Cat Litter, Boxes and Care

These readers want to know what type of litter to purchase, and how best to care for the cat litter boxes. See if your question is here.

Here are our archived questions and answers related to cat litter boxes and litter box care. Keep scrolling or jump down to read more about:

• "What is the best litter to purchase for my Maine Coon?"

• "How Often To Change Litter Box Of A Maine Coon"

• "Healthiest Litter"

• "Switching Cat Litter"

• "Potty Problem"

What is the best litter to purchase for my Maine Coon?

I have tried two types of litter - Everclean (small granules) and natural pine pellets.

The small granules stick to his fur and are ingested when he is cleaning himself. The pine pellets disintegrate into dust when he urinates.

There is no way to remove the urine-soaked dust without cleaning the entire litter box. What would be a better, healthier alternative for my big boy?

Answer:
Hi!
Sounds like you are going the natural cat litter route! Great! Maine Coons don't have specific cat litter needs, other than that it's healthy and good for them! It will help him live a long and healthy life.

Due to their longer fur, some small granules of whatever brand you use will stick to his fur and be groomed away. That's why it's better not to be clay!

We currently use Feline Pine Cat Litter, and we've been very happy with it. But, not the pellets you mentioned. We use the clumping formula, and it does clump quite well. If it's cleaned regularly, it's no different than scooping any other clumping litter. It has a nice aroma, too.

The cats like it just fine, and we use a mat nearby to catch any fluff that escapes. They occasionally get a little on their fur. It's barely noticeable, though.

Hope this helps!
~Carrie

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How Often To Change Litter Box Of A Maine Coon

by: Dee
(SC)

I have a Maine Coon and a very large litter box which I keep at least 3 inches deep. Clean it most every time he uses it.

Because it takes so much litter I only change it monthly as I keep it so clean and add to it each day. Is this OK, or should I change it more often?

Reply:

Hi Dee,

If you are scooping the box most every time he uses it, and it smells fine and is still clumping well, I think you are doing fine with changing the litter monthly.

Since you have a very large box, there is more litter in general. It's like 2 or 3 "regular" boxes.

Some things to look for, when it comes time to change the litter would be odor and less ability to clump. You can tell when it's not so fresh.

All The Best,
Carrie

Comments:

Litter Box
by: Dee
Thanks so much for you answer on how often to change litter in a large litter box. You made me feel a lot better in what I was doing. I am new at this and had no idea how large this could would be. I soon found out. Thanks again

Healthiest Litter

What is the best/healthiest cat litter to use for my Maine Coon?

Reply:
Hi,
The healthiest choice is to use one of the natural cat litters. They are all good, and your favorite will be the one that your cat uses! For his health, you'll want to stay away from any clay litters.

On our page about natural cat litter, we mention Yesterdays News, Feline Pine, Swheat Scoop, and World's Best Cat Litter. These are some of the more popular ones. Neither are "better" or "healthier" than the others. Often you can find a good natural cat litter right at your local supermarket.

At our house, we have used both Feline Pine and World's Best, and we're very satisfied with the results. Our review pages talk all about our experiences with them.

Whatever you choose, your cat will thank you!

Best Wishes on your natural cat litter quest!
~Carrie

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Switching Cat Litter

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Potty Problem

by: Marlla Ungethuem
(Cincinnati, Oh)

I have a Maine Coon cat of 1 1/2 yrs old from feral parents that I still feed. There was a litter of 4 and she was the one that Momma kept and I raised the rest but captured her at 4 weeks old.

She would poop under the couch and bed but has since stopped that and uses the boxes but still urinates on rugs, beds spreads and such but not all the time.

She will use the box to poop but not always to urinate. Missy is healthy so could this just being lazy? She too is very vocal at all times of the day for no reason and that is when I sometimes pick her up and take her to the boxes and she usually goes to the bathroom.

Her sister Cuddles has a lot of the traits of the Maine coon in her also but we have no issue with her. Any ideas other than medicine for her behavior. I also have a 8 and 3 yr old male cat but they all seem to het along fairly well.

Thanks
Marla Ungethuem

Reply:

Hi Marla,
It is fairly common, when a cat isn't taught proper litter box etiquette by their momma, that they have "issues" as adults.

When I was a young girl, a neighbor gave me a kitten at exactly 4 weeks old. I so wish they had kept her longer! We had trouble, always.

You're story is different, as the parents are feral. It's great that you were able to domesticate the kittens!

As for the behavior itself, I think she just doesn't "get it." And, my area is more about Maine Coon cat breed traits, quirks and behaviors. What you need is a cat behavior expert.

I hope the potty troubles get better!
All The Best,
Carrie

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