The automatic cat litter box can be a cat owners best friend. That is because it eliminates the need for the pet owner to regularly clean up the litter box.

The automated cat litter box is a modification of the ordinary cat litter box, that is a simple box containing litter where the cat is supposed to deposit its urine and stool whenever it needs to.

Because the automatic or electronic cat litter box is the modern version of a conventional simple tool, do not be surprised that it is electrically operated. Currently, there is a number of manufacturers that make automatic cat litter boxes, and each product boasts of different features that aim to topple the current products in the market.

Automatic vs. traditional cat litter box

Needless to say, there are features that are present in the automatic version and not in the traditional one. That is because the automatic cat litter box is already a modern-day modification of the old cat litter box.

However, several cat owners still prefer the old cat litter box for many reasons. One, the old cat litter box does not require electricity, thus, it would function even if there is a power interruption.

Second, the traditional cat litter box is economical and cheaper. It is also less costly to maintain. The traditional cat litter box consumes less space compared to the modernized version, and can be easily bought in the market.

In contrast, there are far more advantages in getting the automatic cat litter box. For one, because it is electrically operated, there is no need for manual efforts in maintaining the device.

For instance, the traditional old cat litter box needs to be cleaned of waste clumps at least every other day. The automatic cat litter box does not require often scooping of waste clumps to separate waste and clean litter. It is recommended that the owner of the automatic version just replenish the litter every 30 days.

The automatic cat litter box de-clutters itself of the waste clumps consisting of urine and stool. There is a special sifting process performed by the machine that makes the task for itself rather than needing the pet owner to scoop out those clumps.

Such sifting process automatically starts once the machine detects the need for de-clumping. Some owners fear that the machine may start the sifting process while the cat is still inside, making the elimination activity traumatic for the cat.

But the truth is, the automatic cat litter box is smart that it can detect the presence of the cat prior to the sifting process.

Savings

The automatic cat litter box may be more costly compared to the traditional counterpart. But the savings the pet owner would generate from using the machine.

The device does not require too much electric consumption, and the notion that it consumes a significant amount of power to raise your utility bill is a misconception.

There is also no need to constantly replace the litter because you are advised to do the activity at least once a month. The automatic cat litter box also guarantees that the cat’s waste would not produce unwanted smell that may spoil the ventilation of the house. You can also be able to travel for a few days without worrying that the cat would create too much waste once you’re gone.

Other than that, the convenience brought about by the machine makes it far better than the traditional version. So if you are bout to make that investment, do not hesitate to buy the automatic cat litter box. You will surely like it. And your cat will, too.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://catlitter.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about cat litter and how to use the automatic cat litter box

Sometimes you might have problems with your cat litter box training, so here are some handy hints for you:

• If you have more than one cat in your household, you might want to provide one litter box per cat. Some cats like to urinate in one litterbox and defecate in another, but a lot don’t mind too much. If you have 3 cats in a small apartment, you aren’t going to want 6 litter boxes taking up most of your living area either!
• Your box should be big enough for an adult cat to stand in, sit in and turn around in comfortably.
• The litter box must be kept clean. This is important both for cat litter box training and to keep your cat happy to use the litter box. Clean out clumps of feces or wet litter every day. Throw all the litter away once a week and scrub the litterbox with diluted bleach. Then rinse it out well and dry it and put new litter in. You might want to sprinkle some baking soda in first to absorb odors.
• Some cats don’t like large grain or scented litter. If your cat seems to have a problem with the litter you are trying, get another variety.
• The first time your cat successfully uses the litter box, praise him and give him some kind of treat or reward. He will then equate the litterbox with nice things and be happier to use it.
• Ensure your litterbox is in a quiet place without much traffic. Don’t put it near a noisy electric appliance or anywhere near the cat’s feeding bowls.
• Ensure your cat can get in and out of the litter box easily. Small kittens are sometimes daunted by a high-sided litterbox and they won’t want to jump over the side if they can’t see what is on the other side.

Cat litter box training is slightly different when training an outdoor cat to use it. Try to observe what your outdoor cat uses to bury his waste. Bring some indoors, whether it is leaves, dirt or sand. Sprinkle it over his litter box so he realizes that it is a good place to defecate or urinate.

Some cats understand the training immediately and others need more patience. Don’t forget to praise your cat when he successfully masters the litterbox.

If everything else fails and you have followed all the above guidelines, you should visit a veterinarian to have your cat examined. This will rule out infection or illness. Cat litter box training is usually easy, as long as you do it right, and once your cat understands what the litterbox is for, he should be happy to use it every time, so long as it is kept clean.

About Our Guest Author:

Thomas Kellerman has been caring and training cats for over a decade. For more information on Cat Litter Box Training or to claim the “Cat Care Secrets ” A free 10 part mini course for limited time click on the link below:
http://www.ourcatsecrets.com

Cats are very sensitive animals and a slight inconvenience could cause them not to use the litter box anymore. Cats may associate the pain or the inconvenience they feel while urinating with the litter box and therefore, start to pee outside it. Although this may be caused by a behavioral problem in some cats, this may also be a sign of cat urinary infection.

Cat urinary infection causes discomfort and extreme pain to cats. If you have experienced urinary tract infection, you may know how painful it is when the symptoms of the disease attack. The inconvenience that UTI causes to humans is the same in cats, so you may understand why cats would begin to have urinary issues when they have this disease.

To resolve the problem, it is important to get down to the bottom of the issue. The first thing to do is to look for symptoms such as a foul smell in the cat’s urine, blood in the urine, frequent licking of the genitals, crying or constant meowing in the litter box, and straining to urinate but not producing any urine or producing only a little amount of it. Any of these symptoms may signal cat urinary infection. Worst, in the instance that a cat fails to produce urine, the cat may be suffering from urinary tract blockage, a condition that is highly dangerous for the cat. It is imperative that when you notice any of these signs you immediately call the attention of a veterinarian.

To diagnose the condition of your cat, the veterinarian may have to collect urine samples from your cat. To do this, he may perform a cystocentesis, a procedure where a needle is inserted through the abdomen and into the bladder. When urine samples have been collected, urinalysis may then be performed to determine the cause of the cat’s urinary problems. Depending on the result of the urinalysis, the veterinarian may perform the appropriate procedure to alleviate the suffering of the cat. In cases of infection, the vet may prescribe antibiotics to suppress the growth of the infection. In cases where the tests show crystals and blockage in the cat’s ureter, the cat may undergo surgery and other medical procedure.

Once the cat has been treated, it may already be brought home and be able to use the litter box again without any problem. However, follow-up check-up should be done to ensure the cat is recuperating well from the disease. The owner may also prevent the recurrence of the disorder by giving the cat homeopathic remedy.

Indeed, cat urinary infection could cause so much head-ache to a cat owner. But it can be prevented by being wary of the symptoms and taking immediate action when such symptoms appear.

About Our Guest Author:

Melissa Simmonds is a lover of cats. She owns a number of cats herself and has looked into various sources of information about cat urinary infection. For more information, visit the most comprehensive cat urinary problems resource online.

• Don’t put kitty’s litter box next to its bed or food. You want a clear separation in kitty’s mind: bed for sleeping, food bowl for eating, and litter box for doing its business. Besides, would you want to eat and sleep in your toilet? The same goes for your kitten.
• Use a spray to attract kitty to its litter box. There are some commercial sprays which can attract cats to a certain spot to defecate and urinate. You can use this spray, for greater convenience.
• Use a “pet behave spray” to prevent kitty from defecating or urinating in corners and other undesirable places. This spray basically produces smells which are unpleasant to your kitten. For example, if your kitten frequently urinates or defecates in the corner behind your settee, then you should spray that area regularly. Kitty will then avoid that area.
• Don’t use litter which clumps together (for kittens). A common recommendation for litter training cats is to use a litter which easily clumps together. While this is very convenient for adult cats, this cannot be recommended for kittens. Litters like these are usually treated to a chemical which to kittens may be sensitive. It is safer to use a different kind of litter. Check with your vet for advice on a suitable type of litter.
• When kitty hunches up or crouches, this is a common sign that it is about to do its business. Quickly put your kitten in its litter box and scratch its front paws in it. Eventually, this will help to associate the idea that kitty should do its business here.
• Put kitty in litter tray when it wakes up, and after eating. Many cats and kittens tend to pee and shit around these times. If you put your kitten in its litter box during these times, you will have fewer messes to clean up.
• Whenever kitty defecates/urinates elsewhere, clean up the poop and place it and kitty in the litter box. Don’t rub your kitten’s nose in the poop. Just sprinkle some litter over the poop or pee and clean it up. Then put this mess together with kitty in the litter box. The intention is simply to associate the action of shitting and peeing with the litter box. Kitty will probably not understand at first, so you need to be patient and do it over and over again.
• Feed kitty on a regular schedule. Part of litter training your kitten is to create fixed habits which are convenient to you. Regular feeding will help lead to regular shitting and peeing. This definitely makes your life easier.
• Clean the litter box regularly. Scoop away the poo after your kitten defecates. Replace the litter every week. If the litter is dirty and messy, your kitten will refuse to use the litter box. This is very bad for you.
• Don’t move the litter box around. This is part of forming good habits in your kitten. Keep the litter box in the same place. This makes it easier to associate the litter box with the act of elimination. Don’t confuse your kitten by changing the location of the litter box everyday.

About Our Guest Author:

If you want to learn more about how to train your cat and stop its bad behavior in 13 days, click here: cat training.

**If your cat has suddenly started having issues and you have not made any changes to her litter pan area then you must have a veterinarian evaluate her immediately for any life threatening urinary tract illnesses that can quickly become fatal. **

With that said, here are some top causes of litter problems. Be sure to go through each one to find out if any of these apply.

Dirty Litter Box

If you don’t keep your cat’s litter pan fresh and clean then she may just look for another place to go! This is not what you want. Just think about this for a second… you would be absolutely disgusted to enter a dirty, smelly bathroom where there was poop and urine everywhere wouldn’t you?

Maybe you’d opt to hold it or go somewhere else? Your cat feels the same way about her litter box. She doesn’t want to step on her own urine and feces just like you don’t!

And for Pete’s sake, do not leave this responsibility up to your child! Your poor cat should not have to suffer with a dirty box because little Timmy or Tina is not in the mood to change the litter pan.

It is recommended to clean your cat’s litter pan a minimum of twice a day. Stick to this rule and your cat should be happy. If you cannot even do this… then you should add an extra litter box or two. So if one is dirty, she has another “fresher” choice.

Litter pan is hard to reach

If you are bringing in a new kitten or cat into your home you should be sure her litter pan is easy to reach. She should not have to jump through hoops and hurdles to use the bathroom. If you have a two story home, you’ll need a box on each level as well.

If you have adopted a new cat, she might be a little afraid of her new environment, smells, sounds and everything else she’s being exposed to. It’s much safer to slowly introduce her into the household little by little. In other words, when she’s first introduced, don’t put her litter pan in the far away corner of the house. Put it close to her in her little home base area.

If she’s scared, timid, shy or anything else.. she’s less likely to muster up the courage to venture out into this big new home to go searching for her litter pan.

To make things simple for her, you can start by simply keeping her quarantined to just one room where she has access to her food, water and comfy sleeping spot and her litter box. As soon as she’s used to her environment you can give her more space.

Note: Never put her litter box close to her food and water source. Why? Well, answer this… would you like to eat a delicious, gourmet meal right next to your toilet?

There’s your answer!

Constantly switching her litter

Your cat can only take so much of this little game… so be sure to stick with a brand you trust and if you do decide to switch, do so gradually. This way, it isn’t such a shock to her when she steps into her litter pan to find a whole new texture and scent.

Many cats have been known to outright reject their new litter! Be sure to observe the changes you’ve made and how she reacts to it. If it doesn’t work out, you can switch her back to her old, familiar litter.

Harsh fragrances are being used

Your cat has a sense a smell that’s much sharper than yours. Try to remember this when you are picking out litters and especially deodorizers.

A cat litter or deodorizer that smells “nice” to you may seem overpowering to your little friend. “So how does this affect her litter habits?” Simply put, if it’s too overwhelming she may just skip on using the litter box!

Opt for non scented litters and also skip on harsh smelling deodorizers. If you keep a regular cleaning schedule then you won’t need them.

About Our Guest Author:

Find more cat litter training tips and ideas as well as more information on cat litter and box reviews.

1. Make sure you have enough of them. Cats like to have a clean litter box and some of them can be a little quirky about the way they use it so you should have at least one litter box per cat. Now this doesn’t mean that each cat will have its own litter box they’ll probably use all the litter boxes some may like to only urinate in one and defecate in another while others won’t like to use litter boxes that other cats have used - you really won’t know until you watch your cats and see how they behave and then you can decide what works best for them. It’s also not a bad idea to have an extra litter box if you have the room. If your house is more than one floor you’ll want to consider having at least one litter box on each floor.

2. Keep it clean. The biggest reason that cats will use the litter box is that it’s full. You wouldn’t want to dig around in a bunch of clumped up pee and poop would you? Well, neither does your cat so you should be sure to keep his litter box clean. Be sure to scoop it at least once a day and totally change it out and wash it every week. This will cut down on the litter box smell as it is actually the bacteria that’s causing the smell and, remember, even if you can’t smell it your cat probably can, so keeping it clean is important if you want to keep your cat using the box.

3. Use a litter your cat likes. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, it might simply be the litter. Try using different types to find out what the cat seems to like best. unscented litter is your best bet and kittens under four months should use a non-clumping letter only. I personally like a clumping litter that is made out of wheat which is called “Swheat Scoop” and is all-natural and biodegradable and doesn’t have all that dust that clay litters have - and my cat likes it too!

4. Make it private. Just like you, your cat wants to feel relaxed and comfortable when he’s using his litter box so you want to put it in a place away from noisy areas that has a little bit of privacy. Make sure it’s not anywhere where something might happen that could frighten the cat away. Also, do not put the litter box near their food and water dishes.

5. Proper introduction. Young kittens already have the instinct to use something that can be raked as their litter, but they might find that your plants or other things in your house are just as convenient as a litter box. Until your kitten gets used using a litter box and only the litter box, you might want to limit where they can go so that the litter box is the only appealing place for him to do his business. If you bring a new cat into your house, confine him to a small area that has his food, water, bedding and litterbox. Once he has used the litter box several times and you feel comfortable it’s the only place he wants to go in, you can widen his range and slowly move the litter box to where you eventually want it placed. Once you find a spot for the litter box keep it there always.

Having a litter box is a necessity if you have a cat, but keeping the area clean and introducing your cat to the box properly can make this part of cat ownership a breeze.

About Our Guest Writer:

Lee Dobbins writes about cat litter at Topicgiant.com where you can learn more about cats and cat litter problems.

Puppy training

If you have ever been in the market for one of these little helpers, you will quickly notice how many choices there are in self cleaning litter boxes.  They all have a slightly different way to accomplish the same task.  Which one is best for you?  Thats a tough question and depends on your needs and budget but here is a quick comparison of three top models.

The Cat Genie Litter Box

Is it a litter box or is it a toliet?  This automatic cat box actually washes it’s self with a (vet approved) cleaning solution and flushes waste away during cleaning.  Unlike other litter boxes, the Cat Genie uses permenant granules to mimic litter.  These granuals never need changing, but are washed automatically by the Cat Genie and even dried for kitty’s comfort.

Pro’s:

• One of the cleanest boxes on the market, it even self-washes
• No litter to buy or replace - uses permenant granuals

Cons:

• Must use near washtub or have drainage for waste
• Can be tricky to get set up
• Unit is costlier than many others

Whats the verdict on the Cat Genie?  Read reviews of the Cat Genie littter box here

The Litter Robot Litter Box

The litter robot is a good example of innovative technology all packed elegantly in to a dome shaped design.  What makes the Litter Robot most unique is how it rotates to clean it’s self using a sifting mechanism.  Waste is sifted in to a drawer that was designed to prevent mold growth and odor.  It works just fine with any clumping clay litter, litter crystals, Pearls, and bio-degradable litters. The Litter-Robot is a reliable, low maintenance automatic self cleaning cat litter box that works and actually saves you money by wasting very little of the clean litter.

Pro’s:

• Many have reported litter savings of up to 40% with the Litter-Robot vs. traditional boxes
• Low maintence and reliable
• Uses a variety of ordinary litters

Cons:

• Unit is costlier than many others

Is the Litter Robot worth it?  Heres what others think - Reviews of Litter Robot

LitterMaid Elite Mega Litter Box

The LitterMaid is a self cleaning litter box that uses a rake style cleaning mechanism that springs to action after every use.  Motion detectors detect your cat using the box and ten minutes after kitty leaves a cleaning comb sifts through and removes all clumps.  A disposable waste receptacle allows for safe and easy removal of waste.

Pro’s

• Inexpensive for the features
• Good odor control

Con’s

• Works best with LitterMaid litter (expensive)

Thinking about the LitterMaid?  Heres some user opinions on the LitterMaid

When feeding your cat, try to avoid cow’s milk. Cow’s milk can cause diarrhea. Cats require fresh water that is the only liquid they need. The digestive system of a cat is affected as they age, so feeding them small meals that are easily digested are recommended. This commonly occurs around 7 years old, and your cat will require food that has easily digested proteins. Most moist pellets, tinned foods, and some dry food will meet your cat’s dietary needs. Feeding your cat dry or tinned food is entirely up to you. If your cat has issues with their teeth, the moist food may be the best option.

Long haired cats usually do not groom all of their hair which results in nasty hair mats that are dirty and painful. Cats use their tongue and teeth to groom their coats. The problem is that when cats groom themselves they swallow hair. The unfortunate part of this is hair will not digest. The hair creates clumps in the stomach and intestines creating hairballs. These hairballs can cause a blockage in cat’s intestinal tract. Grooming your cat with a brush or comb can help reduce the hair the cat swallows.

House cat care also requires the use of a litter box for your cat. This litter box should be scooped several times a day and needs to be placed away from the well traveled parts of the house. Cats are easy to litter box train, all you need to do is place them in the litter box and show them where to scratch at the loose gravel.

Using good observational skills can help alleviate a small problem from turning into a bigger problem. Behavioral changes in your cat may be a sign of a problem. If you notice these changes you might want to consult a veterinarian. Regular vet visits for checkups and vaccinations are also a requirement for general good health of your cat. By following these general rules of house cat care, your cat will enjoy a very long and happy life.

About Our Guest Author:

To know more about House Cat Care please visit Pet Caring Tips.

I thought that a self cleaning litter box was expensive when I saw it for the first time. I believe it had a 200 dollar price tag on it. It spotted it in one of those catalogs that thrive on the newest of technology. To be honest, I thought it was cool even though it was a bit pricey. My mother had a cat while growing up, and unfortunately a litter box to go with it. That litter box really did stink up the house. You can be sure that I dreaded the chore of cleaning it everyday.

My mother actually got to where she would empty out the waste, immediately after the cat would go. Obviously, this can become a redundant process. My family has numerous indoor cats these days and each one certainly adds some extra weight to the cleaning routine. I finally decided that it was time to buy a self cleaning litter box. It turned out to be a choice that I haven’t regretted.

A mild alarm goes off to ensure they’re out of the box after one of our felines uses the litter box. A rake-like device will then sweep any waste into a plastic compartment. Then the pet owner will remove the plastic compartment and replace it with a new one instead of scooping out all of the cat waste. I really appreciate the lack of stench that these litter boxes offer.

If you travel and leave your cat at home often, then you will find the self cleaning litter box especially handy. They will be no need to worry about the litter box filling up because it takes care of the mess. You can purchase self cleaning litter boxes at a variety of pet stores. You can also find them at superstores such as Pets-Mart and Pet-Depot. These products are also available on the Internet. You should find what you’re looking for ahead of time and compare prices and reviews if you shop online. If you have a lot of cats, then the self cleaning litter box is well worth the cost.

About the Guest Author:

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Self Cleaning Litter Box Works. Visit our site for more helpful information about Self Cleaning Litter Box Works and other similar topics.

If you notice your cat urinating somewhere beside the litter box it could be a feline UTI. In nature animals try not to show their weakness and cats are no different. If your cat seems like nothing is bothering her, she’s eating and running around the house as usual it might be the litter box. But, if she’s not eating, hiding and sleeping constantly, has that I’m sick look in her eyes, it might be cat UTI symptoms. I say might because although feline UTI’s are one of the most common problems it could be a variety of other illnesses.

I have two cats and I can always tell if they are sick or not feeling well. You can also check for a fever by feeling their head if you’d rather not check with a thermometer. Only you know your cat the best and if you feel like they are not themselves they should be seen by the veterinarian. There are many serious illnesses such as bladder stones that can progress and get worse.

Some experts believe that commercial cat food, which contains meat by products and carbohydrates, can cause the formation of bladder stones, pH balance issues and many feline UTI problems, especially the dry food. Just like us cats need moisture and the right nutrients to thrive. Many vets are recommending canned food, some with special pH balancing to prevent stones from forming. You could also make your own cat food from chicken or beef, add some veggies and freeze in small portions.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore any serious symptoms and rule out infection first. I give my cats a supplement that supports bladder health, including pH balance and immunity and they have not had any feline UTI’s since.

About Our Guest Writer:

Rebecca Shelly has been studying alternative health conditions for pets for many years. She is a regular contributor to http://www.pet-natural-cures.com a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet health on the market today. If you’re looking for an alternative supplement to support a healthy urinary tract system visit the site to learn more.