# Cat folks: Let's talk litter boxes. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 22, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263 "2012-01-22T00:53:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/1 "2012-01-22T00:53:18Z")
I have a covered litter box with a charcoal filter. The box has a door but I don’t use it as one of my cats is afraid of it. Up until recently, I’ve never really had a problem with this box. But now, (I don’t know the logic behind it. Maybe old age is making my gag reflexes more sensitive.) I’ve been doing that dry heave thing when ever I try to clean the box. It’s making my life hell. Would a self cleaning litter box help me out with this? Also, I’d like to know how self cleaning litter boxes handle smell as compared to the one I currently have. Any other tricks of the trade are welcomed as I’d like to get this whole smell thing under control. I have two cats if that matters. Thanks for any feed back. ---
**Author:** ![lavenderviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/cdc98d/32.png) [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/2 "2012-01-22T01:29:49Z")
If you have room for it and can afford it, I would suggest the litter robot: [http://www.litter-robot.com/](http://www.litter-robot.com/) The way it’s designed, it seems to be less likely to fail than some of the rake style automatic litterboxes. It rotates to dump the soiled litter every time a cat uses it so the litter stays fresh longer. ---
**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/3 "2012-01-22T01:30:14Z")
1 cement mixing tub - [http://www.google.com/search?q=cement+mixing+tub&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=g2MbT9fBB8-Itwfa1fifCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=hmMbT9SeD9HAtge-ks28Cw](http://www.google.com/search?q=cement+mixing+tub&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=g2MbT9fBB8-Itwfa1fifCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=hmMbT9SeD9HAtge-ks28Cw) 1 box scoopy litter - [http://www.google.com/search?q=scooping+litter+tidycat&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=SWQbT4SWN8LXtwej852-Cw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=TWQbT77rI4ihtweg0\_iZCw](http://www.google.com/search?q=scooping+litter+tidycat&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=SWQbT4SWN8LXtwej852-Cw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=TWQbT77rI4ihtweg0_iZCw) 1 bottle febreze extra - [http://www.google.com/search?q=febreeze+xtrra&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=umQbT8\_LBcaltweM0ZGSCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=vGQbT4zuO8jZtgej652zDA#um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=vWQbT73ZDJOWtweCz9GrCw&ved=0CEAQvwUoAQ&q=febreze+extra&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r\_gc.r\_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b7a662084202ae6f&biw=1440&bih=](http://www.google.com/search?q=febreeze+xtrra&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=umQbT8_LBcaltweM0ZGSCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=vGQbT4zuO8jZtgej652zDA#um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=vWQbT73ZDJOWtweCz9GrCw&ved=0CEAQvwUoAQ&q=febreze+extra&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b7a662084202ae6f&biw=1440&bih=) 1 scoop - [http://www.google.com/search?q=cement+mixing+tub&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=g2MbT9fBB8-Itwfa1fifCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=hmMbT9SeD9HAtge-ks28Cw#um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=litter+scoop&pbx=1&oq=litter+scoop&aq=f&aqi=g2g-m4g-S3g-mS1&aql=&gs\_sm=e&gs\_upl=90896l94175l0l95439l13l12l0l0l0l3l221l1778l4.6.2l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r\_gc.r\_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b7a662084202ae6f&biw=1440&bih=751](http://www.google.com/search?q=cement+mixing+tub&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=g2MbT9fBB8-Itwfa1fifCw&biw=1440&bih=751&sei=hmMbT9SeD9HAtge-ks28Cw#um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=litter+scoop&pbx=1&oq=litter+scoop&aq=f&aqi=g2g-m4g-S3g-mS1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=90896l94175l0l95439l13l12l0l0l0l3l221l1778l4.6.2l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b7a662084202ae6f&biw=1440&bih=751) Assorted plastic bags from store 2 cats Scoop daily into bags. ( the litter…not the cats :smack: ) ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/4 "2012-01-22T01:42:39Z")
> [@lavenderviolet](#): > > If you have room for it and can afford it, I would suggest the litter robot: [http://www.litter-robot.com/](http://www.litter-robot.com/) I just checked, that’s what we have too. It’s our second and I’ll gladly buy a third and fourth. Completely satisfied with the cleaner environment and ease of use. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/5 "2012-01-22T01:59:38Z")
If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. Well, the cats use it. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/6 "2012-01-22T02:15:10Z")
Vick’s Vapo Rub? (just the tiniest tad under your nose will mask the smell). Or is it the look of it rather than the smell? I hate the work of it. I’m thinking of getting one of those mesh thingie sets. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/7 "2012-01-22T02:22:00Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. > > Well, the cats use it. Oh thanks! I had no idea this existed. What a great idea! ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/8 "2012-01-22T02:42:28Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > I just checked, that’s what we have too. It’s our second and I’ll gladly buy a third and fourth. Completely satisfied with the cleaner environment and ease of use. Ya’ know, I’m as a Sci-Fi fan, I have to say this box is rather appealing. 😃 What are my chances this contraption will spook my cats? Is it loud? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/9 "2012-01-22T02:49:26Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. > > Well, the cats use it. I saw this on an episode of: “My cat from hell” If you’re not familiar with the show; it’s basically the cat version of “The Dog Whisperer.” Anyway, the guy on there basically denounced this product as hideous because the smell of feces and urine gets on the roof of the box and makes it unpleasant for the cat. On the show, the cat out right refused to use the box. I’m glad it works for you though. ---
**Author:** ![Pixel\_Dent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@Pixel\_Dent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixel_Dent)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/10 "2012-01-22T03:15:13Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. > > Well, the cats use it. We’ve used this for at least a decade with our 3 cats. Works great. You do want to take it outside and give it a good cleaning every 2 or 3 months though. ---
**Author:** ![Pixel\_Dent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@Pixel\_Dent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixel_Dent)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/11 "2012-01-22T03:17:17Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > I saw this on an episode of: “My cat from hell” If you’re not familiar with the show; it’s basically the cat version of “The Dog Whisperer.” > > Anyway, the guy on there basically denounced this product as hideous because the smell of feces and urine gets on the roof of the box and makes it unpleasant for the cat. > > On the show, the cat out right refused to use the box. I’m glad it works for you though. I’m sure that right after the cat had its delicate sensibilities offended by the box it sat down and started licking its ass. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/12 "2012-01-22T03:17:39Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#): > > Oh thanks! > > I had no idea this existed. What a great idea! Order one online. Easy peasy. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/13 "2012-01-22T03:19:44Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. > > Well, the cats use it. I have one, the cat loves it. You wait until the cat whatever has dried slightly, and you wash the freaking thing occasionally. I plan next on getting one of the ones that you plumb in, and it uses permanent kitty crunchies and some liquid, the liquid liquifies the crap, and it washes and flushes the resulting liquid, and the crunchies get a blast of air while being stirred to dry. ---
**Author:** ![ExcitedIdiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ea5d25/32.png) [@ExcitedIdiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExcitedIdiot)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/14 "2012-01-22T05:59:32Z")
[World’s Best Cat Litter](http://www.worldsbestcatlitter.com/), Red bag. I am not very diligent about scooping, and I never smell it. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/15 "2012-01-22T12:41:26Z")
I have a LitterRobot and love it, but if you _really_ don’t want to deal with box cleaning at all (and don’t mind paying for the privilege) try a [CatGenie](http://www.catgenie.com/). I think this is what **aruvqan** was referring to, and it really is worth the $$$. So much so that I have two of them, plus the Robot. With 8 cats, it really has made a huge difference in the whole Litter Wars thing - no more lugging heavy bags in and stinky bags out, and given the cost of good clumping litter, I think they’ve already paid for themselves. Yes, I’m a fan, can ya tell? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/16 "2012-01-22T15:53:55Z")
I have 4 cats and I keep my 3 litterboxes in the same room as my computer (where I spend a lot of time at this time of the year). I never smell anything except immediately after a cat has pooped, and that is only for a minute or two. Thus, I figure my system is working to keep odor down. Good litterbox habits on my part not only keep odor down, but also help with preventing any litterbox avoidance issues, IMO. I did not like my rolling litterbox, and I haven’t tried any automatic ones. Buy a large metal scoop. I just got one last year and it is so much better for scooping - it scrapes up stuff on the bottom and makes life easier. I have [this one.](http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4018284) I use rubbermaid - type totes; the large 37 gallon size. Cut out a door (not too big- 8"x 8" and about 7" up from the floor works best for me) and cover any sharp edges with duct tape. I don’t use a cover (when you buy the totes, they come with one), but you can to keep dust down. Fill with scoopable litter (I like Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat - I hate scented litters [gag] and this litter clumps the best out of the ones I’ve tried). Totes are like $7 each, which is cheaper than fancier types of litterboxes. Some other things that may help: 1. Scoop at least once daily. Lots of people recommend 1 box per cat plus 1 (for 2 cats that equals 3 boxes), but space considerations come into play. If it is smelling really bad, that means it is building up too much. With only one box you may want to scoop 2x a day. 2. I’ve noticed that what I feed makes a huge difference in the amount and smell of the poop. I feed canned only, unless we go out of town, then they get dry food. Dry food makes my cats’ poop smell really bad, and the output of poop is far greater than when I feed only canned. ---
**Author:** ![QuarkChild](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/c5a1d2/32.png) [@QuarkChild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuarkChild)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/17 "2012-01-22T18:59:18Z")
I have a question and maybe this is the place for it. I have one cat and I scoop the litterbox 2 or 3 times daily. I’m trying to use less plastic in my life, and in particular I’m trying to cut down on plastic bags, inspired by the blog My Plastic-Free Life. So what I’ve been doing is taking a utility knife and slicing a flap into the cardbox boxes of litter that I buy. When the box is empty of litter, I use it as the cat poop receptable. In other words, I scoop the stuff from the litterbox into the empty cardboard box and put the flap down. Obviously, a cardboard flap is not airtight. But I’ve been using this system for 2 weeks (with the same box–it doesn’t fill up fast) and I haven’t noticed any odor. So I’m wondering–is it possible that there actually is an odor, and my nose has just gotten used to it? I don’t want people to walk into my house and think, “Oh my God, how can she not smell that?!” ---
**Author:** ![phall0106](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phall0106/32/5934_2.png) [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/18 "2012-01-22T21:29:59Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > If you don’t want the robotic version, try the [Omega Paw Roll n Clean](http://www.omegapaw.com/) manual version. I use it, and it works. > > Well, the cats use it. This looks a very cool product–I just purchased it and can’t wait for it to arrive! ---
**Author:** ![orderfire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orderfire/32/10908_2.png) [@orderfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orderfire)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/19 "2012-01-22T22:39:10Z")
> [@lavenderviolet](#): > > If you have room for it and can afford it, I would suggest the litter robot: [http://www.litter-robot.com/](http://www.litter-robot.com/) > The way it’s designed, it seems to be less likely to fail than some of the rake style automatic litterboxes. It rotates to dump the soiled litter every time a cat uses it so the litter stays fresh longer. Another enthusiastic endorsement of the Litter Robot. Completely awesome and it only took a few days for my cats to get used to it. The company recommends leaving the regular box unscooped while the kitties are getting used to the Robot…they prefer clean litter and will eventually decide that the old box is too disgusting to use, even of the new one makes a weird noise and looks like Kenny from South Park. Incidentally, this was my first big “splurge” purchase when I received my small inheritance. I like to tell people that I went out and bought what any sane, red-blooded poor person who never had a cent would buy the second they got some cash. Most people reply “A new car?” and I say “Duh, hel-lOOO?! A ROBOT!!” ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263/20 "2012-01-22T23:17:29Z")
They have bags that have holes on them. You put a stack in the litterbox, add the littler on top and remove one bag at a time. The litter falls through and the waste clumps stay in the bag. > [@lavenderviolet](#): > > If you have room for it and can afford it, I would suggest the litter robot: [http://www.litter-robot.com/](http://www.litter-robot.com/) > The way it’s designed, it seems to be less likely to fail than some of the rake style automatic litterboxes. It rotates to dump the soiled litter every time a cat uses it so the litter stays fresh longer. I would highly recommend against this, cats are very clean animals and like clean environments. This device has the waste roll totally around the entire litterbox, ceiling and walls. Think if you had to use a port-a-john that was last cleaned by rotating it end over end, yuck! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-folks-lets-talk-litter-boxes/610263.md?page=2)