Cats appreciate a clean litter box, and you should scoop it often, maybe even more often than you think.
Scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day, twice or more if you have multiple cats that share litter boxes. The more often you scoop the litter box, the more control you can have over odors and hygiene. In addition to daily scooping, you should thoroughly clean the litter box periodically and even replace it every year or so. Not scooping your cat’s litter box often enough can create distrust between you, and your cat might start developing an aversion to using its litter box.
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How Many Times a Day Should You Scoop Your Cat’s Litter Box?
Your cat relies on you to scoop its litter box daily, so it has enough room to use it. If you don’t scoop its litter at least once a day, your cat might start to get stressed.
Once Per Day
In most cat households, scooping a litter box once per day is generally enough. Scooping once a day may not be enough if you have multiple cats sharing litter boxes, so keep that in mind.
You should scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day so that it doesn’t get too full for your cat to use, which is when cats are most likely to go outside of the litter box intentionally.
Make sure to replenish litter after scooping so that there are 3 to 4 inches of litter for your cat to use.
Twice Per Day
Many pet owners scoop litter boxes twice per day to keep things extra clean for their feline friends. More frequent scooping, especially after your cat uses the litter box, helps reduce odors and makes using it more enjoyable for your cat.
More Than Twice Per Day
If you have several cats that share a litter box, your cat has been using the litter box more frequently than usual, or your cat has recently shown signs of frustration that its litter box isn’t clean enough, you may decide to scoop your cat’s litter three or even four times per day.
The more frequently you scoop your cat’s litter, the less cleaning you’ll have to do each time. To really limit odors, scoop your cat’s litter box after each use.
How Often Should You Deep-Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box?
In addition to daily scooping, you should periodically deep-clean your cat’s litter box to keep it hygienic, welcoming, and safe.
Every two to four weeks, or so, maybe more, deep-clean your cat’s litter box. This entails emptying all the litter, not just scooping clumps, washing and sanitizing the tray, and then letting it dry completely before filling it with new litter.
If your cat uses a plastic litter box, you may need to clean it more frequently than if it uses a stainless steel or metal one, since plastic retains odors and bacteria more readily.
Once your cat’s litter box is completely clean and dry, fill it with three to four inches of fresh litter for your cat to use.
When Should You Replace Your Cat’s Litter Box?
Your cat deserves a new litter box now and then, and it might make it clear that it is unhappy with its current bathroom setup through its behavior.
Lingering Odors
If your cat has been using its litter box for some time, it may have lingering odors even after you deep-clean it. When this happens, it’s most likely time for you to get a new litter box. If your cat is attached to its current litter box, you can repurchase the same kind for an easier transition.
Plastic Wear and Scratches
Cats might scratch and wipe their paws on plastic litter boxes as they bury waste and exit. Scratches and other wear and tear occur over time, so replacing your cat’s plastic litter box every 6 to 12 months is generally a good idea, though this depends on the cat.
Cat Avoidance
If your cat refuses to use its litter box, even when it’s clean and free of clumps, it could be because it doesn’t want to use that specific box. Cats can be very particular and might refuse to use a litter box that they don’t like, whether because of the material, location in your house, or any other reason.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Scoop Your Cat’s Litter Box Enough?
Not scooping your cat’s litter enough causes problems that are easily avoidable with frequent scooping.
Odor Problems
The most obvious consequence of not scooping your cat’s litter box enough is that it will start to smell. With frequent scooping, visitors may not realize you own a cat when they enter your home.
Litter Box Aversion
One of the most concerning consequences of not scooping your cat’s litter box frequently enough is that it will stop using its litter box to do its business. Litter box aversion is a major red flag in cats and should be taken very seriously. This sometimes happens when owners fail to clean litter boxes enough, leaving them too full for cats to use.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are already common in cats, and the risk of contracting one increases when they hold their urine to avoid using a dirty litter box or to avoid having an accident in the house. Urinary tract problems can be very serious in cats and sometimes even fatal.
If you notice the litter box isn’t as full when you clean it, it could be a sign that your cat has a urinary tract infection and isn’t going to the bathroom, in which case you should take it to the vet immediately.
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