Types of cat sand and how to train them on it
Having a kitten is a favorite thing for a number of people. Owning a pet is one of the most popular things we find. And cats always need sand in order to raise them. What are the types of sand for cats? This is what we will learn about in this topic on our distinguished site.
Types of cats sand
- lumpy sand
Litter that is safe for cats, especially small ones, is sand that is made from large, coarse ingredients. Like pine pellets, kitty-safe sand is written on sand packages. As some sand is not suitable for kittens, as sand made of small clumps. Which can be eaten by young cats, which leads to digestive problems.
Clumpy sand is good for relieving the smell of droppings. It is also loved by the majority of other cats, and is more expensive compared to non-lumpy sand.
- Non-agglomerated sand
Sand that contains small dust, may cause damage to the lung health of kittens. Which may also lead to respiratory problems. Also, cat sand that consists of blocks is easy to clean. It also needs to be replaced at a lower rate than other types. It's also cheap and can get completely saturated with urine, so you have to change and replace it frequently.
- Vegetable or biodegradable sand
It is that sand made of pine, wheat granules or corn, which helps more to get rid of unpleasant and unpleasant odors. Also, this type of sand does not lead to the appearance of heavy residues and a lot of dust, like other types of sand. Thus, plant-based sand is the perfect choice for kittens, especially those with respiratory problems.
- Crystal sand or silica gel
This type of sand is highly absorbent, absorbing urine, moisture and bad odor. But once the crystal is saturated with all of these components, you will need to completely replace the sand.
How to train cats in the sand box
Identifying the times of defecation for cats, and thus going to the appointments next to the box with them. Playing next to the box until she relieves herself of it just by playing, for example, or making an effort. In the event that the cat does not automatically learn to relieve itself, it must be taught, by using sand with your hands and dislodging it with the dropping of sand . And then bury it with your hands, which makes the cat learn that from you.
You may be interested in: the best way to train a cat
How to clean a cat sand box
1- Remove any lumps in the box
Remove any lumps consisting of urine or stool, by using a sand shovel made of metal or plastic. Keeping the box completely free of waste, prevents the spread of any unpleasant odors. It also encourages cats to use the box comfortably. sand must be removed at least once a day or more than once, especially if you have more than one cat. Making sure to clean the waste completely. Clean the scoop to prevent the spread of bacteria, and we advise you to put the waste in the pet bag. And also close it tightly before putting it in the sand box, to protect the cleaners. If you are using sand made from biodegradable plant material, be careful not to block drains. Gloves must also be worn when cleaning the box, with the need to wash hands, after cleaning the cat's box.
2- Maintain the level of sand in the box
After cleaning or emptying the box, be sure to refill it with the same amount that you took or put in the box before. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the depth of the sand in the box is about 5 centimeters. Because most cats like it that deep. Some cats, especially those with long hair, prefer a lower depth of sand.
3- Completely replace the sand
The old sand must be completely emptied and replaced with new sand, which has not been used before, and the number of times the sand should be changed. According to the number of cats and the number of boxes with the type of sand used, if you notice lumps in the sand or an unpleasant smell. The sand must be replaced as soon as possible. The sand that is not lumpy should be changed, at least twice a week. As for clumpy sand, it can be replaced after two or three weeks, if you clean it on a daily basis.
4- sandbox cleaning
The box must be washed every time we replace the sand, and it is possible to clean the box with some diluted detergents. Through dish soap with warm water, with the need to avoid using ammonia, bleaching, detergents, or any other type that has a pungent odor. Which can alienate the cat from its smell. Cleaning products, especially bathroom and floor cleaners, clothes and scented wipes, should be avoided. Because it may be toxic to cats. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the identification label, because it has warnings. Where we find a warning written on it that it is forbidden to use it for children and pets.
5- Maintain a comfortable sandbox environment
A covered box must be purchased in order to protect the cats, by preventing a lot of sand from leaking out of the box. As we find most cats prefer covered boxes, it must be cleaned regularly because it will cause unpleasant odors emanating from it. If the cats are large, they may not benefit from the boxes and may be unsuitable for them.