It’s frustrating.
No matter how many times you try, the cat litter always seems to get everywhere.
What’s the solution?
Actually, there are many things you can try and in this post I’m sharing the best ones.
Here are 5 tips on how to stop cat litter getting everywhere.
Table of Contents
1. Invest in a Cat Litter Mat
Investing in a cat litter mat is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of cat litter that gets tracked outside of the litter box.
Cat litter can be very messy and can track into other areas of the home. A cat litter mat traps the litter and makes it easier to clean up after your cat.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using a cat litter mat to keep the litter contained:
Choose the right size litter mat
Choosing the right size litter mat is key in preventing cat litter from getting everywhere.
The mat should be large enough to accommodate your cat’s movements, with the outer edge at least two inches wider than your cat’s strides. This allows them to turn around on the mat rather than over or off of it, which decreases their chances of catching excess litter between their toes or fur.
Additionally, if you have multiple cats, you should look for a larger litter box with a large enough mat that can hold all of their individual messes.
You’ll also want to get a mat large enough to fit underneath your cat’s litter box like an oversized doormat. This catches litter from missed kicks and hopping off the box before your kitty leaves it completely.
Finally, look for a non-skid backing so that the mat will stay put and prevent accidental trails of tracked-in messes.
Choose the right material
When selecting a cat litter mat, it’s important to think about the type of material it’s made of.
Most cat litter mats are made from synthetic materials like plastic or rubber, and you should be sure that the material is non-toxic and BPA-free.
It’s also beneficial to consider the material’s durability when making your selection. Harder plastic mats tend to be more effective at trapping small particles of cat litter, but they can be more difficult to clean over time due to their non-porous surface.
Mats made with softer materials can be easier to clean but may not effectively trap all of the litter that gets tracked out of the box. Some popular materials for cat litter mats include:
- Rubber: A popular choice because they are durable and long lasting as well as being naturally antimicrobial. The soft texture makes them gentle on your cats paws while also making them easy to scoop and shake out regularly without affecting their structural integrity.
- Cork: This option may seem odd at first, but cork is actually antimicrobial and water resistant so it’s incredibly tough and will last longer than many other surfaces. Plus, its spongy texture allows it to trap large clumps while also allowing small pieces of litter pass through easily so they don’t build up in one spot.
- Fabric: Fabric or soft fur mats are perfect for catching dirt before it makes its way onto your floor or furniture as these fabrics are highly absorbent, so it can hold onto any dirt or liquid until you’re ready to shake them out into a bin for an easy clean up later on.
2. Scoop the Litter Regularly
One of the best ways to help keep cat litter from getting everywhere is to make sure you scoop the litter box regularly.
This will help reduce the smell and any mess that may have accumulated in the litter. This can be done at least once a day, but it’s recommended that you scoop it twice a day if you have multiple cats.
Doing so will help ensure that your cat’s litter box remains clean and that you won’t have to worry about the litter getting all over the house.
Use a scoop that is the right size for your litter box
When choosing a scoop for your litter box, choose one with the right shape and size to suit your litter box.
A scoop that is too big or small won’t effectively remove all of the litter. In general, a scoop that measures 2-3 inches in width is good for small boxes.
For larger boxes, you may need a bigger scoop measuring 4-6 inches wide. Make sure you regularly clean your Scoop as well so it can perform its job more effectively.
In general, it’s recommended that you do small scoops two to three times per day. This helps prevent litter from building up and spilling over onto the floors or furniture.
If you own multiple cats, then this will help keep track of how much each cat uses the box, as well as make cleaning easier if there are any issues in that area.
Remember to check regularly for clumps and other bits of debris as well—this helps to keep down smell and minimize tracking of debris throughout the house!
Dispose of the waste properly
Cat litter waste can contain a lot of bacteria and is usually considered hazardous, so proper disposal is essential for preventing the spread of germs.
Cat litter waste should be disposed of in a designated trash can lined with a plastic bag. The used bag should be securely tied up, placed in the trash and disposed of outside, ensuring that no pet waste leaked out during transport.
Additionally, it’s important to clean out the litter box regularly to prevent bacteria from spreading throughout the house.
To minimize messes, scoop out any clumps or wet patches of litter from your cat’s box at least once daily, or whenever you notice wet spots in the box.
3. Clean the Litter Box Regularly
The first step in keeping your home free from cat litter is to make sure you clean the litter box regularly.
Not only will this keep your home clean, but it is also important for the health of your cat.
When you clean a cat litter box, it should be done daily to prevent the spread of bacteria, germs, and odor. In addition, it will also help keep the litter box from getting too full and spilling over.
Let’s go into further detail about the importance of cleaning the litter box regularly:
Use a mild detergent and warm water
Cleaning the litter box on a regular basis helps to keep your cat healthy and happy and can also reduce unpleasant odors.
When cleaning the litter box, it is important to use a mild detergent and warm water.
Make sure you never use an abrasive cleaner or any soap which contains perfume, dyes or alcohol as these may upset your cat’s sensitive mucous membranes or cause skin irritation.
You should use cleaners designed specifically for cat litter boxes, or you can make your own diluted mild detergent solution with a teaspoon of liquid dish detergent such as Dawn in four liters of warm water.
Using this solution, scrub the litter box gently but thoroughly with a soft sponge. Rinse off any residue remaining using clean warm water then dry with paper towels before adding fresh litter.
Read next: How Often Should You Change Cat Litter?
4. Use Clumping Litter
Clumping litter is an easy and effective way to keep your cat’s litter box tidy.
This litter is made of clay, which absorbs liquid and forms clumps when it comes in contact with urine. These clumps are easy to remove and won’t spread around, making it a much cleaner alternative to traditional litter.
Even better, the best clumping cat litter can last longer than traditional litter, so you won’t have to change it as often.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of clumping litter in detail:
Choose a litter that is dust-free
When selecting a litter for your cat, consider buying a dust-free clumping litter.
These litters are made from clay and do not create clouds of dust that make you sneeze.
Additionally, these litters can keep the floor and other surfaces in your home free of bacteria created by the presence of tiny particles.
Dust free clumping litter will form tight claws when the cat scratches its body in the litter box. These claws hold onto moisture and prevent odors from developing in your home.
You will need to scoop out clumped material daily, however; because it prevents smelly build-up, this maintenance is usually worth it.
Modern dust free clumping litters are available in many varieties such as natural clay or ones that contain baking soda or herbal oils for additional absorption and deodorization benefits.
The scented versions may help to reduce foul odor buildup outside the box as well. When your cat does its business in a dust-free clumping litter, it should be easier to keep your cat’s living environment clean and smell fresh longer.
5. Train Your Cat
Training your cat is one of the best ways to prevent cat litter getting everywhere.
It can take time and require patience, but it will eventually pay off. Training your cat to use the litter box properly will keep your house clean and tidy, and it can also help to build a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Let’s look at some of the best training methods to keep cat litter contained:
Use positive reinforcement
Using positive reinforcement is essential when training your cat. This involves giving the animal rewards for correctly completing a task.
Rewarding them with treats or verbal praise can help motivate your cat and encourage them to repeat the desired behavior.
When teaching new behaviors, always remember to only give rewards when they have completed the task correctly. Be sure to provide praise and treats before they get off track, so they associate their accomplishment with a reward.
When reprimanding inappropriate behavior, it is important to not yell or use physical punishment as this could lead to more bad behavior and could make your cat more likely to avoid being trained in the future.
It can also be helpful to break up the training into small achievable goals and gradually build up complexity over time. For example, if you’re trying to train a cat how not to spread litter everywhere, start by teaching them how to use their litter box properly.
Once you’ve done that, you can slowly introduce other obstacles such as using different surfaces as well as incorporating objects or toys into the process. Regular practice will eventually lead to successful results!
Reward your cat for using the litter box
One of the most effective behaviors to train your cat is to reward them for using the litter box.
This can be done by giving your feline a treat, such as a small piece of cooked chicken, or some canned food every time they use it.
By doing this, your cat will learn that using the litter box is a desirable action and it also reduces their anxiety as cats are creatures of habit.
In order for this to work effectively, it is recommended that you place treats in multiple places around the house so that your cat associates urination with good things.
You can also make sure the litter box is kept clean, as cats are very fastidious about hygiene and prefer clean areas for elimination. It should be scooped daily and cleaned well at least once per week with warm water and vinegar or mild detergent-free soap.
If you have multiple cats in the house, be sure to provide each one with their own litter box; otherwise they may compete over them or establish other areas in which they will eliminate instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I stop my cat from kicking litter around?
A1. Try placing a litter mat near the litter box. That way, your cat will have to step onto the mat and shake off its paws every time it leaves the box, helping to keep the litter off your floors.
Q2. How do I keep cats from tracking litter around the house?
A2. To minimize tracking, have multiple litter boxes, and place them away from high-traffic areas. You may also want to opt for a finer grain litter, as these are less likely to stick to cats’ paws.
Q3. What type of litter is least likely to spread?
A3. Clumping litter is least likely to spread, as it forms a clump when cats go to the bathroom. This makes it easier to scoop out, thus reducing the amount of scattered litter around the house.
