Cat Litter

I suspect my experience as a cat owner is fairly common. Every now and then I get the distinct impression that I am not in charge. Cats are very demanding creatures and as their "owners," we find ourselves doing our best to cater to those demands. At the very least, it's a bit hard to feel like the one in charge with a scooper in one hand and a plastic bag in the other.

The Litter Landscape

The choices in cat litter types have expanded quite a bit from when I was young. Back then it was sand in a bag and that was about it. Today, there are quite a few varieties and they all come with pros and cons. One type that's gaining popularity is silica-based products. Those who use it swear it absorbs odor and moisture the best, but my personal experience has been less than amazing.

Part of the problem with silica-based cat litters is that if your cat has never used it, your cat may not like it. A kitten raised on the product may take to it more easily, but older cats tend to be rather set in their ways. Any break in routine can cause your cat to act out, and considering the routine we're talking about, it's an easy guess to figure out just how your cat may act out.

With a cat, the key to success is a gentle introduction to change. One method some owners have used is to have both litter options available. When the cat uses the new litter, the one you now prefer, the animal is praised for having done something very good. Remove the older litter a day at a time, then longer, gradually getting rid of it completely.

Scooping

Nobody enjoys this particular chore, but it's very important. If you don't scoop on a regular basis, your cat may seek other places for relief. If this happens, the cat may start to develop a habit, and again, cats are all about routine. If this happens, remember that it's your responsibility as the owner, so don't take it out on your cat.

The other major reason you must scoop is health. It's very easy for a cat to get an infection from going in a filthy box. This is particularly true of older cats. An infection is painful and you'll end up spending money at a vet getting it cured.

Another problem common to older cats is having an impacted anal gland. The anal gland is the sack where cats produce a foul-smelling liquid, much like a skunk, that they use to mark territory. If it gets impacted, a vet will have to drain it for you. Again, regular scooping helps, because if a cat has clean and comfortable movements they are less likely to get impacted.

If you have multiple cats that use the same box, it's all the more important that you scoop. It's very easy for one cat to give its problems to another cat. If possible, it's always best for cats to have their own box, though not every home can be set up that way. If yours cannot, there are litters on the market designed specifically for multiple cats.

Your Job

When you have a pet, the two of you have entered into an agreement. Your cat gives you love and you give your cat care. It means taking your cat in for regular examinations, providing good food, and making sure the animal has a clean place to potty. All of this is minor given the joy a person gets from the company of an amazing feline.