strap or use a collapsible carrier.

Food and Drink Needs

While many campgrounds offer running water, sometimes drinking it can make animals ill if they are not accustomed to drinking potable water. If you have room, you can pack bottled water or filter your own.

mountains nature cup water

Remember to bring plenty of food and keep it in pest-proof containers. If you don’t want to carry around too much bulk, a collapsible storage container would be a good choice as the containers will get smaller as the food is consumed.

Also handy are collapsible feeding dishes for eating and drinking times.

Pest Protection Needs

If the pest spray is working well on you, your pets could become the next target for hungry mosquitoes. Bring spray that is designed for use on dogs and cats.

Staying Cool Needs

Of course, keeping hydrated is the primary way to keep from being overheated, but if you and the animals are getting too hot, a solar-powered fan will help you all cool down.

When Nature Calls Needs

When your dog or cat needs to do their business, your duty is to make sure it doesn’t get left on the ground.

yorkshire terrier puppy on green grass field

Bring plenty of dog waste bags and sanitizer for your hands!

For your cat, you may be interested in using eco-friendly cat litter in combination with a foldable and biodegradable cat litter box.

With the current products on the market, camping with pets is more convenient than ever.

State Parks Check

If you are wanting to camp in a public park, per the rules you will need to keep your animals on a leash. For your cats, you can keep them in their carrier or walk them on a harness.

To go hands-free with your animals at your campsite, you’ll want to keep your dog hooked up to a tie out. This can be anchored with one of your tent stakes or even to a nearby tree or picnic table.

Alternatively, you can use your tent as a playpen or bring a separate foldable one.

Cats will easily escape a playpen. You should keep them in your tent or in their own crate/carrier.

To let your cat walk about, you could set up a picket line. If you have a set of trees close by your campsite, you take some line and wrap it around the trees. Then you take the leash and attach it to the picket line. This gives your animal the mobility to walk around and pace.

It’s good to have a plan if your kitty escapes. Do your homework ahead of time to plan what to do if your cat goes missing including how to train your cat to come when called.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com

The state parks website for Ohio does have a special section for those wanting to bring their pets camping.

Those wanting to rent a cabin may find pet-friendly accommodations at the following parks:

It should be noted that dogs are not allowed on the swimming beaches at the above parks.

Alternatively, you might look into camping at the pet-friendly EcoCamp in Swanton. TripAdvisor has it rated a 5/5.

Change of Heart

The great outdoors awaits! Go ahead and plan your camping trip while the nice weather lasts.

Maybe after some thinking, you decide that bringing your pets is too daunting or maybe your pets wouldn’t enjoy it. You shouldn’t have to cancel your plans, though. Columbus area pet care services are here for you.

Skip the boarding and let us take care of your pets while you enjoy the tranquil rest and relaxation that only Mother Nature can give. Contact Fur Star Pet Care to make arrangements. We’ve got your back.

man with blue and maroon camping bag and golden retriever in backpack