Here's How Often You Need To Clean Your Cat's Litter Box

• Cleaning

Here's How Often You Need To Clean Your Cat's Litter Box By Abby Kolonsky March 1, 2022 12:11 pm EST New Africa/Shutterstock

Cleaning litter boxes is not the favorite chore of many cat owners, but how often do you need to clean your cat's litter box? Cats are wonderful pets, not only because they are loyal and adorable but also because they don't need to be taken outside multiple times a day to relieve themselves. On the downside, though, you have to clean their litter boxes, which can sometimes smell bad and get gross. Not only do litter boxes get pretty yucky if you aren't cleaning them regularly, but your cat probably doesn't enjoy relieving themselves in a dirty litter box and might start doing their business around your home instead. 

According to Pet Health Network, you should be scooping your cat's litter box once to twice a day, depending on how often they use it. At the very least, they recommend scooping your cat's litter box every other day. Another factor that affects how often you scoop your cat's litter box is how many cats you own. If you have several cats, you will need to scoop their litter boxes more frequently than if you have one cat. Aside from scooping your cat's litter box frequently, you should give the box itself a scrub and replace the litter every month or a few times a year. This will ensure your cat has a clean place to relieve themselves and keep your home smelling fresh.

How to clean your cat's litter box

New Africa/Shutterstock

Scooping cat litter is the least enjoyed chore of many cat owners, so much so that there are now automated litter boxes that you can buy that essentially scoop your cat's litter for you. But if you don't have an automated litter box, you need to scoop your cat's litter box frequently to ensure it is clean for them. Scooping your cat's litter regularly is the best way to ensure your cat's litter box stays clean longer. 

The Spruce Pets also recommended cleaning the litter box itself and replacing the litter every month or a few times a year. Keep in mind that you may have to clean the box more frequently if you aren't using clumping litter. To clean the litter box, simply dump the old litter into a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. Remember never to flush your cat's litter down the toilet, as it can cause major plumbing issues. After emptying the litter box, wash it with dish soap and water and dry it with paper towels. Refill the box with new, fresh litter, and repeat this process every month for a happy cat. 

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