Tips for Cleaning Your Cat's Litter Box
Healthy Cats | December 12, 2018
When you upgrade to a natural litter, you may find that your current scoop doesn’t do the job you need. Natural litters break down differently and are shaped differently than clay litters, so a regularly slotted scoop may not be your best option.
To help you on your quest to make cleaning your litter box as painless as possible, we talked to Greenway Store Lead Katie McMahon. As a cat owner herself, Katie is full of tips to make clean up easy and find the right scoop and litter box for your chosen litter.
KM: When I’m considering litter scoops, I look for one with holes to fit that litter type. Some of our litter is more spherical, so that works better with a scoop with circular holes. For smaller particle litters, the slatted litter scoops work really well. You don’t have to shake a ton, you just dump the litter directly into the waste receptacle. So, I think about how the slats interact with the litter and how easy it is to quickly remove waste.
One thing that I do with pelleted litter is I look for a big scoop with a lot of space for litter to fall through. And when scooping wet litter that doesn’t clump, sometimes you can use a scoop with very narrow slats.
KM: There a few main things I ask when people are looking for a new litter box. First, I want to know where the litter box is going to go. Most people have a place in mind, so we need to find a litter box to fit that spot.
Next is the size of the cat. A big cat needs a bigger litter box. I also consider the age of the cat. Kittens can use a smaller box. And for cats with arthritis, I’m normally concerned with the height of the litter box because that affects the boxes accessibility. I also think about each cat’s temperament. Are they shy? Do they like enclosed spaces? Are they a little more outgoing? The answers to those questions help me determine if they’re more likely to want a closed box or an open one.
I also sometimes ask about the gender of the cat, because male cats are notorious for peeing very high. So, I need a covered box that allows him to pee how he likes to. And I’ll also ask about the health of the kitty. I have a very arthritic cat, so she needs something that’s very easy to get in and out. That means finding a litter box with a lower lip that accommodates her.
Top-loading litter boxes are also really great for people who are in smaller spaces and who want to prevent litter tracking. They work really well for agile cats, who find it easy to hop in and out. It’s also a great solution for younger cats especially because they tend to figure out how to use the box quickly. And it’s a great solution if you have dogs that like to try to snack from the litter box.
KM: Ideally, you’d be scooping out the litter boxes at least once a day and preferably twice a day. It’s easy to miss a day due to crazy work schedules, which is why it’s crucial that you have more than one litter box. And yet, some cats won’t use a litter box that has any waste in there, so staying on top of that can prevent any issues.
Changing out the litter monthly would also be awesome. Sometimes in practice, it can be a little bit difficult. And some heavily used litter boxes may need to be changed every three weeks instead. It’s important that you establish a routine because litter in the box loses its effectiveness over time.
If your cat tolerates them, litter liners can be a great way to make the monthly litter change a little easier. My cats didn’t like them, but if your cat does, they can be a great option.
KM: While a lot of people really like to use enzymatic cleaners, I don’t use them. When you use an enzymatic cleaner, you have to let it sit on the litter box for a while for it to be really effective. But there are a lot of people who love them.
I use a cleaner made with a mineral-based deodorizer or I create my own cleaner with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. These cleaners don’t require that you allow it to sit on the plastic; you just spray on the cleaner, wipe down the litter box, and then refill it. Using this type of cleaner allows me to clean all the boxes very quickly and put them back in place.
KM: I usually recommend between two and four inches depending on the cat. With clumping litter, closer to two inches works because some kitties really love to dig and flick their litter out of the box. But if you use four inches of clumping litter, it’s very easy to scoop out. But with pelleted litter, cats are less likely to move litter out of the box, so it’s safer to go to three or four inches.
I also consider how often the cat urinates in there. If it’s your cat’s favorite box, you’ll want more litter. Heavier cats need more litter in the box to give them more support, whereas lighter kitties probably won’t need as much depth.
Greenway Store Lead Katie McMahon has been a Muddy for four years and loves helping cat owners find the items that make their cats happy. When she’s not at Mud Bay, she’s hanging out with her two cats and watching Netflix, or hiking and taking photos outdoors.
It’s never a bad time to chill. 🧘♀️ 🐾
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Swell`s My Chill Time Premium Dog Gelato is made with functional ingredients like chamomile and passion flower tea, which help your pup stay cool, calm, and collected when summer activities makes thier day-to-day a little more stressful. Plus, it includes blackberries, 🥥 coconut milk, ginger, beets, and 🍯 🐝 honey, which are great for digestion and antioxidant support.
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Swell Premium Dog Gelato is not only a tasty treat on a hot summer day, but it also helps keep your pup living their best life and staying CHILL. Shop My Chill Time from Swell in-store or online at Mud Bay this summer. 🌞
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Adventure-ready and made for the water, the Ruffwear Float Coat helps keep your dog comfortable during every swim.
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The Float Coat offers a secure, telescoping neck closure that adjusts to fit a variety of dog sizes, while the lightweight foam panels support natural movement and buoyancy in the water, keeping them comfortable and safe.
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Plus, it offers a super handy, low-profile handle that makes it easy to lift your pup out of the water, and reflective accents that add extra visibility for long days at the lake, beach, or river.
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Bring your pup in-store or shop with us online for the Ruffwear Float coat today!
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🌞 🎆 🎉 Summer brings celebrations, late nights, travel and events that can leave your pets feeling uneasy.
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Mud Bay is here to help, offering products that bring calm and comfort to your cat or dog when things get noisy.
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We carry calming collars, tinctures, treats, and pheromones to help your pets handle everything summer brings—Shop Mud Bay in-store or online to find the right calmatives for your pets.
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Fluff & Tuff`s #IGIVEAFLUFF is Coming Soon!
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Starting June 8th, National Best Friends Day, our friends at Fluff & Tuff are once again kicking off #IGiveAFluff to help put toys in the paws of shelter and rescue dogs who need them most.
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And we want you to be a part of it, and it couldn`t be easier to participate!
Here`s how it works:
📸 Snap a photo of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy.
📱 Share it on social media using #IGiveAFluff.
🐾 Fluff & Tuff donates a toy to a shelter or rescue dog.
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Since 2015, with the support of pet parents like you and the generosity of Fluff & Tuff, over 22,000 toys have been donated to shelters and rescue dogs. Want to participate, but you need a Fluff & Tuff toy? Take a tip from Frank and stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online. Click the link in our bio to learn more about #IGIVEAFLUFF
Canagan canned cat food is grain-free and made with your cat in mind, using high-quality protein from chicken, salmon, tuna, and more.
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It’s inspired by what cats are naturally built to eat, with a focus on animal protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
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It’s also an easy way to add moisture to your cat’s routine—something many cats don’t get enough of—which can help support your feline friend with kidney and urinary-tract health.
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🛍️ Shop Canagan Complete Cat Food in-store or online at Mud Bay.
Summer is coming, so be like Goose 🐕 and stay cool 😎 ❄️ on every outing with the Swamp Cooler Harness from Ruffwear.
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Whether she’s out on a trail or enjoying a long walk or run, this harness is built for warm-weather adventures, offering cooling comfort and secure control in one breathable design.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay.
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Mud Bay Memorial Day Hours ⏰
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Today, Monday, May 25, all Mud Bay locations will be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Delivery orders placed after 2 pm on Sunday will arrive on Tuesday. Store pickup and Instacart will still be available. 🐈 🐕 🚚
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🐾🌷The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection
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Meet Harley, out in the tulip fields and ready for her next outing in the Front Range Flex Harness, Collar, and Leash.
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Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or your next PNW adventure, this collection is designed for everyday use and changing conditions:
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Lightweight and built to handle wet conditions
Easy to clean, just hand-wash and air-dry
Made with durable materials for every outing
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Harley picked her look… now it’s your turn.
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The Ruffwear Front Range Flex Collection is now available at Mud Bay. Shop in-store or online today!
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This cheese-flavored 🧀 💊 pill wrap helps make giving medicine easier for both dogs and cats. 🐕 🐈 Simply tear, wrap, and serve. It’s quick and mess-free.
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The soft texture can be torn to fit any pill, and the cheese flavor makes each dose easier to give. Now with pumpkin, and always free from grain, gluten, and soy.
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Stashio’s is a woman-owned company from Minnesota that creates simple solutions for daily pet care.
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You can find Stashio’s wrap-ups at Mud Bay, both in-store and online.
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Let your dog relax 💆 and unwind with a Puptail.
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After a walk, run, hike, or just because, this brunch-inspired Puptail is a fun way to help your pup slow down and take it easy. It’s easy to make and flexible, so you can mix and match to make it your own.
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Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Green Juju Golden Blend
- 1 tbsp blueberries
- 1 tbsp banana slices
- 1/2 cup Primal Raw Goat’s Milk Cranberry Blast
- Swell Dog Gelato Banana and Peanut Butter (for topping)
- Wagster Banana and Toasted Coconut Biscuits
- Green Juju Freeze Dried Vitality Blend
- Furvor Concentrated Beef Bone Broth (for ice cubes)
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Optional Extras 🐕 🐶
Blueberry and bone broth ice cubes
Wag and Bright Supply Co. Spirulina and Beef Collagen dog chew
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Directions
1. Add Green Juju Golden Blend as your base
2. Layer in blueberries and banana slices
3. Pour in goat’s milk between layers
4. Repeat layers as desired, then freeze or serve as is
5. Top with gelato, biscuits, and freeze-dried blend
6. Add ice cubes and extras for a cool finish
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Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
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Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
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