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A litter bit of advice

Litter Box Tips for the Best Litter Box Experience

Finding the right litter is just one part of providing a happy home for you and your cat, but an important one! Since we get lots of questions about litter and litter cleanup, here are some tips to help you create the best possible litter box experience!

Choosing the right litter

How do I find my perfect litter?

All cat litters are not created equal, and not all cats have the same preferences. So how can you tell which one your cat will like (and use consistently)? Try a litter buffet. Offer several different litter boxes, each with a different type of litter, and see which ones your cat gravitates toward. World’s Best Cat Litter® offers a variety of different litters that meet the needs of different cat-owning households.

What features should I look for in a litter?

Clumping litter. In general, cats prefer litter with a soft texture that’s easy to dig in and clumps firmly. Litter that is made up of very large pieces or is extremely lightweight can be a turn-off. Cats may also prefer a clumping litter such as World’s Best Cat Litter®, because it ensures the litter box stays cleaner.

Low dust. Dust can be irritating to cats and their owners. Though no litter can lay claim to being completely dust-free, World’s Best Cat Litter® is 99% dust-free and doesn’t contain the clay dust found in clay litters.

Outstanding odor control. Ammonia and other odors can accumulate quickly and are offensive to cats long before they are noticed by their owners. Look for a litter that traps and neutralizes odors, such as World’s Best Cat Litter®, rather than one that uses artificial perfumes to mask the odor.

Natural or unscented. Because cat noses are much more sensitive than human ones, your cat may not like the same scents you do. World’s Best Cat Litter® never adds artificial perfumes. Our Comfort Care™ Unscented (previously called Original Unscented), Multiple Cat Unscented, and Low Tracking & Dust Control litters have no added scent. Our Multiple Cat Lavender Scent formula uses real lavender oil for a light, fresh scent. Our Multiple Cat Lotus Blossom Scent formula uses added natural botanicals to deliver a light floral scent. Our Poop Fighter™ Maximum Odor Defense formula neutralizes poop and urine odors, leaving only a light lemongrass scent.

How to switch litters

What is the best way to transition to a new litter?

When introducing a new litter, make sure to make the switch gradually. We recommend starting with only one-third of World’s Best Cat Litter® added to your current litter. Once your cat is more familiar with it, gradually increase the ratio until you have completely transitioned to World’s Best Cat Litter®.

Picking the right box

How important is the size of the box?

Size matters! It’s crucial to give your cat plenty of room to do his business. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times as long as the cat’s body. Deeper boxes help keep the litter in the box, but need to have a lower entry point, especially for older or heavier cats.

Should I use a covered box?

Some cats prefer to have an uncovered litter box so they can see everything around them and don’t feel trapped.

What about location?
Place the box in a quiet place that is away from the cat’s food and water dishes. Choose a spot that is easy for the cat to access and one they can’t accidentally get shut out of. If your cat has had an accident, try putting an extra litter box in that spot.

Litter box maintenance

How often should I scoop?
It’s best to scoop every day. Cats are very clean by nature, and so they prefer a clean litter box. World’s Best Cat Litter® is quick clumping and easy scooping, so you don’t have to waste time chiseling and scraping the box.
 
Can I flush my litter?
If you use World’s Best Cat Litter® – yes! World’s Best Cat Litter® is tested by a third party to be flushable* and septic-safe. It works best if you flush only 1-2 clumps at a time.
 
When should I change out the box?
World’s Best Cat Litter® is fast clumping with no sinking to the bottom or sticking to the sides of the box. This allows you to go longer between changes. It depends on the number of cats using the box, but in general, it’s time to change out the litter when you notice it seems less absorbent.
 
How can I reduce tracking?
World’s Best Cat Litter® is designed to be low tracking. Adding a mat in front of the box can also help keep litter from being tracked.

Problems with cats not using the box (aka litter aversion)

What is litter aversion?

Litter aversion is a cat’s strong dislike of a particular litter, and partial or total refusal to dig, eliminate, and bury waste in it. Cats with litter aversion may rush while using the box or try to balance on the edge of the box. They also may go right beside the litter box.

What is the difference between aversion and marking?

Sometimes, cats will urinate outside of the litter box to mark their territory. This is more common in cats who haven’t been spayed or neutered. In cats who have been spayed/neutered, marking is usually due to anxiety caused by abrupt changes in the household. Marking is different from litter aversion in that it usually involves only a small amount of urine being sprayed onto a vertical surface or place of social significance (e.g., a favorite spot) to the cat.

What causes it?

Rapid changes in the type of litter used can cause litter aversion. Also, litters that are very dusty, have very large pieces, or are strongly scented are more likely to create aversion issues. Another common cause is a box that seems too dirty or smelly to the cat.

How should I clean up if my cat goes outside the box?

If your cat has gone outside of the litter box, clean it up as soon as possible. Enzymatic cleaners are recommended to eliminate any residual odor. If your cat continues to go in the same spot, you may need to restrict access to that area.

How can I overcome litter aversion?

Select a litter with excellent odor control and an attractant added to draw your cat to the box, like World’s Best Cat Litter® Good Habits™. Always transition to a new litter gradually. If your cat continues to go outside the box, seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out a health problem. Never punish a cat for going outside the box, because this can actually make the problem worse by stressing out the cat even more.

Living with multiple cats

How many litter boxes should I have?

You should have one more litter box than you do cats. This gives each cat good choices for going where you want them to go, and avoids potential conflict. Consider placing the boxes in different areas of the house, rather than right next to each other.

Seeking professional help

When should I contact a vet?

Cat behavior problems, including inappropriate urination, are complex issues that sometimes require help from a professional. If you’ve tried several approaches and nothing seems to help, consult your veterinarian or a certified cat behaviorist for help.