Litterbox Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular Litter Boxes
Regular litter boxes should be scooped at least twice a day as the main goal is to keep it as clean as possible. Cats don’t like using litter boxes that are rarely scooped because there is no space left that isn’t soiled. A fresh layer of clean litter should be added after scooping to prevent the litter from being too low. This also helps to keep the box as fresh and clean as possible.
If clay litter is used, it should be dumped and replaced daily. There is no use in scooping out the soiled pieces and mixing the urine around as you would only succeed in soiling the entire box. Cats are known to be quite finicky when it comes to cleanliness, thus such a litter box condition will only be offensive to them.
For clumping scoopable litter, dumping and cleaning can be done every one to two months depending on the number of users and frequency of use. Soap and water is used to clean the box. Be sure however to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.
There are several products available in the market that will help in the cleaning process and management of soiled areas. If handling a regular litter box proves to be too much for you, then you should consider getting an automated litter box. One of the better options is the LitterMaid Litter Box.
LitterMaid Litter Box
The use of a Littermaid litter box will ensure that your cat’s litter area will be constantly clean. The Littermaid litter box automatically rakes waste into a sealable container 10 minutes after use. Just dispose and replace the receptacles as needed.
You will just have to check every other night to make sure that everything is in order and to check if the disposal tub in your Littermaid is full. You also need to smooth out the litter or to remove any waste caught between the rake tines about twice a week. This more or less makes up the regular cleaning routine. This routine will facilitate fewer in between major cleanings without any problem. The use of silicone or non-fat cooking spray on the bottom of the main litter box and on the rake tines as well as the use of a small amount of baking soda on the bottom and top of the main litter tray helps prevent sticking and improves clumping for your Littermaid unit.
Disposable waste tubs can be reused by lining it with a thin plastic which will be the one to be discarded. Use the enclosed brush to clean small crevices. It is important to use premium clumping litter with your Littermaid litter box to ensure proper functionality and long life of the unit. The unit itself is easy to clean. Just turn the litter box off and unplug it. Clean the rake and the box with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Hosing down the rake and litter pan once a month is recommended.
Relatively cheap replacement parts are available directly from LitterMaid. Replacement of the whole unit is possible if it is still within the warranty period. It may still be far from being perfect but it serves an existing need for both the pet and its owner.