How to Clean Your Cat's Litter Box (Everything You Need to Know), by Cats on YouTube. 17 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes daily, 30 minutes f
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put a litter mat in front of the box and keep a scoop, waste bags and a small broom nearby. Having everything within reach makes daily cleaning quick.
Scoop the box once or twice a day. Tilt the scoop and shake it gently so clean litter falls back in and only clumps stay in the scoop.
Drop the clumps into a waste bag or a sealed bin such as a litter genie. Tie the bag and take it out the same day to control odor.
For clumping litter, scoop out urine clumps and feces, then stir the remaining litter so it stays level. Top up with fresh litter to the depth your cat likes, about 2 to 3 inches.
For non-clumping litter, scoop solid waste daily and stir the litter. Replace the whole tray of litter about once a week, or sooner if it smells.
For a self-cleaning box, empty the waste drawer into a bag and wipe the drawer. Check the rake area for stuck clumps and remove them.
For a sifting box, lift the sifting tray, dump the clumps, and rinse the trays. Let them dry fully before adding fresh litter.
Deep clean monthly. Empty the box, wash it with mild unscented soap and warm water, rinse well, and dry it in the sun or with a towel.
Refill with fresh litter, add a carbon-based deodorizer if you use one, and put the box back in its usual spot.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use bleach, ammonia or strong scented cleaners, because the smell can make your cat avoid the box.
Wash your hands after every scoop and wear gloves during the deep clean.
Keep one box per cat plus one extra, and place them in quiet spots away from food and water.
If your cat stops using a clean box, see a vet, since it can signal a health problem.
Questions
How often should I scoop the litter box?
Scoop at least once a day, and twice a day if you have more than one cat. Remove solid waste as soon as you notice it.
Can I use bleach to clean the litter box?
No. Bleach and ammonia leave strong smells that can put cats off the box. Use mild unscented soap and warm water instead.
How often should I fully change the litter?
With clumping litter, do a full change and wash about once a month. Non-clumping litter usually needs a full change every week.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
