i live in an apartment, and my cat makes a mess of his litter box....?

Question

i live in an apartment with one main room and then the bathroom, so i have to keep his litter box in the bathroom and there's no way to turn it differently....the cover is on the litter box, but he still manages to get the litter all over the floor- it's icky- it also gets stuck in his feet and he tracks it onto my bed- how do i avoid this mess? i can't put the door on the litter box for him....is there anything i can put under it or are there any secrets for avoiding this problem?

Answer 1

There are little pads you can put in front of the litter pan that will catch litter as he comes out of the box. It will also get the excess litter off his feet.

You can also get a covered pan that has a door he can go thru.

Answer 2

Litter mats are often used outside of the opening of a hooded box to decrease tracking of the litter. Do NOT use the plastic 'grass' mats as they are very uncomfortable for your cat to walk on, often leading to litter box avoidance. Some people use carpet sections or towels but I prefer to use a Litter Mat that can be quickly picked up with one hand to place the litter back in the box. Whatever you choose to use, just make sure that your cat is comfortable when walking on it and is not reluctant to enter the litter box.

http://www.catinfo.org/litterbox.htm#Litter_Mats:

Answer 3

Some manufacturers have made a litter box with the entry on the top. Also on the top is a grooved area to help catch as much as possible. You may also want to try switching litter types. Crystals do have less tracking and it sweeps up easily. Another litter you may like is called Feline Pine or Yesterdays News. Both are pellets (one from pine the other from paper) and are easier to clean up...no mud like clumping litter. Just make sure you slowly introduce the pellets to help acclimate your cat to using it. Do you have a handy friend? Check this out...if you dont want to buy it maybe you could build one...http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14885&N=2002+113307 ... you could make one longer too with a space for 'litter catching'. This one is really expensive, but so you can see the idea (with something like this, you can put it in your living room) http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/kattbank-conceals-litter-box-165022.php
http://www.hawkswillwoodwork.com/

Hope this will help

Answer 4

Have you checked for different kitty litter. Some clump more then others.. also put a old rug or towel under the litter box... Try new brands for litter!!! Like Tidy Cats; crystals; multi cat litter...If there is a pet store go check it out...Petco has alot of accommadations for cats and you may find something there to help you! Good Luck!

Answer 5

Yeah, fun, isn't it??

Go to your local "dollar" store and get a cheap doormat or rug and put in under the pan. Make sure it's big enough to go under the pan and a few feet away from it so Kitty walks on the rug to get the excess litter off his paws. After all, it isn't good for his digestion to get clay into his tummy! Maybe you know of a place where you can get cheap rug/carpet remnants? Try to stay away from the plastic bristle type mats sold in pet food stores--uncomfortable for their paws! Try it on YOUR bare feet and you'll see what I mean.

Tidy Cat makes a litter specifically designed for small places. I haven't used it yet, but I have the impression that it's engineered for the problem you have. Try a jug of it and see what happens.

I used to use a covered litter pan, but I took the lid off and it actually seems to cut down on the amount of litter being thrown around. My two cats (yes, one pan each, but they trade off, the rascals!) aren't very good at covering the poo when the lid is on.
It seems to confuse them and they just starting to fling the litter around hoping that the poo would get covered. AND, you may be using too much litter in the pan--try for a depth of no more than about 3 inches and see if that helps.

Be patient--and keep your sense of humor. Hug Kitty for me, please. All will be well.

Answer 6

I have five cats now -- two have "furry" feet and they do track the litter around. I got a "swivel sweeper" from the TV infomercial and I just love it. Easy to whip out and get the litter off the bathroom floor. Much better than having to drag out the big vacuum cleaner, with the moving, plugging in, putting it away.
If you have any space at all it works great.

Answer 7

Litter that clumps helps. I too have a cat and have been going on with the same problem for 4 years. the best solution that works for me is to sweep area around litter box daily and also vacuum too.

Answer 8

Get a deeper box. Or use newspapers on the floor or in a box. The last solution saves you on the cost of cat litter.

Answer 9

I use an indoor outdoor mat right at the entrance, then a non skid little rug. I shake them out every day. dont complain it could be worse. I last saw him yesterday am sleeping on my bed. he is indoor cat, but sneaks out when door is open . he's never been gone this long. he's a fat hungry cat always home to eat his food. I think wild animals got him. my boys are balling their eyes out, espcially since their daddy died 7 months ago and nana (my mum) 8 months ago. So I am sorry for your litter problems but it could be worse.....