Litter box in my bedroom driving me CRAZY - Page 2

[firefrenzy]

I've been looking into crystal cat litter.  I found this link on Petco's website that may be helpful.  It looks like the more natural litters have the best order control.  http://www.petco.com/Shop/ShoppingGuides/petco_ChooseCatLitter_ShoppingGuideID_4_nav_288.aspx?cm_mmc=redirect-_-van-_-url-_-CatLitterInStore

[lonegirl]

Originally Posted by northerngirl 

For the last several years we've been using a clumping litter that is from Petco. We started using this brand because you can refill the bucket and it is unscented. It was when one of my kitties was peeing outside the litter box that we made the change to unscented. Is there such a litter that reduces smell, but doesn't smell itself. I don't like perfumy smells.
 

I sprinkle baking soda into the box to help absorb odours.
 

[northerngirl]

Originally Posted by firefrenzy 

I've been looking into crystal cat litter.  I found this link on Petco's website that may be helpful.  It looks like the more natural litters have the best order control.  http://www.petco.com/Shop/ShoppingGuides/petco_ChooseCatLitter_ShoppingGuideID_4_nav_288.aspx?cm_mmc=redirect-_-van-_-url-_-CatLitterInStore

I tried to change to other litters such as yesterday's news and feline pine, but my cats did not like it at all. I will have to look further into the crystal kind. Thanks.

Originally Posted by lonegirl 

I sprinkle baking soda into the box to help absorb odours.
 

Yes, I should try that. Thank you.

[cyclamen]

The regular non clumping feline pine really reduces odors.   The clumping feline pine is annoying because it tracks everywhere.  As far as cleaning it out.... the non clumping works just as well for us.   We also have a super small apartment and put the litter box in the kitchen.  DD22mo knows that it is "yucky" but before we moved to this apt when she was ~16mo, we kept the box gated off.

[lilyka]

I would move everything from the storage closet into your closet and the litter boxes into your storage closet.

or how about try something like this:  http://www.petco.com/product/100832/ScoopFree-Automatic-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Box.aspx

http://www.littermaid.com/

My friend swears by hers (seriously she only empties it like every 2-4 weeks. It does smell but if she cleaned every couple of days I bet it would be oder free.)  And if you have a self cleaning box it would take care of the middle of the night cleaning, keep dogs and little ones from eating poo treats (and which means you could move it out of your room), and may even reduce the number of boxes you need.

[mumkimum]

If you're really stuck on space and the cats need an open box (there are those deep covered ones with the hole on top I'd suggest trying if that weren't the case) I'd seriously try to switch litter or combine what you use with another.  A few of the 'natural' litters (like nature's miracle and the world's best) are very similar to your basic clay in texture.  We use a combo of whatever pellet pine litter is cheapest and nature's miracle.  It has helped a lot with odor over others (although we used a really cheap cedar litter for awhile until we couldn't buy it anywhere anymore that was good too - probably the best we've used).

Have you seen the litter-box-hiding end tables?  Rigging up something like that might create a new space elsewhere than in the closet?  And could get strategically placed so cats can get in but not little hands. 

[Siennaflower]

I can totally empathize with you on this issue, only difference here is the box is in the tiny bathroom connected to our bedroom.  I'm doing the same as you, getting up and taking care of it if I smell it.  My cat never covers his treats either, so it's a major stink no matter what food or litter.  I do use an odor neutralizer spray though, just because with closed windows the stink won't clear up quickly and I can't go back to sleep.

[Super~Single~Mama]

My parents have cats, and though one is a total fraidy cat he goes into the boxes with the lids b/c they are the only boxes my parents have.  They really do help reduce the odors, and the older cat should get used to them if its their only option.  Switch boxes early in the morning though, so the cat doesn't freak out in the middle of the night, lol

[northerngirl]

Originally Posted by lilyka 

I would move everything from the storage closet into your closet and the litter boxes into your storage closet.

or how about try something like this:  http://www.petco.com/product/100832/ScoopFree-Automatic-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Box.aspx

http://www.littermaid.com/

My friend swears by hers (seriously she only empties it like every 2-4 weeks. It does smell but if she cleaned every couple of days I bet it would be oder free.)  And if you have a self cleaning box it would take care of the middle of the night cleaning, keep dogs and little ones from eating poo treats (and which means you could move it out of your room), and may even reduce the number of boxes you need.

The storage closet is under the stairs. I am not certain that they would be cool with such a drastic location change. I am not sure if they would come downstairs because of the dogs.

I wish I could afford an automatic litter box...

Originally Posted by mumkimum 

If you're really stuck on space and the cats need an open box (there are those deep covered ones with the hole on top I'd suggest trying if that weren't the case) I'd seriously try to switch litter or combine what you use with another.  A few of the 'natural' litters (like nature's miracle and the world's best) are very similar to your basic clay in texture.  We use a combo of whatever pellet pine litter is cheapest and nature's miracle.  It has helped a lot with odor over others (although we used a really cheap cedar litter for awhile until we couldn't buy it anywhere anymore that was good too - probably the best we've used).

Have you seen the litter-box-hiding end tables?  Rigging up something like that might create a new space elsewhere than in the closet?  And could get strategically placed so cats can get in but not little hands. 

I think I tried the world's best kind before, when they were peeing outside the box. It was a no go. The world's best is similar?

Will check into the litter box hiding end tables. Maybe we could rig one up as funds are low right now. But still not sure if they will come downstairs.
 

Originally Posted by Siennaflower 

I can totally empathize with you on this issue, only difference here is the box is in the tiny bathroom connected to our bedroom.  I'm doing the same as you, getting up and taking care of it if I smell it.  My cat never covers his treats either, so it's a major stink no matter what food or litter.  I do use an odor neutralizer spray though, just because with closed windows the stink won't clear up quickly and I can't go back to sleep.

Nice to know I am not the only one with this problem. My cat doesn't cover probably half the time. But I especially love when there is a special stinky treat left for me on my bed. Not that they pooped there, but that a piece was stuck to their long hair.

Originally Posted by Super~Single~Mama 

My parents have cats, and though one is a total fraidy cat he goes into the boxes with the lids b/c they are the only boxes my parents have.  They really do help reduce the odors, and the older cat should get used to them if its their only option.  Switch boxes early in the morning though, so the cat doesn't freak out in the middle of the night, lol

We took the covers off when they were peeing outside the box. Then I had one covered and the 2 others not covered and they would never use the covered one.

Thanks for the laugh...kitty freak out in the middle of the night. lol
 

[lilyka]

Watch craigs list for an automatic box.  You may be able to snag one for cheap.    

Also consider how much you are spending on three boxes (maybe it is just me but I feel like we spend a fortune on litter. My friend swears she uses less litter than me since she doesn't have to clean as often) and fancy litter etc.  It might end up costing less to do this.

Have you considered putting the cats out at night?