The scoop on cat litter and cat litter box accident prevention.

There are almost as many different kinds of cat litter and cat litter boxes as there are articles on cat litter box problems and accidents. This page is a higher level summary of cat litter and cat litter box problems, accidents and prevention.

Cat Litter: In addition to the common types of cat litter, regular clay, scoopable clay and crystals, we have found recycled paper, baking soda related brands (you know the brand name) and even a wheat formula. We have always just stuck with the common scoopable cat litter ourselves, but there are obviously enough different kinds out there for everybody.

The important thing here is that your cat will use (consistently) the kind of cat litter and cat litter box that get in addition to liking the additional benefits yourself (fragrances, easy of use, absorbency, etc) . If you have changed your cat litter or box recently and are having accident problems, then obviously go back to your old brand/type as a first step to rule this out as the source of the problem.

Medical Condition: Your cat could have a legitimate medical condition causing or contributing to a cat litter box problem. Check with you vet on this one, of course...

Cat litter box accident prevention

Location, Location, Location! (to borrow a phrase from the real estate industry.... ) Be sure to have your litter box (or boxes) in a pleasant easy to get to, consistently accessible location away from noise and high traffic as much as possible.

Be careful about putting the litter box on soft thick carpet that can be substituted (or confused with) cat litter.

Keep cat food and water away from the litter box.

If you have a multiple level house, it can be a good idea to have a litter box on each floor.

Cat Litter Type. As mentioned above, use cat litter that your cat will use consistently and if you have changed your cat litter or box recently and are having accident problems, then obviously go back to your old brand/type to rule this out as the source of the problem.

Clean Cat Litter Box(s) Often. Once a day usually does it, but if you have multiple cats or a having a problem you can try doing this a little more often.

Some people have more success with self cleaning litter boxes. You can find these online at very reasonable prices.

Reduce Stress. This could be a good one for your cat and yourself! Whatever you can do to reduce you cat's stress could help with any cat litter box accident problems too. Play with your cat (those little laser lights can be fun), have a convenient scratching post, cat tree or cat perch around and try to keep to a predictable routine as much as possible.

Don't try to punish your cat. This will most likely just be more stressful and make things worse.

If your cat has an accident outside the litter box, one training tip that you may try is wipe it up (or pick it up) with a paper towel, put the paper towel in the cat litter box and help your cat or kitten to bury it.

Multiple Cats, Multiple Boxes. If you have more than one cat, it may help to have more than one cat box. As mentioned above, if you have a multiple level house, this may be an additional benefit.

Confinement for Training Purposes and Protection of Your Home and Furnishings

If your cat continues to have cat litter box problems, there is another very simple and effective method that you can try... Confinement. Keep your cat confined to a single room with his or her litter box in that room.

First of all, with your cat confined to a single room (preferably with an uncarpeted floor (a bathroom can be used if necessary)), you will be protecting your home and furnishings from the result of the accidents. This will be a great relief while you work on the solution. In addition to protecting your home, this method can be successful in getting your cat back with the litter box program.

Cat Litter, Cat Litter Box, Cat Scratching Posts and Cat Products Online

We have found a good selection of these type of products online at great prices. See our recommended online suppliers at Pet Supplies Online Resource.