Cats don’t like change, so a gradual method to a brand new litter or litter field location is essential. This is what to do.
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It’s not typically that geopolitics collides with the on a regular basis lives of our pets, however for a lot of Canadians that’s the case proper now. Trump’s tariff tantrums imply that Canadians want to purchase native merchandise, moderately than American ones. That led me to consider how we make modifications for cats with out upsetting them, resembling modifications to their litter field preparations or switching to a locally-made model of cat litter.
There are a lot of causes folks would possibly need to make modifications to their cat’s litter or litter field location, from switching to a unique model, getting a brand new cat, or transforming their dwelling.
The factor about cats is that they actually hate change. They like all the pieces to be predictable, and which means we have now to make modifications slowly.
The opposite factor about cats is that they’ve environmental wants, known as the 5 pillars of a wholesome feline surroundings. So every time we make modifications, we have now to think about whether or not or not we’re assembly our cat’s wants.
A kind of 5 pillars is that cats ought to have a number of and separated key environmental sources. Your cat’s sources are principally all their issues—together with their litter field.
What cats want from their litter field
Under, you’ll discover some recommendations on tips on how to make modifications. However first, let’s evaluation what cats want:
- A number of litter containers (particularly if in case you have multiple cat)
- A quiet location for the litter field the place they gained’t be disturbed when utilizing it
- Litter containers nicely away from different sources resembling meals and water
- A litter that’s smooth and comfy for his or her paws
- A non-stinky litter as a result of cats have very delicate noses
- The litter field to be scooped and cleaned commonly (ideally, scooped twice a day)
Adjustments to the litter field set-up usually embody altering to a unique kind of litter or shifting it to a brand new location. Whereas these are sometimes for our comfort, every time we make these modifications, we are able to take it as a chance to see if we are able to enhance the supply of the cat’s sources from the viewpoint of the cat.
Find out how to make modifications to the litter field location
With location, it’s essential to make sure your cat’s litter containers are in a quiet location and away from their different sources, like meals, water, and pet beds. You probably have multiple cat, the usual rule of thumb is to have one litter field per cat plus one spare, so 2 cats = 3 litter containers.
The containers must be in numerous areas. A typical mistake is to line them up subsequent to one another, which is type of like turning them into one large litter field. You need to know that your cat will all the time have entry to a field; different cats within the dwelling shouldn’t have the ability to block the best way.
Once you get a cat, it’s essential to maintain them in a single room whereas they settle in. That’s typically the bed room, and solely as soon as they’ve had time to settle in do you give them the chance to make use of different elements of the house. As soon as the cat is now not residing in that one room, you would possibly need to transfer the litter field to a brand new location.
The bottom line is to not decide it up and transfer all of it the best way to the brand new place. Suppose you abruptly moved it from the bed room to a toilet down the corridor. When your cat obtained the urge to go, they’d go to the bed room and the litter field wouldn’t be there, however the place the place it had been would most likely nonetheless odor of it (a minimum of it could odor to your cat, whose nostril is superb). They is perhaps tempted to rest room then and there, since they don’t know the place the litter field is.
As a substitute, transfer the litter field step by step, maybe even simply an inch or two a day. This fashion your cat will all the time have the ability to discover the field after they go on the lookout for it within the place the place it was yesterday. It is perhaps a bit awkward for the people within the dwelling who should step across the field within the hallway, however it’s solely a brief state of affairs. Simply watch out to make sure it’s not a tripping hazard.
Making modifications to your cat’s litter
Altering the kind of litter could be upsetting to cats, who might have robust preferences for the actual kind of substrate they’ll rest room on. Keep in mind that one thing that’s smooth on their paws and never perfumed is finest.
Right here once more it’s best to take a gradual method. Begin by mixing in just a bit little bit of the brand new litter, and as soon as your cat is used to that, add a bit extra of the brand new litter. Carry on doing this and shortly you can be at half-and-half, after which earlier than it you’ll have been in a position to change the entire litter.
It could take some time, however it is possible for you to to make the swap with out upsetting your cat.
Eradicating litter liners
Eradicating a litter liner is one thing that you are able to do in a single step. Cats typically don’t like liners as they will get their claws caught in them, so they’ll simply be glad it’s gone.
Accidents exterior the field
In case your cat is toileting exterior the field, be sure you see your veterinarian in case of medical points.
Sadly typically folks mistakenly suppose that their cat is being spiteful or imply, and so veterinary consideration is delayed and even missed. Evidently, that’s not good on your kitty.
After all, you should still must examine in your litter field set-up—and it’s one thing your veterinarian would possibly ask about—however do make the appointment together with your vet.
Making modifications for cats (and maintaining the cat joyful)
No matter modifications you’re making, do not forget that cats typically don’t like change. Many individuals don’t like change both, so hopefully you may empathize together with your cat.
The answer is to make it possible for the change occurs step by step with the intention to assist your cat to just accept it. And, after all, to make sure that regardless of the change is, it’s one thing that might be good on your cat’s welfare.
When you’d prefer to know extra about what your cat wants (and tips on how to assist them be even happier), take a look at my guide Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Pleased, which features a guidelines for a contented cat.
