Is it safe to have an uncovered litter box within the limits of a small kitchen?

Question

My sister/roommate recently adopted two kittens and brought them to our two-bedroom condominium. Although she initially promised to keep them in her bedroom (I'm allergic & hate cat hair on my clothes), she relocated them to the front room and put the litter box in our kitchen. The box is uncovered, the cats trail litter (and small bits of feces, actually, that I've cleaned up) across the floor, and she cleans it out only every couple days. The odor alone is horrible, but I can't imagine having the litter box (covered or not) anywhere near our food can possibly be healthy.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

This is actually quite unhealthy.

Bits of dust from the litter are relased into the air every time you clean or change or the cats use the box and it can get onto your food.

Cat Litter has a toxen that can create serious allergic reactions in people and can damage the lungs if too often ingested.

Also, the fecal matter can get pushed under a stove or fridge and generate an ungodly amount of bacteria and smell horrid.

I would say cover it and put it in HER closet with an air freshener on either side and on the top.

Answer 2

It is not healthy for either you or the cats to have the litter box anywhere in the house if it is not cleaned daily. An uncovered box is actually healthier for the cats than a covered one because the covered ones can hold in a lot of ammonia fumes. The box needs to be scooped twice daily and changed at least one per week. An automatic self cleaning litter box would be a good investment.A cat has no choice but to step in its litter box. Naturally , this means that the bacteria from the box are transferred to the cat's feet and then to anything the cat steps on. A better place for the litter would be in the bathroom or her bedroom. Show your sister all of the answers on this site and hope that she realizes that she needs to be more considerate of both you and her new pets.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear that you're stuck cleaning up after the kittens!

My cat's litter box is in the kitchen, but is tucked far away from food and such. I clean it on a daily basis (scented clumping litter is used) and change the liner every day. That helps prevent any bad smells and I've noticed less trailing of litter.

I'd see if you're sister would be willing to move the litter box either to her room or the bathroom, especially since you're allergic - I would hope she's sympathetic to your health.
Good luck!

Answer 4

I don't think its unhealthy (unless you eat off the floor) but it is pretty gross. She should put the litter box in the bathroom or if there isn't enough room, get a covered litterbox. Use clumping cat litter and dip it out at least once a day. By the way, your sister/roommate is very inconsiderate to bring cats into the household since you're allergic.

Answer 5

It's not unsafe....but I can understand where this may bother you. I have two cats myself, but I keep the litterbox upstairs in one of my spare bedrooms. In order to keep the smell down, you really should clean the litter box 1-2 times a day. especially w/ kittens because they have very smelly poop!!! and they go A LOT!!! If you got a covered litter box, that also will help confine the oder a little bit. You can get a mat to put in front of the litter box opening that will catch some of the litter that is stuck to their feet, but it doesn't get all of it. Do you have two bathrooms? if so, tell your sister to put the litterbox in her bathroom, that way you don't have to smell it. If you are allergic to cats, then your sister needs to get rid of them. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the cats to be kept locked up in one room their whole lives.

Answer 6

Mine is in my kitchen, uncovered, but i don't have it near the food, it is by my laundry washer.
As for the smell, try Arm and Hammer baking soda, if she uses clumping litter, mix it in with the litter, if she uses non clumping, line the bottom of the litter box with it and then put the litter over it. It helps with the smell.
The scattered litter is something you can't do a lot about sadly, try a rung under the box to try and keep most of it close to the box. Or get a bigger sided box.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

I would not have the litter box in my kitchen,covered or not,that is just plain nasty! I would tell my room mate to keep them in her room or I would take them to the animal shelter for her! Even with them in her room if she doesn't keep the litter box clean the smell will be in every room.Actually if I were in that situation.I would toss the room mate and the cats.Buy several bottles of white vinegar ( it neutralizes the cat urine smell) Then I would find a new room mate!

Answer 8

maybe you should get a covered litter box. our litterbox is located in the kitchen we have a covered litter box for the reason of our cats would dig in it and get litter all over the floor and it was annoying to have to clean up all the time and it was wasting litter.

Answer 9

If she would cover it and get a kitty mat for in front of the opening, or face it away from the kitchen so they have to walk around it, it wouldn't be so bad.

If she's going to keep it in the kitchen, she needs to clean it DAILY. It's unsanitary.

Answer 10

HAVE HER TRY THE ARMEDN HAMMER LITTER AND A COVERD BOX AND OUT A RUG UNDER THE LITTER BOX THEY HAVE ONE AT PETSMART THAT LOOKS LIKE GRAY COLORD FAKE GRASS SO WHEN THEY GET OUT ITS ALL COUGHT IN IT AND U JUST HAVE TO SHAKE IT OUT. I JAVE A CAT AND REFUSE TO SMELL HIS LITTER BOX THEY ALSO HAVE A BAKING SODA BY ARMEDN HAMMER THAT IS MADE FOR THE LITTER BOX AND WITH 2 CATS IT SHOULD BE CHANGED AND CLEANED WITH BLEACH AND OR A PET ORDER REMOVER AT LEAST EVERY 2 WEEKS IF NOT ONCE A WEEK TO AVOID SMELL