Cat-Care - The short answer
- Scoop solid waste and clumps daily; top up as needed. Fully replace and wash the box every 2–4 weeks for clumping litter, weekly for non-clumping—adjust for cat count, odor, and box size.
- Possible reasons
- Multi-cat homes fill boxes faster and smell sooner.
- Non-clumping or low-quality litter saturates quickly.
- Covered boxes trap odor and moisture.
- Medical issues can increase urine volume or smell.
- Shallow litter depth lets waste stick to the pan.
- Observations and simple improvements (non-treatment) Keep a 10–14 day log to find your real cadence:
- Track: number of cats, scoops per day, litter depth after scooping, odor level (0–3), any accidents, and how fast clumps form. Note times—mornings often smell stronger.
- Routine AM/PM: Scoop 1–2 times daily; swirl the scoop to aerate. After each scoop, top up to 5–7 cm depth so clumps don’t weld to the base.
- Full refresh: For clumping clay, dump and wash every 2–4 weeks; for non-clumping, 1×/week. Wash the pan with warm water and mild unscented soap; dry fully before refilling. Avoid strong fragrances that can deter cats.
- Environment: Place boxes in quiet, ventilated spots—away from food/water. Use an open-top or high-sided, uncovered box to reduce trapped ammonia. Add a litter mat to catch granules and reduce tracking cleanup time.
- Supply setup: Keep a sealed bin of fresh litter and a dedicated scoop, brush, and mild cleaner next to the box. Set a phone reminder for weekly pan checks and monthly full changes.
- Behavior hygiene: Praise calm use; do not punish accidents—clean with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odor cues. If one cat guards the box, add another box to break the pattern.
- When to consult a veterinarian or a behavior professional
- Sudden increase in urine volume, strong ammonia/sweet smell, blood-tinged clumps, or straining in the box.
- Frequent accidents outside the box despite clean litter.
- Pain signs: vocalizing, restless trips, excessive grooming of genitals.
- A cat stops using a previously acceptable box for more than 48 hours.
- Multi-cat conflict or guarding that persists after adding boxes.
- Disclaimer This is general guidance, not medical advice; if you notice unusual odor, behavior, or elimination changes, contact your veterinarian for personalized help.