I've got a kitten who's six months old now and I'm really struggling to get rid of the smell from her litter tray. Even though I change it several times a day, nothing seems to work.
I'm thinking about moving it into the bathroom; do you think that's a good idea? I'd leave the door slightly ajar so she can get to it whenever she needs.
I haven't seen any advice against it, but I thought I'd ask here just in case.
Is this a good way to go?
Thanks!
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Personally, I don't use any products anywhere, just white vinegar and bicarb! Especially as I’ve got a septic tank to consider... But otherwise, I suppose that’s usually the place where people are most likely to use that kind of stuff, I think...
Putting bleach down the loo? I hope for your sake your house is connected to the mains, because if you have a septic tank, you're going to make life very difficult for yourself!!
Right, since everyone’s opening up, I might as well join in. I kept my first post short because I didn’t think anyone needed all the details: the reason I think the litter tray definitely belongs in the loo is because my cats follow me in there and copy me at the same time 😂 and even afterwards as well! So, in my opinion, it’s the best place for it, especially since we often use bleach in there, which works perfectly for cats.
Lots of them do that, yeah—following you into the loo or the bathroom. I reckon it’s to cheer us on or to check we’re washing ourselves properly! 😁
When she says the litter tray is in the living room, I’m not a fan. I did that for a while and, honestly, it’s not very nice when you’ve got guests round. No matter the type of litter, if it’s fresh, there’s no hiding it—and of course, they have impeccable timing 😆 the guests don't half suffer for it! I think the hallway is a bad shout too.
Anyway, that’s just the theory, and some cats adapt to the situation more easily than others.
I’d reached the conclusion that there isn’t really a perfect spot for most people; however, for those having toileting issues, the location can definitely be a factor.
Also, even if she’s right that they make more of an effort to adapt to us than the other way around, we should keep things in perspective when she says they just "put up with it". It’s not as if it’s animal cruelty not to provide their preferred spot, it’s just that for a cat showing signs of distress (the sort of case a behaviourist must see all the time), you shouldn’t overlook that aspect.
I watched the video, yeah, it’s interesting. I suppose that’s why one of my cats likes to pop into the loo when I’m in there (sometimes it’s for a wee, but most of the time it’s just for a bit of a chat). Actually, I’ve realised that same cat used to come and see me in the toilet at my old flat too if I didn't shut the door properly, even though the litter trays weren’t kept in there.
No way am I putting litter trays in a high-traffic area (that's the first I've heard of that)
Hi Docline,
I didn't mean a hallway or the front door, but not a completely isolated corner either. Like I said, I don't actually do it myself, but have a look at the link at the end of the post if you think I'm talking rubbish; she makes a good case for it. Mind you, don't watch until the very end where she's doing a bit of a promo, but everything useful is there up to the 3:20 mark. She already mentioned it in a previous video, but I can't be bothered to look for it now 😁
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77OsCyDzado
You can accuse me of not only watching videos for the cats, but don't accuse me of plugging her just because I've said you can learn a thing or two by going through her videos. It answered most of the questions I had when I first started out.
Before we had the building work done, the litter tray used to be in the downstairs loo, tucked into the gap between the wall and the toilet. My cat loved coming in for his morning wee at the same time as me! For a year now, his tray has been in the utility room and he’s taken to the move really well. My other cat prefers to go outside, but if it’s a real emergency, she’ll use the same tray.
In my current house, both litter trays are in the loo (one hooded and one open. I have two cats at the moment).
In my last place, they were in the bathroom.
I’d never dream of putting litter trays in a high-traffic area (that’s the first time I’ve ever heard of anyone doing that!).
I’ve always used a mix of at least three different types of litter to get a texture the cats like, which also makes it easy for me to spot-clean as I go. (I scoop out any wee or poo straight away and immediately replace it with the same amount of fresh litter).
Has your cat been neutered? If not, then it’s normal for his urine to smell very strong. Once he’s been neutered—and it’s definitely high time to get it done—it’ll be much better. As for putting the litter tray in the bathroom, why not, but some cats don’t like having their tray tucked away in a corner; you’ll have to see whether he accepts it or not.
Hi, I know a few people who keep the litter tray in the bathroom and it doesn't seem to bother their cat at all. Mine is in the kitchen because I don't have the room for it anywhere else. Have you tried different types of litter? There really are massive differences between them; in my opinion, the most effective ones are fine-grain clumping litters, and not all brands are as good as each other.
