Many cat owners think that the litter box is a small thing that doesn’t need much attention. But actually, the right amount of litter is very important for cats. Cats are very sensitive to the cleanliness, odor and texture under their paws. And even the slightest mistake in toilet care can lead to unpleasant consequences: the animal will begin to ignore the litter box, go “by” or dig all the way to the floor, leaving behind odors, stains and irritation.
When the filler is too little, the cat, burying his waste, reaches to the bottom of the tray – this irritates him. Moisture lingers on the plastic surface, the odor spreads faster, and urine can get on his paws. Because of this, the animal begins to associate the tray with discomfort. In the worst case, he stops using it altogether.
When the filler is too much, the cat digs deep, scattering the filler outside the tray. All this is spread around the apartment, and the moisture reaches the lower layers more slowly, which reduces the efficiency of absorption. In addition, some types of filler with a thick layer begin to accumulate odor faster if not mixed regularly.
The right amount of filler is the golden mean that provides cleanliness, comfort for the cat, and savings for the owner. And it’s important to remember that the same approach doesn’t work for everyone – it all depends on the type of litter, the depth of the litter box and even the personality of your cat.
Exactly how much should be poured
Optimum thickness and dependence on filler type
In most cases, the ideal layer thickness is 5-7 cm. This is the layer that allows the cat to dig freely without reaching the bottom, and at the same time provides effective absorption of moisture and odor. But this norm varies depending on the type of filler:
Compound (bentonite)
The most common type. You need quite a lot of them – 6-7 cm, so that the lumps are well formed and do not stick to the bottom. Daily cleaning of individual clumps allows you to leave the remaining filler and sprinkle only a part. This option is suitable for most cats as it resembles soil in texture.
Wood pellets
These fillers disintegrate into sawdust when wet. The optimal amount is 4-5 cm, as moisture quickly reaches the bottom. But wood does not retain odor as effectively, so the tray will have to be cleaned more often. If you have a two-layer tray with a net, the layer can be even thinner – 2-3 cm.
Silica gel granules
They are enough much less – 2-3 cm, because they have a high absorbency and do not require a deep layer. But it is important to stir the layer regularly, so that the crystals are not saturated only on top. And not all cats like them because of the crunchy texture.
Corn, paper, zeolite
These options have different textures, but usually 4-6 cm is enough. Paper ones are often chosen for kittens or animals with allergies. They are soft but do not always retain odor well.
In addition to the type of filler, the shape and size of the litter box is important. If the litter tray is deep (more than 12 cm), the filler layer should be appropriate, otherwise the odor will accumulate at the bottom. In small litter trays you should not put too much – the cat will simply not be able to dig and the scattered litter will end up outside.
Closed litter trays with a lid help keep the odor inside, so you can pour a little less in there, but only if the cat feels comfortable there. Some cats can’t tolerate tight or enclosed spaces, in which case it’s better to keep an open model, but with an optimal layer.
How to keep your tray in perfect condition
Getting the litter box right is only half the battle. To keep your home fresh and your cat happy, you need to learn how to maintain your litter box properly. First of all, forget the idea: “the more I pour, the less often I’ll clean it”. It works the other way around.
Bentonite and silica gel litter do not need to be completely replaced every day, but they do require regular sprinkling and cleaning. If you clean up clumps daily, it is enough to add 0,5-1 cm of filler every 2-3 days. Full replacement – approximately every 10-14 days (depending on the number of cats and sensitivity to odors).
Wood and organic fillers change their structure when they get wet, so the litter box needs to be cleaned completely more often – every 3-5 days. If you use a net – it allows you to extend the service life of the main layer.
Among the useful tips:
Use mats near the litter box. They trap pellet residue that the cat carries out on its feet.
Do not fill the litter box “to the brim”. Especially if it is not high. Filler will spread out anyway, and the cat will be uncomfortable going in.
Try experimenting. If the cat behaves restlessly around the litter box, change the type of filler or the thickness of the layer.
Do not clean the litter box with scented products. Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Chemical odors can repel them even more than a dirty litter box.
One more trick – always observe your cat’s behavior after cleaning the litter box or replacing the litter. If he goes in, sniffs and comes out – something is wrong. Sometimes you need to change literally one centimeter of the layer thickness to make the cat feel comfortable again.
The formula for the perfect cat litter box
The right amount of litter is not an exact figure, but a balance between the type of pellets, the depth of the litter box and your cat’s preferences. A general rule of thumb: 5-7 cm is optimal for most cases. But careful attention, cleanliness and care is what really makes a toilet comfortable.
Don’t skimp on your cat’s comfort – but don’t overspend for nothing either. The right thickness of filler layer means a quiet, clean and pleasant home without unpleasant odors and unnecessary problems. It’s also a sign that you really care about your furry friend.
