Use my 5 min/week litter cleaning routine, by Jess & Jericho Caticles on YouTube. 6 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put on gloves if you like and keep waste bags within reach. Move the box to a spot with good airflow, away from food and water bowls.
Scoop solid waste and clumps every day or two. Tilt the scoop and shake gently so clean litter falls back into the box.
Drop the waste straight into a bag and tie it closed. Seal the bag before carrying it through the house to cut down on smell.
Once a week, scoop the whole box down to clean litter. Scrape the corners and bottom with the scoop edge to lift stuck clumps.
Top up with fresh litter to the depth your cat likes, usually about 5 cm (2 inches). Too little litter leads to messes outside the box.
Wipe the rim and outside of the box with a pet-safe cleaner. Skip strong ammonia or citrus cleaners, which cats dislike.
Empty and wash the whole box about once a month. Use hot water and mild soap, rinse well, and let it dry fully before adding litter.
Keep dogs and small children away from the box with a gate or a Door Buddy. Give your cat a quiet place to use it.
Tips and common mistakes
Scoop daily if you can. Removing clumps often is the easiest way to stop smells.
Stainless steel boxes hold less odor than plastic, which scratches and traps smell over time.
Never use bleach or ammonia near the box, and rinse any cleaner fully before your cat uses it again.
Watch for changes in litter habits. A cat avoiding the box can be a sign of a health problem, so ask your vet.
Questions
How often should I fully change the litter?
Empty and wash the whole box about once a month, or sooner if it smells even after scooping. Top up with fresh litter between full changes.
What is the best litter box material?
Stainless steel resists scratches and odor better than plastic. A large box with low sides suits most cats and is easier to scoop.
Why does my cat go outside the box?
A dirty box, strong cleaner smell or stress can cause it. Keep the box clean and quiet, and see your vet if it continues.
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.
