Cat Boxes – Not Simply a Box Anymore

Cat litter boxes are an essential tool for the indoor and sometimes the outdoor cat owner. They provide a place for cats to go about their business, and sometimes cat boxes can be used to toilet train a cat (not discussed in this post). Often, choosing a cat litter box seems like a simple idea – go to the story, buy a plastic box, and voila. However, as homes have developed and technology has developed, cat litter boxes have changed as well. There are so many different kings of litter boxes, and we suggest trying to find one that will suit the needs of not only your cat, but also yourself. Most cat litter boxes can also be used with any kind of litter.

Open Litter Boxes – Open litter boxes are the traditional option for cat litter boxes. Open litter boxes are exactly what they sound like. They have no lid, top, or cover, and help cats feel relaxed. Often cats prefer open litter boxes as they do not like feeling closed in when going to the bathroom. They often prefer these types of litter boxes because as apex predators they like being able to keep a watch on their surroundings. Open cat boxes are very easy to clean and easy to use as there is nothing that needs to be done before scooping them. Open litter boxes also provide really good ventilation since they have no covering to trap smells. If you have a big cat or a high peeing cat, you can get larger ones, but these may not be conducive to your home environment or the placing of the cat box.

Covered Litter Boxes – A covered litter box is great if your cat prefers privacy when using the litter box. Covered litter boxes are enclosed spaces with a lid, often they have a door or opening that the cat can enter and leave from. A covered cat box can help prevent odor form wafting through your house and keep it contained, but it also can prevent a cat from using it. Cats do not like strong smells and if the litter box is not cleaned often enough then they might start refusing to use it. Cats might also not like having to use the bathroom is a small enclosed space, so some cats will not use a covered cat box. They do provide some convenience as they can be built so that they look like a natural part of the furniture. Covered cat boxes can also help prevent the spread of litter. One you know your cat you will have an idea if a covered cat box is the right kind of cat box for them or not.

Self-Cleaning Litter Box – As this post is being written there is some debate about self-cleaning cat boxes. There have been a few recalls due to issues when and how the cat boxes clean themselves, so we will not be discussing these types of cat boxes at the moment. We will let you do the research, make an informed decision, and see where the recalls stand.

Plastic or Stainless Steel Litter Boxes – Stainless steel boxes are relatively new as of this posting and are gaining in popularity. Plastic litter boxes are much cheaper than stainless steel litter boxes, so they are good if you live on a budget, or if you have multiple cats. Plastic litter boxes are often easier to find in small and very large sizes, which is helpful for kittens and houses with either large cats or multiple cats. The biggest benefit to stainless steel catboxes are that they help keep the spread of disease low, are incredibly easy to clean, and last for a really long time without getting scratched or damaged. Either is a good choice, and both plastic or stainless steel work for most cats.

Whatever cat box you choose be prepared to adapt to the needs of your cat or kitten. Sometimes things change, especially as a cat gets older, so you might have to get a litter box that has a ramp, is low, or is simple a short cardboard box with a liner, so be prepared to adjust your life to the needs of your cat.

Look at this silly little guy! His name is Gomez Addams and he is quite a character, if you cannot tell from the picture. He is very playful and runs around the lounge like he is on a long racetrack. He sometimes likes to hide and jump out at the other cats, and people. Gomez love to play and cuddle with his siblings, even his foster dog, Mama. You know what this means – Gomez is great with dogs! Sometimes he fall asleep sitting up, which is such a kitten trait. He would love to be adopted with one of his siblings: Morticia, Wednesday, or Pugsley (who is a girl). Cattyshack prefers our little kittens are adopted in pairs or at least have another cat in the home to bond with, and we do not often adopt out a single kitten on their own. If interested in Gomez, please make a reservation by going to the “Reservations” page and make a reservation. The Cattyshack Lounge is located in Lowe Mill and is open Thursday through Sunday. A reservations is $10 per person, and we also allow birthday parties to be held (check it out, you know you want a birthday party with cats!).