As a responsible cat owner, raising your kitten indoors is a commendable thing. This means your kitten will need a cat litter box to pee and poop in. Now, there are a few dos and don'ts that you need to be familiar with.
You can purchase a cat litter tray with a litter scoop at your local pet store. Or alternatively, you can even use a high-walled tray and a skimmer. Additionally, you will need cat litter, and there are loads to choose from.
Dos and Don'ts
When purchasing cat litter, note that the number of Liters mentioned on the pack indicates the amount of fluids it can absorb.
There are lots of cat litter brands, so it's a bit of trial and error. See what works best with your kitten.
The litter box should be filled up to 2in with litter.
The box will need to be cleaned daily, and refilled or replaced as necessary.
Your kitten can track their litter onto your furniture, beds, and food, so make sure to clean the box thoroughly.
Wash the box at least once a week to sanitize.
Clumping Cat Litter
This is the most popular amongst cat owners. How it works is - when the cat pees or poops, the immediate area that's affected soaks it up and clumps, keeping the rest of the litter untouched. These clumps are easily removed with the scoop. Super hygienic & easy to clean.
Non-Clumping Cat Litter
This is an affordable option for cat owners. It’s generally cheaper and gets the job done. The litter does not clump when the kitten pees or poops, and only absorbs. Hence, you have to replace the litter daily.
Biodegradable Cat Litter
This is generally on the more expensive side. Cat owners who seek convenience & sustainability absolutely love that this litter is flushable. There are both clumping & non-clumping biodegradable litters, if you really want to get specific.
Scented Cat Litter
Generally, all these aforementioned litters come in various scents. These fragrances mask the odor of the litter for your comfort. Some cats may be put off by this, in which case you can opt for unscented cat litter.
Specific Cat Litter
As you dabble with different cat litters, you may realize that you have certain preferences. There are dust-free litters for cat owners or cats who have asthma; odor-control litters for those who are sensitive to smells; ultra-clumping for those who prefer a premium clumping action etc. You can most certainly find a litter that serves you best.
Sand
For cat owners seeking temporary solutions, sand can be a substitute. Note that sand is rather unhygienic & unsanitary compared to cat litter, as is much easier to track into the household, beds, and even your food. It does not absorb substances and has a tendency to get into kitten paws’ crevices and coat.
Garden
If you'd rather not buy litter and cannot tend to a litter box on a daily basis. you can choose to litter train your kitten to your garden. Before doing so, make sure that the kitten is sterilized and fond of you so they don't attempt to escape. Leave the litter box in a specific spot in the garden for them to get familiar with that spot. Throw in sand mixed with cat litter so they get accustomed to the texture, and after a few days, remove cat litter altogether and only use sand. They will eventually transition from the box to the garden due to the space comparison, and you can remove the box within a week or so.
Photo by Africa Studio from Shutterstock.