Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is essential for your cat’s health and happiness, as well as minimizing unpleasant odors in your home. But how often should you scoop and deep clean the litter box? What’s the safest way to dispose of used cat litter? Get answers to all your litter box cleaning questions with this complete guide.
How Often to Clean a Cat Litter Box
“To properly clean your cat’s litter box, you should scoop it daily,” says veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench. “Weekly, it’s essential to do a thorough cleaning.”
- Daily – Scoop out all solid waste and clumps daily. This includes feces and urine clumps if using clumping litter.
- Weekly – Fully replace litter weekly and wash the box with mild soap and water.
Neglecting litter box cleaning leads to odor buildup and raises health risks from bacteria accumulation. Provide 1 more litter box than the number of cats you have.
How to Dispose of Used Cat Litter
Dispose of traditional clay and silica gel litter in household trash bags. Biodegradable litters made from plant materials may claim flush ability or composability but have risks:
- Toxoplasma gondii parasite in cat feces can infect other animals and humans
- Pipes can clog from clumping litter
- Septic systems may not handle cat litter
Dispose of all used litter in trash bags unless your specific product and local regulations confirm safe alternative disposal. Never compost litter used to manage cat feces.
Deep Cleaning a Cat’s Litter Box
Deep clean litter boxes every few weeks by fully disinfecting them to control odors and prevent bacteria buildup:
- Remove all litter
- Scrub thoroughly with cat-safe disinfectant
- Rinse fully and allow to dry completely
- Refill with fresh litter
For deep cleaning without outdoor hose access:
- Use litter box liners to simplify waste removal
- Soak in the bathtub or plastic storage bin
- Always wear gloves when cleaning litter
Tips for a Fresh, Healthy Litter Box Space
- Use low-tracking litter to minimize the spread
- Have a litter mat under the box
- Vacuum/sweep around the litter box routinely
- Monthly litter area deep clean
- Well-ventilated litter box location
Is It Safe to Clean Litter Box When Pregnant?
Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis risks. Use self-cleaning litter boxes and get help with waste removal. Always:
- Wear gloves when cleaning
- Clean in a well-ventilated area
- Wash hands after
- Use non-toxic litter
- Dispose of waste safely
Properly cleaning your cat’s litter box takes effort but pays off tremendously for your cat’s health and happiness, while controlling odor and mess in your home. Follow these tips and your cat’s litter box will stay fresh and clean.
FAQ About Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes
How often should you clean a cat litter box?
Ideally, litter boxes should be scooped daily to remove solid waste and clumps. The litter should be completely changed and boxes washed weekly.
What is the best way to get rid of old cat litter?
Most types of litter can go directly into the trash. Avoid flushing or composting used litter due to health risks. Only flush or compost if the product explicitly states it is safe to do so.
Can you use bleach to clean a litter box?
Bleach and other harsh chemicals are not safe to use for cleaning litter boxes. Choose a pet-safe disinfectant and always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Should you wash cat litter boxes with soap?
Yes, mild soap helps thoroughly clean litter boxes when changing out litter. Ensure no soap residue remains by completely rinsing boxes after washing them.
How do you deep clean a litter box?
To deep clean a litter box: Remove all litter, wash the box with cat-safe disinfectant and rinse completely, allow to fully dry, then refill with fresh litter. Repeat deep cleaning every few weeks.
