Cat Equipment

Best Dust Free Cat Litter For Your Feline Companion

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 02:55:42 +0000

As every cat owner knows, the feces and urine produced from your cat’s daily business can be pretty awful. It’s smelly, more than a bit gross to be in the room with, and no one wants to see it. Even cats cover it up! Some cat waste can also be toxic if it’s not properly handled and removed.

These problems can be easily remedied, thanks to the creation of cat litter that can control and manage your kitty’s waste. However, there’s such a wide range of cat litter brands out there, how do pet parents know which one is best? This guide will look at some of the best dust-free cat litter products to help you make cleaning up a little less daunting.

Key Takeaways:

Though cat litters are marketed as dust free, they may not be 100% dust free.
Natural cat litters are eco-friendly but some can be hard on your pet’s paws.
Cats can be finicky about their cat litter.
Non-clumping cat litter means cleanup takes a little longer than usual.
Disposable cat litter trays are great for senior cats to have around your home.

A Glance at Our Favorites

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal Cat Litter

Low tracking Absorbs waste

Strong scent

Excellent litter for homes with multiple cats that often track litter outside of their litter tray.

3.6

Buy on Chewy

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Unscented Clumping Litter

Good odor control 99.9% low-tracking

Heavy litter weight

This litter is an excellent choice for households with sensitive noses, as it's completely unscented and has odor control.

4.5

Buy on Chewy

World's Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Flushable Quick-clumping formula

Not suitable for corn allergies

A more eco-friendly cat litter option for households that want to reduce the waste that they can only throw away.

4.2

Buy on Amazon

Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clumping Litter

Automatic litter box-friendly Unscented

Sticks to litter tray

If you have a cleaning schedule set-up for your cat's litter box already, this is a great alternative to other clumping litters.

4.6

Buy on Amazon

PetSafe ScoopFree Unscented Non-Clumping Litter

No dyes Convenient

Expensive

If you need some back-up litter trays in your home, these refill trays could be a great alternative to buying an entire litter box.

4.6

Buy on Amazon

Nature's Miracle Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Litter

For multi-cat homes Controls odors

Heavy

Cover up unpleasant smells with this scented cat litter made for multi-pet households.

4.1

Buy on Amazon

Purina Tidy Cats Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Easy cleanup Odor control

Expensive

Clay cat litter is very common, so your cat should have no trouble getting used to this new low-dust alternative.

4.6

Buy on Amazon

Naturally Fresh Multi-Cat Clumping Walnut Cat Litter

Plant-based Sustainable

Hard texture

For the eco-conscious pet owners out there, try this plant-based cat litter to replace your usual brand.

4.0

Buy on Chewy

Cat's Pride Total Odor Control Scented Clumping Litter

Convenient packaging Lightweight

Has a scent

Though many cat litters are unscented, this product uses odor control and a scent to cover the smell of waste.

4.2

Buy on Amazon

Okocat Mini Pellets Unscented Clumping Wood Litter

Natural product Absorbs odor

Doesn't clump well

For homes that prefer a more natural cat litter, try Okocat's wood litter pellets for a softer toilet time.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

The 15 Top-Rated Dust-Free Cat Litters

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The Best Cat Toys to Engage Your Feline Friend

Eloise Hands — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 01:40:32 +0000

Cat toys are a fantastic way to keep your kitty entertained, physically active, and mentally engaged. They also allow you to bond with your cat by encouraging and teaching them to play, chase, scratch, and hunt. The trouble is, googling “cat toys” alone can send an average cat owner down an internet rabbit hole due to the sheer volume of choices at your disposal.

To help you find the best cat toys for your feline friend – or better yet, the right selection of toys – we went through dozens of different pet toys. The result is this buying guide with some of the best cat toys on the market. So whether you’re looking for a simple but quality cat toy for your multi-cat household or a premium pick for a pampered feline, you’re guaranteed to find it here.

Key Takeaways:

There are multiple types of cat toys, each catering to suit different needs and personalities.
Catnip toys are a great way to encourage engagement in nervous or lazy cats.
Never purchase toys made from toxic materials, as your cat WILL chew them.
You can use treat dispensers and catnip toys to soothe separation anxiety.
Laser toys are fantastic for keeping young hyperactive kittens entertained.

An Overview of Our Favorite Cat Toys

The Best Toys for Cats

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The Best Cat Water Fountains (Review) in 2022

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 01:30:00 +0000

With summer on the horizon, keeping your feline friend hydrated is of the utmost importance. If you’ve noticed that your cat prefers to lap up water from a running tap, then it’s worth investing in a cat fountain to keep your kitty hydrated.

So, if getting a water dispenser for cats is a top priority, you’ve come to the right place! Below, we have researched and listed some of the most popular options on the market. To round off our guide, we’ve also included a helpful buying guide along with some frequently asked questions to help you decide. So, read on to learn more about cat water fountains and what makes them a worthwhile purchase.

A Quick Overview of Our Favorites

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain

Easy to clean Stores 3l of water

Requires frequent cleaningCats may not take to its silent operation

A great stainless steel option with adequate water storage.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

PetSafe Seaside Stainless Pet Water Fountain

Dishwasher safe componentsBubbling waterflow

Holds less water than other options.

Complete with a bubbling water flow that encourages cats to drink more.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

NPET 1.5L Automatic Cat Water Fountain

Transparent water tankEco-friendly material

Basic design doesn’t include an adaptor

A simple, plastic design complete with water stream.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain

Includes emergency water storageMade with BPA-free plastic

Expensive

Comes with a continuous stream and bubbling fountain feature.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Cat And Dog Drinking Fountain

Also suitable for small & medium-sized dogsMade with Porcelain

ExpensiveLoud compared to others

An energy efficient, stylish option great for homes with multiple pets.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain Stainless Steel

Great for multi-cat homesDishwasher safe

Fewer filters

Great for those that are specifically looking for a stylish, silent fountain.

4.1

Buy on Amazon

Veken Pet Fountain

Three water flow optionsComes with silicone mat

Some filter quality issues in the past

Regardless of past issues, this is still a highly-rated option on the market that continuously sells.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain

Multi-tierDurable plastic material

No alternative water flow modes

Great for those looking for a fountain with a large water storage capacity.

4.2

Buy on Amazon

Drinkwell Platinum Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain

Large water storageAlso suitable for dogs

Not as easy to clean

A durable, modern design suitable for cats and small dogs.

4.3

Buy on Chewy

Kastty Cat Water Fountain With LED Indicator Light

LED light indicator Can be used outdoors

Basic water flow (no stream)

A popular and colorful choice with great additional features.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Key Takeaways:

Many cats prefer drinking from running water instead of still water from a dish.
Water fountains provide cats with a source of running water and are also very hygienic.
Some cats are attracted to the sounds of flowing water, so quiet operation fountains may not be the best option in some instances.
Fountains featuring filters (including ion exchange resin and an activated carbon filter) will remove foul tastes and bad odors, which is perfect for fussy felines.
Indoor cats may not drink as much as their outdoor counterparts as they don’t burn as much energy.
Multitiered fountains are great for senior or arthritic pets that struggle when leaning in to drink.
Some fountains are great for multiple cats and even small to medium-sized dogs.

What is a Cat Water Fountain, and How does it Work?

A cat fountain is a fantastic invention made for cats that prefer to drink from a running water source. These fountains use a pump to encourage water flows that entice your cat into drinking. These will also take advantage of filters to ensure the water stays fresh and clean to avoid health problems.

What are the Benefits of Water Fountains for Cats?

As mentioned previously, the sound and sight of running water can encourage most cats to drink more. Typically, cats don’t drink nearly as much as they should, which can lead to kidney issues and other serious health problems. You can avoid dehydration-related health concerns by enticing them with a running water source.

Cat Fountain vs. Cat Water Bowl

Over time, a generic bowl of stagnant water can gather hair and other debris that can harm your cat’s system. On the other hand, most fountains will have a built-in filter system that removes any invading dirt before your cat can gulp it down. Furthermore, fountains with multiple filters will also remove any bad odors or tastes that can deter your cat from drinking.

15 Best Cat Water Fountains

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The Best Cat Trees in 2022

Eloise Hands — Mon, 23 May 2022 02:52:38 +0000

Cats are natural hunters climbers and scratchers but these needs can rarely be met indoors, hence the expectation that a new feline owner will have to be prepared to sacrifice a couple of pieces of furniture to keep their cat happy. Cat condos or cat trees are a great way to give your kitty their own playground and sway them away from the clawing at the couch.

Cat trees are somewhere where they can exercise their natural climbing instincts as well as allow them to perch and scratch to their heart’s content. With various nooks and crannies for privacy, kitty condos are also great for providing your cat with a little bit of privacy and security. Listed below are 10 of what we believe to be the best cat trees available on the market today.

Key Takeaways:

Tall cat trees should always be placed in a secure area where they can be fixed to the wall.
Always try to pick the cat tree best suited to your cat’s size and needs.
Stick with a cat tree that has at least one scratching post for your cat to clean its claws.
Cat trees with additional entertainment features are great for energetic young kittens.
Not all cats will take to a new cat tree immediately and may require some training.
Always ensure your cat tree has at least one place for your cat to rest.

The 10 Top Rated Cat Trees

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

Go Pet Club 62-In Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo

An eclectic mix of entertainment for multiple cats. Faux fur provides warmth and comfort.

Not durable enough for large cats.

This cat tree is ideal for givings cats their own corner, though it could stand to be more durable to enable larger cats to use it.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree

Fits easily into corner spaces due to shape. The top bed is secured by high sides.

Not ideal for homes with more than one cat due to the size.

This is a simple but effective design of cat tree ideally suited to homes with a single cat, in addition to being suitable for smaller homes.

4.7

Buy on Amazon

TRIXIE Miguel 25.5-In Plush Cat Tree

Designed to be easily stored when not in use. Simple but effective entertainment and comfort.

Not as sturdy as some of the other designs on the list.

This is a fantastic design for somebody who doesn't have the space to keep a cat tree on display at all times. It is comfortable, multifunctional, and unique.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

FEANDREA Cat Tree With Hammock

Suitable for houses with more than one cat such as a cat foster home. Anti-toppling fitting included.

A bulky design that can take up a lot of room.

This is a great design for busy kitty households with multiple beds for relaxation and scratch posts and toys for extra entertainment.

4.8

Buy on Amazon

Yaheetech Multilevel Indoor Cat Tree & Condo

Ideal for multi-cat households. Multiple covered bed areas provide security for nervous cats.

Assembly can be quite complicated and time-consuming.

If you're willing to put in the time it takes to assemble this cat tree, its’s perfect for providing security comfort and entertainment for multiple cats.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

The Catit Vesper Base Cat Tree & Condo

Sleek and fashionable design to suit most homes. Made from durable materials to last longer.

The smooth wooden surface may be slippery for some cats.

Available in multiple colours to suit most households this is a sleek and durable design ideal multiple cats or one very lucky cat.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Go Pet Club Cat Tree

Multiple colour options available. Ladders make moving from one platform to the next much easier.

Not suitable for heavier cats due to the delicate frame.

This multilayered cat tree provides ample options for any cat looking for arrest. However, the cover material isn’t designed withstand excessive scratching.

4.8

Buy on Amazon

Frisco 24.8-In Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree

An ideal resting place for nervous cats. The bed can be easily removed and washed if needed.

Not designed for houses with more than one.

A comfortable and secure resting place for any cat with a compactl design perfect for smaller households as it can be easily tucked into the corner.

4.7

Buy on Chewy

FEANDREA Dual Condo Cat Tower

Covered with durable fuzzy material that can be easily cleaned. The overall design is stable and kitten friendly.

Not as many entertainment options are some other cat trees.

,A simple, comfortable, stable design, ideal for houses with two cats that may need space they can call their own - something the two condos can provide.

4.7

Buy on Amazon

Bewishome Cat Tree House

Covered in a soft fuzzy material for warmth and comfort. Five levels for ample exploration.

Best suited to kittens and small adults as opposed to large cats.

An excellent explorative design a hammock, scratch posts, toys, and condos. This cat tree is the perfect way to keep a bundle of felines entertained.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

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The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2022

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:25:32 +0000

There’s nothing like having a soft, cuddly, purring feline companion (or a few!) in one’s life. But cleaning their litter box day after day? Not fun, to say the least. Thankfully, over the past few years, there have been advancements in self-cleaning cat litter boxes that help take some of the messy work out of caring for your cat.

An efficient automatic litter box can significantly simplify the management of your kitty’s bathroom habits, saving you time and effort from daily scooping. Equally important, this unit can considerably minimize the foul odors emanating from an indoor potty.

Finally, an automatic litter box is good for your and your cat’s health. By scooping after your pet only occasionally, you’ll avoid overexposure to ammonia, bacterial infections, and parasites, and yet, your kitty will still have a clean and tidy bathroom.

To help you find the right litter box, we at MyPetNeedsThat have reviewed dozens of different products, narrowing our search down to only the nine best self-cleaning litter boxes. Our detailed buying guide is here as well, to help you make better-informed purchasing decisions.

At a Glance: The 9 Top-Rated Automatic Litter Boxes

Editor's Picks	Product Name	Price	Rating
Best Overall	Whisker Litter-Robot	Buy on Amazon	4.3
Best Odor Control	PETKIT Pura X	Buy on Amazon	4.2
Best Self-Washing	CatGenie A.I. Self-Washing Cat Box	Buy on Amazon	4.1
Most Efficient	ScoopFree Original Self-Cleaning Litter Box	Buy on Amazon	4.3
Best Low Maintenance Box	LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box	Buy on Amazon	3.8
Budget-Friendly Option	Omega Paw Roll'N Clean	Buy on Amazon	3.5
Best Hooded	ScoopFree Covered Automatic Cat Litter Box	Buy on Amazon	3.8
Best for Multiple Cats	Nature's Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box	Buy on Amazon	3.7
Also Consider	PetSafe Simply Clean	Buy on Amazon	2.5

*Ratings are from Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart at the time of publication and can change

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The Best Cat Litter Box Liners in 2022

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:54:04 +0000

There are some obvious downsides to using cat litter box liners. Liners aren’t durable enough to withstand the sharpness of a cat’s claws, which means that your kitty may poke holes in them or accidentally tear them. This can causes issues during clean-up, but a litter box liner can also save you from other litter box problems. With a liner, the litter won’t get stuck to the tray when it’s weighed down, and it’s easier to tip the litter box’s contents into a bin bag when there’s a litter box liner keeping the litter contained.

In this guide, you’ll find 10 different cat litter box liners, which are available for purchase on Amazon and/or Chewy. The great thing about these websites is that you check also check reviews from other buyers. No matter how you decide to deal with your cat’s waste and soiled litter, we hope this guide opens up some options for you.

Key Takeaways:

Jumbo and heavy-duty liners are more expensive, but the features are worth the price.
Sifting litter box liners will help you avoid scooping litter so much.
There are eco-friendly options, such as liners made from recycled plastic.
Using a liner will make cleaning litter boxes easier and less time-consuming.
Households with multiple cats will need to change their litter box liners more regularly.

The 10 Top Rated Cat Litter Box Liners

Pros

Rating

Cons

Bottom Line

JONNY CAT Heavy Duty Litter Box Liners

Thick liners Tear-resistant

Expensive

A great solution for larger litter boxes that need sturdier litter box liners.

4.7

Buy on Amazon

Fresh Step Drawstring Cat Litter Box Liners

Convenient drawstring Scented option

Only 7 per box

Though not extremely heavy-duty, these will keep your litter box clean and smelling fresh.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Nature's Miracle Odor Control Cat Litter Box Liners

Anti-bacterial Odor control

Thin liners

Better for cats who don't use their claws often, these liners will make litter boxes more sanitary.

3.5

Buy on Chewy

Van Ness Sifting Cat Pan Liners

Extra-large liners Saves unused litter

Won't prevent odor

Much better than other sifting liners, Van Ness' product is made from 100% recycled plastic.

3.2

Buy on Amazon

Pettiny 20 Cat Litter Box Liners

Tough polymer material Easy-to-use drawstring ties

Not suitable for heavy litter

These liners are great for big litter boxes or boxes that have high sides.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

Cat's Pride Jumbo Litter Box Liners

Good quality liners Tear-resistant

May be too small

Though reviewers have said they don't fit all jumbo litter trays, these liners are a good size and very strong.

4.1

Buy on Chewy

Alfapet Kitty Cat Elastic Premium Pan Liners

Stay-put technology Easy to fit

Expensive

For pet owners who are tired of liners slipping off cat litter boxes, try these elasticated bags.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Fresh Kitty Super Jumbo Thick Litter Box Liners

Guards against leaks Quick litter clean-up

Over $1 per liner

A simple but huge liner designed to fit big litter boxes and stop accidents from happening.

3.9

Buy on Amazon

Catit Clean Jumbo Biodegradable Liners

Eco-friendly Good size

May not fit other trays

For the environmentally conscious cat owner, these biodegradable kitty litter box liners are a great choice.

3.9

Buy on Amazon

Alfapet Kitty Cat Sifting Premium Pan Liners

Save money Reduce scooping time

Not anti-bacterial

The best cat litter box liners for homes that want to cut down on the amount of litter they buy.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

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Find Your Feline’s Ultimate Hideout – We Put 10 of the Best Cat Tents to the Test

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:47:01 +0000

If you are a cat owner, you will know that your feline friend loves to have his own space. This is because, your cat needs to be able to get away from the hubbub of family life for some peace, quiet, and me time. And tucking themselves away inside a cozy, warm space will also help them to feel protected and safe.

To help your kit, you could consider adding a cat tent to your home or opt for an outdoor tent if you like to get out and about with your pet. This is where our best cat tents review comes in.

Whether you are looking for something practical or stylish, we have the best indoor and outdoor cat tents for cat lovers to choose from.

At a Glance: Our Choice of 10 Best Tents for Cats

Type

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

Best Overall: Outback Jack Kitty Compound

Outdoor

A versatile cat tent that is used both inside and out.

Little privacy for your cat inside the tent area.

Combining a rest area with an activity tunnel, this is a great space for your cat to sleep and play.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Best Outdoor: FurHaven Soft-Sided Cat Playpen

Outdoor

Super-easy to set up and fold away for convenient storage.

Open mesh design means there’s limited protection for your cat.

The Furhaven is a well-ventilated cat tent where your pet can watch the world go by.

3.9

Buy on Amazon

Best Pop Up: Fooubaby Cat Tent

Outdoor

Very lightweight and has large access areas for ease of entry.

Can be a little unstable and so needs a way to secure it.

Quick and easy to set up, this is the ultimate outdoor pop-up for cats.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Best Tent Bed: Best Pet Supplies Covered Cat Bed

Indoor

Lovely, plush design with comfortable inner space.

Only suitable for smaller cats due to the internal size.

With its lux looks and a cozy feel, this pet tent offers high-end comfort and style.

4.6

Buy on Amazon

Best For Camping: Petall Pet Camping Tent

Outdoor

A lightweight tent that’s quick and easy to set up.

Mesh doesn’t offer much protection so not for overnight use.

With some floor padding and anti-bug mesh, this is a good tent for your cat to enjoy the campsite action.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Best Indoor Cat Tent: Little Dove Pet Teepee

Indoor

Cute tepee style that’s also practical and easy to care for.

The design limits the amount of internal space available.

Gorgeous design and well-made, this pet tepee is one cute cat home-from-home.

4.6

Buy on Amazon

Best Heated: K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Shelter

Outdoor

The inner heated pad is zoned so your cat can choose a cooler part to sleep.

You need a little patience to get the Thermo Pod set up and ready to go.

A clever way to ensure your outdoor cat is toasty warm whatever the weather or time of the year.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

Hi Suyi Portable Pop Up Pet Tent

Outdoor

We like the string pull up design that makes this cat tent hassle-free.

The frame on this pet tent is plastic and could be more robust.

With plenty of internal space, this is a good pop-up indoor/outdoor tent if you have more than one cat in your life.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

FurHaven Calming Fleece Covered Dog & Cat Bed

Indoor

A self-warming pet bed that has a clever fold-down design.

Not the most durable pet tent so won’t stand up to excessive scratching.

Using your cat’s own body heat, this self-heating tent is snug enough to cocoon and calm your feline.

3.9

Buy on Amazon

SmartyKat Kitty Camp TeePee

Indoor

The crinkle fabric and built-in toys are a really nice touch.

Not sized for larger cats as the inside is very snug.

The crinkle walls and toy features are a nice twist on a cat tent if your kit likes their playtime.

3.8

Buy on Amazon

*Ratings are from Amazon and Chewy at the time of publication and can change.

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Can Cats Share a Litter Box?

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:31:48 +0000

One litter box may seem fine if you only have one or two cats, but the ratio of litter boxes to cats really does matter once you reach the status of being a household with multiple cats. Cat litter boxes need to be kept clean and this can be difficult to do when cats share a litter box. Today, we answer how many litter boxes you need in your home if you have multiple cats.

Do Cats Need Separate Litter Boxes?

It’s not ideal for multiple cats to be sharing a litter box in one room. Ideally, you should have a maximum of two cats per medium to large-sized litter box – that means a household with four cats would work best with two to three litter boxes. The number of litter boxes always rises when more cats are added to your surroundings.

To keep your cats happy, the most important thing is keeping the litter boxes clean by remembering to remove waste. A self-cleaning litter box is great for this because you don’t need to spend your day constantly checking your cat’s litter boxes to do waste disposal. As a cat owner, we’re sure that you have more important things to do with your day than scooping cat waste every few hours.

When in doubt, always set-up an extra box somewhere in the corner of your home for your cat to use. There’s nothing wrong with having an extra litter box, especially when you consider that cats prefer to have their own space to do their business.

Can Two Cats Share a Litter Box?

Some cats will happily share a litter box. There’s no problem with having one large litter box for two cats because cats using each others litter boxes are often very friendly with each other; but you should still provide more boxes where needed. Yes, this does mean more cleaning is needed, but you can set your own time to do this throughout the day.

Shyer or more aggressive cats (such as an alpha cat) may prefer a separate litter box rather than to share one litter box with any other cat in their home.

How to Set Up Multiple Litter Boxes in Your Home

Now that you have enough litter boxes for all of your cats, it’s time to set them up around your home. Cats are territorial animals and having multiple boxes will save you a lot of grief. You’ll also find that you have a cleaner litter box for each cat when they have their own specific litter box to use.

Pet owners should place the separate boxes in quiet areas of the house that see little footfall. When cats are disturbed by loud noises, they don’t particularly feel like going to the bathroom, and you may end up with cat waste where you don’t want it.

If there isn’t anywhere in your home that you can put a box under cover or out of sight, just be sure that it’s a quiet area that has enough space for your cat to get in and out of the litter tray without scattering litter everywhere. Your cats’ comfort needs to be taken into account when they’re doing their bathroom business.

Areas to Set-Up Litter Trays

Under the stairs
In your own bathroom
In the corner
Behind a chair or couch
Behind the door of a room you don’t use much
In a designated cat room

Wherever you do decide to put a box, don’t place it near your cat’s food or water. Cats won’t expel waste in the same place they eat or drink and you shouldn’t expect good behavior from them if you decide to do this to them.

The Best Litter Boxes for Multi-Cat Households

If you’re going to set up two or more litter boxes in your household, it’s best to find a litter box that works for you and all of your cats. Two cats may be happy to share a single large litter box, but they may also prefer their own litter box. Whatever the situation, let’s look at four different litter box types that you’ll commonly come across and why they might suit your situation.

Open Litter Boxes

Open litter boxes are the most common type of litter box. You see them everywhere, they’re inexpensive and readily available. They also come in a huge range of sizes, though the smaller ones are more suited for kittens than fully grown adult cats.

An open litter box is any litter box that doesn’t have a top or a hood. It’s just a tray, sometimes with a “lid” that frames the box’s edges to keep litter box liners from moving once you’ve put one on the tray.

Because they’re cheaper to buy, most cat owners start out with this litter box type and don’t ever upgrade unless it’s obvious that their cat needs a different type of litter tray to be happy at home. We recommend purchasing a pet mat to go underneath open litter trays because they can stop litter from being tracked too far into your home.

Hooded Litter Boxes

If you have a cat who seems to be struggling with the lack of privacy in your home, a hooded litter box is a great solution. Cats who need more privacy may start doing their business in the corners of your home or in cardboard boxes where they can hide. It’s not unusual for cats in multi-cat households to have different toilet habits, especially if you’ve brought in a shy rescue cat.

The hooded litter box is similar to an open litter box, but it has a large cover that sits on top of the tray and includes a door that acts like a cat flap. They don’t completely stop litter tracking if that’s an issue your cats have, but they will minimize it because the door shuts behind the cat when they’re inside the box. Again, this type of litter tray would benefit from the addition of a mat.

Unless, of course, you’ve decided to DIY your own hooded litter box using a larger plastic storage box and a hooded litter tray. Doing this is an amazing solution to tracking because it keeps everything inside the larger storage box and that’s fairly easy to clean out.

Dog-Proof Litter Boxes

Dog-proof litter trays are used to keep your canine out of your cat’s litter and waste. It’s possible for dogs and cats to get sick from coming into contact with contaminated waste (that would be the waste of a cat or other animal who was sick in this instance).

These litter boxes work by forcing your cat to enter from the top of the litter box, rather than the side or the front like they would for standard litter trays and boxes. Your dog won’t be able to enter the tray because dogs aren’t usually as agile as cats, so it’ll be a struggle for them to attempt it.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

This type of litter box is the most expensive that you can buy for your feline friend, but it’s worth it if you have several cats and/or don’t want to spend time constantly cleaning up after them. Self-cleaning litter boxes are typically upwards of $200, and there are several versions on the market.

Some look like open litter trays but contain the mechanics for a rake to occasionally run across the litter and remove any waste into a waste disposal tray. Others look like hooded trays and do the same thing. There are some that are more complex, but we won’t go into those now.

It can be very costly to use this type of litter box in home with multiple cats because they’re such territorial creatures that they may not want to share a litter box.

How to Stop Your Cat from Tracking Litter

Cats will spill and track litter accidentally most of the time, but there are still several ways to prevent it:

Buy a high-sided litter tray
Put a large pet mat by each litter box
Keep litter trays in quiet areas of your home (such as your bathroom)
Scoop out waste more frequently
Switch from a litter tray to a hooded litter box
DIY your own large, covered litter box

In the event that your cat isn’t tracking litter but is urinating or pooping in other areas of your house and none of the above works, we suggest seeking veterinary advice. Most cats spread waste like this when they’re angry, stressed, or upset, but there can be a medical reason.

Sources:

Can 2 Cats Share Litter Box?, Hyaenidae
Boxed Out: A Tale of Litterbox Woe, Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
Conflict Between Cats, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

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The Best Catnip Toys for Cats in 2022

MyPetNeedsThat Staff — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 15:10:17 +0000

An interesting fact to note before buying any catnip toys for cats: Most cats have no reaction to catnip or catnip toys until they are 6 months old. Your kitten isn’t going to understand what you’ve given them, but giving them a catnip toy won’t harm them, either. For some kitties, their sensitivity to catnip doesn’t begin until they are one year old. Once your feline friend is old enough, you’ll find some of the best catnip toys online right here!

The 9 Top Rated Catnip Toys for Cats

Editor's Pick	Product Name	Price	Rating
Best Handmade	YEOWWW! Banana Catnip Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.7
Best Interactive	Potaroma Flopping Fish Cat Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.1
Best For Exercise	SmartyKat Skitter Critters Value Pack Catnip Toys	Buy on Amazon	4.7
Best Toy For Dental Health	Petstages Toss 'N Dangle Dental Catnip Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.4
Best For Big Cats	OurPets Cosmic Catnip Filled Cat Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.6
Best Soft Toy	Pet Craft Supply Wiggle Pickle Cat Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.2
Best Chew Toy	Legendog Cartoon Catnip Filled Toys	Buy on Amazon	4.3
Budget Option	SmartyKat Tea Teazers Catnip Teabags	Buy on Amazon	4.4
Best Organic Catnip	Yeowww! Rainbow Catnip Cat Toy	Buy on Amazon	4.8

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

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