As most people know, cats are very clean pets: aside from self-grooming (if we can call it that, since cats generally aren't fond of water and keep themselves clean by spending hours and hours licking themselves), our feline friends love to have a quiet, tucked-away spot where they can take care of their business. Let's find out how to clean a cat litter box, where to place it, and how to choose the best cat litter for your needs…

Cat toilets and litter boxes

First of all, from as early as the second week of life, cats already have control of their sphincter muscles, and from the third week onwards they can begin learning to use what is known as a cat litter box — essentially a tray filled with specially designed cat litter where your cat can bury its waste. Cats have a natural instinct to seek out soil or sand to cover their droppings so as not to frighten potential prey, so it won't take long to show them where their personal bathroom is: they'll figure it out almost on their own, as long as you pay attention to a few small details.

The cat litter box should be the right size for your cat. A small cat will struggle to climb over the sides of a tray that is too high; if your cat is large, make sure you get one that suits its size. Also keep in mind that your kitten needs enough room to dig, turn around and get into position. Cat litter boxes come in open styles and enclosed, hooded designs (which look similar to carriers).

With a few exceptions, cats tend to prefer open litter boxes. Enclosed cat litter boxes were really designed with us humans in mind — not for our physiological needs, of course, but to provide a more aesthetically pleasing "home accessory" compared to a standard open tray where everything is on full display. If you have multiple cats at home, it's important to have as many litter boxes as you have cats, and if you like, add one extra — because some cats prefer to urinate in one litter box and defecate in another.

Where to place the cat litter box, and why cats go outside the litter box

If you're wondering where to put the cat litter box, the best advice we can give is to place it somewhere quiet, away from noise or heavy foot traffic. Avoid positioning it near household appliances, in areas where people are constantly coming and going, or next to a stereo speaker. Put yourself in your cat's paws: would you enjoy being constantly disturbed while in the privacy of your bathroom? Your cat would give you exactly the same answer.

Another very important point: always keep litter boxes well away from where your cats eat and drink. Cats like to have dedicated spaces for playing, resting, eating and doing their business — but please, not all crammed into one room. We certainly don't enjoy eating in the bathroom: do you? If you're wondering why your cat is defecating outside the litter box, it's likely because one of these important steps has been overlooked. But it's never too late — to teach your cat not to soil certain spots again, try placing food and water bowls in those areas. Gradually, you'll find that once your cat recognises a spot as a "dining zone," it will stop using it as a bathroom.

Best cat litter — which one should you choose?

There are many types of cat litter on the market, ranging from the most affordable to varieties that cost more per kilogram than you might expect. Choosing the right cat litter is very important, so it's best to avoid going for the cheapest option — it may leave your home with a very unpleasant smell of cat faeces. Once you've found the right litter for both you and your cat, try to stick with it, as cats are not fond of change of any kind (food, litter, home, and so on). Let's take a look at the different types of cat litter available:

  • Clumping litter: when your cat urinates on the litter, it forms a compact ball of sand that can easily be scooped out without disturbing the rest of the litter. It comes in fine and coarse grain varieties, though cats usually prefer coarse grain.
  • Crystal cat litter: made up of granules that resemble coarse salt. This type of cat litter is known for absorbing odours, and the higher-end varieties contain substances that neutralise bacteria, ensuring better hygiene for your cat.
  • Eco-friendly litter: these are plant-based eco-friendly cat litters, often scented with lavender or pine. If you'd like to use a scented variety, check first that your cat tolerates it, as cats are generally not fond of strong fragrances.
  • Self-cleaning litter box: this is the high-tech option — it features a mechanism that removes waste after your cat has used it. You can find these in our pet shop, along with many other cat litters.

If you've recently welcomed a stray cat into your home, it may have some difficulty using the litter box at first. To make the transition easier, we recommend mixing a small amount of ordinary soil in with the cat litter.

How to clean a cat litter box

Unlike clumping litters, crystal cat litter should be cleaned with a scoop; once the litter starts turning noticeably yellow, it's time for a complete change. For all other types of litter, the cat litter should be cleaned every day — or even twice a day — by removing clumped sand, the most heavily soiled areas and any faeces. It should be changed completely when it becomes very wet or when there is very little left. Don't be tempted to save a few pennies by adding fresh litter on top of dirty litter: you'll end up using far more litter without solving the problem of bad odours! Each time you do a complete change, wash the cat litter box using a solution of water and vinegar.