Living with a feline companion brings joy and warmth to our homes, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the most common frustrations for cat owners is the constant battle against cat litter scattered all around the house. Those tiny granules find their way into every nook and cranny. But fear not, fellow cat lovers. We have compiled a collection of tried and tested strategies to help you stop cat litter tracking.
Why is My Cat Spreading Litter Everywhere?
Before we delve into solutions, it’s important to understand why your feline friend leaves a trail of litter in his wake. Here are a few reasons why your cat might be spreading litter everywhere:
Digging Instinct
Cats have an inherent instinct to dig and bury their waste, a behavior that goes back to their wild ancestors. While it’s natural behavior, it can also lead to litter outside the box.
The size of the Litter Box
If the litter box is too small for your cat or the sides are too low, your furry friend may unintentionally kick litter out when digging.
Sensitive Paws
Cats are known for their sensitive paws. If they find the texture of litter uncomfortable, they might try to shake it off, leading to litter scattering.
Now that we understand why the litter may be making its way around your home, let’s explore some practical solutions to stop cat litter tracking.
How to Stop the Cat Litter Tracking?
Litter Box Location
The litter box placement plays a vital role in minimizing scattering.
Tip
It’s best to separate your cat’s litter box from the main living areas to reduce tracking in those places.
And the most important thing is to make sure that your cat can easily access the litter box, no matter where you place it.
Use Litter Mats
Litter mats are an excellent tool for preventing litter granules from spreading across your floors. An old towel, bath mat, or carpet remnant can be repurposed into a litter mat. But you can also purchase litter mats easily. Generally, larger mats work best, because they give your cat more surface area to step on. This helps keep the paws clean and captures any litter that escapes.
Switch Litter
It’s important to understand that while no cat litter can guarantee 100% non-tracking, certain litters on the market have significantly lower tracking compared to others. The idea behind a low-tracking litter is to reduce the amount of litter carried out of the litter box by your cat.
How much litter tracks depend on several factors:
Particle Size: A litter with larger particles is less likely to cling to your cat’s paws or entangle her fur. For example, litter with large wood pellets tracks less than litter with a sand-like texture.
Particle Weight: Litter that is heavier has a lesser tendency to stick to your cat’s paws. Additionally, they scatter less if your cat kicks the litter during use.
Particle Texture: Litters with smooth particles generally track less than those with rough particles. The smooth texture reduces the likelihood of litter clinging to your cat’s fur or paws.
Dust Content: The presence of dust in the litter can contribute to tracking issues. Litters with lower dust content result in reduced tracking. Dust can coat your cat’s paws while using the litter box and subsequently be tracked around the house. It can also be easily kicked up during digging or when adding or removing litter. As a result, this will leave a thin layer of dust on nearby surfaces.
Trim Long-Haired Cats
It’s no surprise that long-haired cats, like Persians, track litter more than short-haired cats. You can reduce litter tracking quite a bit by trimming the hair between their toes and nails regularly and the areas around their butt. You can also trim any spots that touch litter when they squat. If you are new to grooming or if the task feels a little nerve-racking, remember that you always have the option to take your kitty to a professional.
Read more: Quick and Painless: Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Buy a Covered Litter Box
A covered litter box can greatly reduce litter tracking. The enclosed design helps contain the litter within the box, preventing it from being scattered around the house. When you buy a covered litter box, be sure it is big enough for your cat and ventilated properly.
Litter Box Enclosures
If you are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing solution, consider using a litter box enclosure. These enclosures help contain litter, preventing it from being tracked throughout your house. They are available in various designs and styles, allowing you to choose an option that complements your home decor.
Vacuum regulary
Even with the best prevention methods in place, some litter particles may still find their way around the house. In addition to implementing all these strategies to prevent litter box tracking, regular vacuuming plays a vital role in keeping your home clean and free from those tiny granules.
Final Thoughts
Living with cats shouldn’t mean sacrificing a clean and tidy home. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce cat litter tracking in your home. Experiment with different approaches and find the combination that suits your cat’s preferences and your household’s needs.