If you are using clumping litter, scoop twice daily and wash the box every one to two weeks. Avoid harsh chemicals for cleaning. A mild unscented soap like Ivory works great. Never use citrus scented cleaning agents, ammonia, or pine cleaning agents. These odors are offensive to cats.

Note: If you have to sterilize the box—for example if your cat was sick with an infectious agent passed in feces—use a dilute solution of bleach: one part bleach to nine parts water. Rinse thoroughly and then wash with mild soap.

Do not flush liter down the toilet. You will eventually require the services of a plumber if you do.

If you are using clay litter, apply a relatively shallow layer and dump it out completely each day. A less desirable option is to scoop twice daily. You can use a slotted scoop to remove feces and a designated un-slotted spoon to scoop out urine-saturated litter. Do not spread the wet litter around the box. This just spreads the smell and makes the box seem unclean to Kitty. Apply a small amount of litter after scooping. You may be able to manage for two to three days with this method, but if you notice any aversion whatsoever (urinating elsewhere, perching on the end of the box, running out of the box immediately after eliminating without covering), then resume with the daily dumping.

If using clay litter, the box needs to be completely cleaned weekly. This means dumping all litter, scrubbing the box with mild soap and water, and refilling with new clean litter. Some longhaired cats prefer clay litter because the fine sand grains of clumping litter sometimes adhere to their bloomers.

Warning: Pregnant women should not clean the litter box due to the danger of Toxplasmosis. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that cats can spread thorough egg spores in their feces. Toxplasma can cause birth defects in humans.

Daily scooping and disposing of litter helps to decrease this risk since the spores require incubation for several days before they reach an infective state. If a pregnant woman must clean the litter box, it is imperative to wear disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

Litter Tracking:

To help control litter tracking around the house you may want to place a mat at the exit of the box. A short-napped rug such as a doormat or sisal rug is useful for catching litter. Don’t use a plush fabric such as a bathroom rug. Kitty may prefer this substrate and begin to use it instead.