Are You an Inattentive Cat Owner???

There are some people who think that it’s just normal for a cat to lazily lounge around for the most part of the day, it’s actually just a reflection of how lazy or inattentive the pet owner really is.

Well would you agree with this statement?

I have to say that with my cat it chooses to go out all night and then comes home in the morning.
When it first comes in it makes a great fuss of us all and asks for food. Then when it is ready it pads up to my son’s room and goes to sleep in a snugly ball for most of the day.

What I think is that if I had been out all night then that is exactly what I would do…

Tell us about your cat’s habits…
READ MORE: http://www.allaboutcatsite.com/cat-training-2/using-a-cat-toy-ball-to-exercise-your-cat

Proper Litter Tray Cleaning

Pet product manufacturers are always coming out with new inventions that promise to make cat ownership a breeze. But getting things done quickly doesn‘t always equal getting things done in the best way.

Automatic cat litter tray scooping machines promise that you’ll never have to scoop again. But that doesn’t mean you’ll never have to clean the tray again. Merely scooping does not keep the litter tray clean or free of odors, germs, or harmful viruses that can spread.

In order to properly clean a cat litter tray, obviously the first step is to scoop out waste daily. Twice a day is even better; would you wait a day to flush your own toilet? All litter must be completely removed and replaced at least every other week to once a month. Some people clean once a week. This frequency might depend on whether you are using scoopable litter, how well the litter clumps, and whether you need to scrape off the bottom of the try or not. Non-clumping litter will need to be emptied out more often. If the clumps of your scoopable litter fall apart, you might want to find a better clumping litter. If you are scraping off the bottom of the tray due to sticking litter, you may need to pour more litter into the tray to keep the litter deeper.

Never pour liquid bleach from a bottle into a cat litter try to clean it. If there is any leftover urine, the ammonia in the urine will mix with the bleach to create a noxious gas. Instead, you should first wash out the tray and the scooper with mild detergent and HOT water once or twice, then thoroughly rinse and dry. Then, once you know the box is clean, you may want to kill any stubborn bacteria with a mild bleach solution. If you have an industrial strength spray bottle, you can mix 30 parts water to 1 part bleach and spray the tray, then rinse and dry with paper towels or sunshine, if another box is available to the cat. If you don’t have an industrial spay bottle, regular spray bottles will be ruined by bleach. You will need to fill the litter tray with a gallon of water then a cup of bleach and let it soak for a few minutes. Wipe the sides with paper towel inside and out, then pour out the bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

When refilling the cat litter tray, it is safe to sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom. This will help reduce odours. Non-scented litter is recommended, as it is more pure and therefore less offensive to your cat’s sensitive nose, and healthier. Non-scented litter is less likely to introduce perfumed chemicals into your cat’s urinary tract, which can cause infection. A cat with a UTI will be in pain and will visit the litter tray every few minutes. If you notice your cat doing this, take him to the vet immediately. Urinary blockage can lead to death very quickly in a cat.

It is also advised not to mask over the odors around the litter tray with chemical sprays and air fresheners. Not only can these chemicals be harmful to your cat, but not using them will help you keep track of how often the box needs to be scooped and cleaned. If the odour is still overwhelming despite your best cleaning efforts, take a better look into your cat’s health and diet.

Why Won’t my Cat Use Her Litter Tray? 3 Step Plan

One of the most perplexing events of cat ownership is when elimination happens outside of the cat litter tray. One or two instances may not set off alarm bells, but if you’re finding “surprises” regularly, it’s time to take action.

1) Clean House

The first step is to scrub the spots that kitty treated as a toilet, and empty, clean, and refill the cat litter tray. Do not use vinegar, which will increase the acidity in the area and invite bacteria and odour. Use soap and water or an extractor with or without enzymes made specifically for pet messes. Dry by blotting or with a hair dryer to reduce likelihood of bacteria growth.

The cat litter tray can be cleaned with soap and water, a solution mixed from the cat mess cleaner, or a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Make sure that the clean tray is rinsed thoroughly, as many cats won’t like the smell of soap or bleach left over in the tray.

2) Experiment with Tray Types, Numbers, Placement, and Litter

Believe it or not, even a cat who has only had one litter tray for most of his life might like another. The rule among “cat folk” is that the amount of trays in the home should equal the number of cats plus one. Ideally, the trays should be placed in different rooms, but having a couple in one room may be fine for multiple cats.

There are many reasons to supply cats with extra trays:
1) Some cats don’t like sharing a litter tray with other cats.
2) As a cat ages, he might prefer that the tray be closer as it becomes harder to “hold it.”
3) If the litter tray is placed near a loud appliance the cat may not feel safe going there. Or, he may simply prefer one spot over another, being the finicky type that most cats are.

You might also think about experimenting with different litter types. There are crystals, scoopable, wood chips, and recycled papers. Some cats have sensitive paws or dislike certain textures for mysterious reasons known only to felines. Some cats have a urine chemistry that mixes poorly with some litter brands, causing smells that turn off both the cat and you!

Cats can be picky about the build of the litter tray as well. Some cats are too big to fit in covered trays well, while other cats may prefer the privacy. Older cats may prefer a tray with lower sides that’s easier to walk into and out of.

3) Examine Health & Stress Factors

Some cats begin “forgetting” where the cat litter tray is because of health reasons. For example, if slight constipation causes pain when going, a cat might try to “escape” the pain by escaping from the place she was when the pain occurred. The same thing goes for stomach pain and diarrhea. These two issues have countless causes, and your cat should be seen by a vet if this is happening.

And finally, some alpha cats will stalk another cat from outside the litter tray, making the cat in the tray feel stressed. Would you want someone staring at you while you were busy in the toilet? Even the most social of cats need privacy at times.

Another cause of stress that should be looked into could include a sudden change or move, either in dwellings, another pet or human in the home, or the litter tray itself. Cats are complex creatures. They love to explore as much as they love predictability. They love company as much as they love independence. And they will love you for helping them keep their litter trays clean, happy, and safe.

Essential Cat Supplies

Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

Choosing a Cat Litter Tray

Dealing with cat litter is probably one of the biggest drawbacks to owning a cat.  While we love their furry faces, affectionate nose bumping and playful moments,  few cat owners relish the task of cleaning up their pet´s toilet area.  Fortunately there are a large variety of litter trays that reduce odour and make cleaning quick and easy.

Basic rectangular plastic litter trays cost just a few pounds,  but it is well worth upgrading to a slightly more expensive version to save on mess, smells and hassle.  Cat urine is slightly corrosive, so line a plastic litter tray with newspaper or a litter tray liner to keep the tray from becoming pitted and difficult to clean.  Using a clumping litter allows you to scoop out any urine regularly without the need to fully empty and clean the tray, keeping the litter tray fresher.  Some cat litter also contains deodorizing ingredients which help to reduce nasty smells, and this type of cat litter is well worth investing in, especially if you have more than one cat in your home.

A cat litter tray with a rim can stop litter from being kicked out of the tray while your cat is scratching.  Some cat litter trays also feature higher walls at the back and sides to protect against this problem even further.

However, the peak of cat litter tray design is the fully enclosed style which provides a little privacy for cats while keeping everything discreetly hidden from any humans in the room.  These litter trays come with a hood or cover which stops any litter from escaping, and air filters to help eliminate odors.  The downsize is that these litter trays resemble cat carriers, so some cats may be put off switching from a conventional open tray to an enclosed one.

Choosing A Cat Litter Tray For Your Cat

Whether your cat is an indoor cat who never goes outside or even a cat that only stays in while you are away it is essential to offer them a cat litter tray to use within the home. Many owners find out very quickly that not all litter trays are the same and not all litter works equally. There is a huge variety of litter trays on the market and cats can be extremely picky on where they choose to do their business. So getting the right cat box is important so that there will be no messes to pick up and your home will not smell terrible.

While there are litter trays on the market with and without lids and models that will clean themselves as well as those that must be scooped out essentially it comes down to getting a large tray for your cat to use. Cats instinctively want to bury their waste and they do not like having it on their feet. By providing them a good deep box you will encourage the use of the box for going to the bathroom.

Of course the box also needs to be more than deep it should also have plenty wide and long. If the box does not offer enough square footage and there is no lid you may find that the cat misses the box and it goes down the outside. If it happens to be a model with a lid not having room inside to move around can also discourage the cat from using it and create more messes within the home to clean up.

Getting the right litter tray for your cat is a large part of whether they will use it or not. Make sure the box you do have remains clean and your cat will be encouraged to take care of their waste where it belongs and not on your furniture.

Controlling Litter Tray Odor In Your Home

You can ask any cat owner who keeps a litter tray in their home and they will tell you that not all cat litters are the same. Some are better than others at clumping while others may be better at masking the odor. Finding the right litter for your cat tray is a large step to controlling the odor. But once you have found a litter that works good for you and your cat does not resist it by being finicky as they are known to do you still have to put in some effort to ensure that odor does not take over your home.

Keeping the pan clean makes it easier for the cat litter to do its job. Occasionally remove all the litter and scrub the tray out to keep it from absorbing odor. This will also encourage you to completely change out the litter more frequently making it more effective at clumping and masking odors. Do not be afraid to fill up the tray either. Plenty of litter can absorb the excrement and odor better and will encourage your cat to bury it. Adding some baking soda into the litter will also help cut down on the odors since baking soda is known for absorbing odor. Of course some litters have this inside already but adding more will not do any harm and will only help.

Keep all of the waste scooped out and the area clean around the litter tray at all times. If there is noting inside of the tray the odors cannot settle in and make your home smell bad. If you also ensure that the litter tray is placed in a well ventilated area and use a air purifier around the box you will not allow the odor to permeate the room where the tray is located. This may sound like a lot of work but if done frequently and kept clean the job is actually easier to do.