How much experience do you have as a cat owner? Not very long? Then you may not know how difficult it can be to care for a cat without the necessary supplies. Besides food, a bed, and toys, you must prepare cat litter and a cat scratcher. Otherwise, you can only suffer in silence because of the difficulties you’ll have to deal with.
Don’t worry. You can find all the information you need to find the proper cat scratcher and litter for your pet. The goal is to help you properly care for your pet while making life as a pet owner easier. Moreover, your pet will also be healthier and happier, affecting your mood.
Do You Properly Understand Your Pet’s Behavior and Why It Needs Cat Litter and a Scratcher?
Cats are instinctually inclined to scratch surfaces to maintain the health of their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. It’s in their DNA to have these behaviors, which means you won’t be able to change them easily. Moreover, training your cat out of them is not worth it. A much better alternative is to provide your pet with cat litter and a scratcher.
Without using such tools, your furniture will become the target for this behavior. As a result, you can expect much damage to your house. On the other hand, using a scratcher will prevent these situations by providing an outlet for these behaviors.
A litter box is also essential and focuses on your cat’s instinct to bury their waste, maintain hygiene, and avoid unpleasant odors. As a result of choosing the right one, you won’t have to deal with pet waste all around the house and the awful smell that comes along with that.
Which Cat Scratcher Should You Choose from the Different Types Available?
You can find more than one type of cat scratcher on the market. The one you should choose depends on your pet’s preferences, and there are horizontal, vertical, and combined options for you to choose from.
Never forget your cat’s behavior before you start looking for a scratcher. For example, some prefer horizontal options, while others prefer vertical ones. If you don’t know your pet’s preferences, consider a combined one to ensure it will be used.
It is also essential to consider the material of the scratcher because some cats prefer sisal, while others prefer carpet or cardboard. Lastly, the size of your pet also matters, so you will need to make some measurements before you start shopping.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cat Litter for Your Pet
When selecting cat litter for your feline friend, there are several factors to consider, such as the type, texture, and scent. Online pet stores provide a wide variety of options from which you will need to choose, making it hard for you initially.
Remember that some cats prefer clumping litter, while others prefer non-clumping alternatives. The texture also matters because felines could like finer or coarser grains. You may not find the right option from the start, but you can try different options until you find the one that fits your pet’s preferences.
Do not forget about the scent of the litter. Cats may be sensitive to certain fragrances. For this reason, you must try different scents to find the right ones for your pet. Lastly, you’ll have to consider the dust level and the ease of scooping and cleaning the litter box if you want to make your life easier.
Common Cat Scratcher and Litter Problems and How to Solve Them
There are three common problems you can encounter with a cat scratcher. First, your pet may ignore it, and there could be several reasons. Another problem is that your cat prefers scratching unwanted areas like furniture. The last problem would be the quality of the scratcher, making it wear out too fast.
To solve these problems, you can try different things. For the first one, you can place the scratcher in a location where your cat likes to scratch, such as near their favorite napping spot. For the second one, you could use a special spray to make your pet avoid its favorite scratching place for a period. For the last one, you’ll need to do more research and find a better option.
You could also encounter litter box problems. For example, the odor may not be absorbed, or you may have to deal with litter tracking. You can use a specialized mat and a deodorizer to avoid and solve such situations. Other solutions may include regular scooping, cleaning, or looking for a higher quality cat litter.
Tips for Maintaining Your Cat's Litter Box and Scratcher
These are the type of supplies that need regular cleaning or maintenance. Your cat's litter box should be scooped daily, and you must replace the litter at least once a week. When doing so, you should also clean it with soap and water, but avoid using harsh chemicals.
For your scratcher, you will need to vacuum it regularly to remove loose fibers. Otherwise, it may become uncomfortable for your pet to use, and go for other alternatives that will make you mad. For this reason, it’s best not to avoid this task.
As mentioned, this tool will wear out eventually, and you must replace it. If you think the period was too short, it may be better to look for another model, one of higher quality, to avoid spending too much money on low-level options.
A great idea you should consider is purchasing multiple scratchers to provide your cat with various options. Doing so will ensure you won’t have to deal with problems like the ones mentioned in this article. Lastly, you should never forget that cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your pet healthy and happy.