Grayson West
You’d think something as simple as a cat litter box wouldn’t stir up much debate, right? Wrong. If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably heard a dozen myths about these little boxes—from what type to use, how often to clean it, or where to place it. So, here’s to busting 15 of the most common misconceptions about cat litter boxes!
They Can Share One Box
Sure, it sounds efficient—one box, two cats, double the love, half the effort. But guess what? Felines are not about that communal bathroom life. Each kitten needs their own box, and here’s why. Kittens are territorial, and nobody wants to play the “who peed here first” game!
Just Place It Anywhere
The location of the tray is practically a real estate decision! Dark corner? Nope. Right next to the washing machine? Too noisy. Well, cats want a peaceful, private space to do their business. So, give them some dignity and pick a quiet, accessible spot that doesn’t feel like a spooky cave.
Urine Is Sterile, So It Can Stay
Urine being sterile doesn’t mean you can leave it in the tray. Leaving it there leads to bacteria growth, odors, and a very unhappy kitten. No one likes walking into a bathroom that smells like it hasn’t been cleaned in weeks, and of course, your cat feels the same way!
You Can Leave The Poop In
Ah, yes, the “poop can wait” myth. Poop does not improve with age. In fact, the longer you leave it, the more your home starts to smell. Cats are clean creatures, and if their pot is full of yesterday’s business, they’ll find a cleaner spot—like your laundry pile!
Young Cats Need Poop As A Guide
We understand how you’d think you’re giving the kitten a roadmap by leaving some poop in the tray. But no, kittens figure out the tray pretty quickly on their own. If anything, leaving poop there is more likely to confuse and disgust your cat than help it learn.
Their Own Smell Makes Them Feel At Home
Sure, cats enjoy familiar scents, but leaving dirty litter isn’t going to work. Kittens want clean territory, not one that reeks of their past business. So, while it’s nice to think that they feel all warm and fuzzy with their scent, what they really want is a fresh tray.
Covered Boxes Make Cats Feel Safe
The idea that a covered pot is like a cozy cave for your cat sounds sweet, but the reality is that it can trap odors. Felines have a way sharper sense of smell than we do, so while you think you’re being considerate, your pet might be wincing at the stench.
Skip Scooping If You Change The Litter Regularly
Certain people think you can swap out all the litter once a week and skip daily scooping. That’s a nice try, but no. Cats love a clean pan, and scooping every day keeps them happy while keeping your house from smelling like a petting zoo.
Cats Don’t Care About Box Size
Have you ever tried to use a cramped bathroom? Felines feel the same way. The bigger the pan, the happier the kitten. Opt for a spacious pan so your cat can turn around, dig, and do their business without feeling like they’re in a porta potty.
All Litter Is The Same
There’s a reason there are so many types of litter—it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Some kittens prefer clumping, others like non-clumping, and some are picky about texture. If your cat seems unhappy with their pan, experiment with different litters until you find the one that makes them purr.
Add More Litter To Avoid Cleaning
You think you’ve cracked the code: just dump more litter in there, and you can skip scooping for a few days! Not really. No amount of extra litter will hide what’s lurking underneath. In fact, piling on more litter will trap all that nastiness at the bottom. So, stick to regular scooping!
Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Do All The Work
While these pots do help reduce some of the workload, they’re not foolproof. You still need to empty the waste compartment and check for any malfunction. Plus, a few cats are a bit freaked out by them. So yes, it’s convenient, but no, it’s not an efficient option.
Clumping Litter Is Bad
Some say clumping litter is harmful to felines because they might ingest it. While it’s true you should avoid certain kinds for kittens, most adult cats handle clumping litter just fine. The key is making sure it’s a high-quality, non-harmful brand. Plus, clumping litter makes cleaning up so much easier.
Cats Prefer Perfumed Litter
Humans might like the idea of scented litter masking odors, but kittens? Not so much. Their noses are way more sensitive than ours, and scented litter can be off-putting. Most cats prefer unscented, natural litter. So, save the fancy smells for your air fresheners, not their bathroom.
Check Up On Your Cat
Judy Beth Morris/Unsplash
If your cat is suddenly avoiding the pot, it’s not because they’re holding a grudge or trying to annoy you. It could be a sign of a medical issue, stress, or that the pot just isn’t up to snuff. So check the pot situation and maybe book a vet appointment.