What Can I Put Under Cat Litter? Creating a Clean and Fresh Litter Box
Choosing the right material to put under your cat litter can dramatically impact odor control and the ease of cleaning. What can I put under cat litter? While many cat owners neglect this crucial step, using an underlayer can significantly improve litter box hygiene and overall cat care.
Understanding the Importance of an Underlayer
An underlayer in a cat litter box acts as a barrier between the litter itself and the bottom of the pan. This barrier offers several crucial benefits.
- Odor Control: Helps absorb lingering moisture and ammonia smells.
- Ease of Cleaning: Prevents clumped litter from sticking to the bottom of the pan, making scooping and cleaning easier.
- Extended Litter Box Life: Protects the litter box from scratches and damage caused by scooping, prolonging its lifespan.
- Cat Comfort: Provides a more hygienic environment for your cat.
Acceptable Underlayer Materials
Several materials are suitable for use as an underlayer. The best choice depends on your preferences regarding cost, environmental impact, and ease of use.
- Newspaper: A readily available and eco-friendly option. Shredding the newspaper allows for better absorption.
- Puppy Pads: Designed to absorb liquids and control odors, puppy pads are an excellent choice, especially for multi-cat households.
- Litter Box Liners: Specifically designed for this purpose, litter box liners come in various sizes and materials, including disposable and reusable options.
- Paper Towels: Similar to newspaper, paper towels offer good absorbency and are easily disposable.
- Old Towels or Blankets: Can be used if you’re looking for a reusable option, but be sure to wash them frequently.
How to Use an Underlayer
Here’s how to properly incorporate an underlayer into your cat’s litter box setup:
- Clean the Litter Box: Thoroughly wash and dry the litter box.
- Prepare the Underlayer Material: Cut or shred the chosen material to fit the bottom of the box. For puppy pads or liners, simply unfold and place.
- Place the Underlayer: Carefully place the material on the bottom of the box, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Add the Litter: Pour your preferred cat litter on top of the underlayer.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Scoop the litter box daily and replace the underlayer weekly, or more frequently as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Materials that Could Be Toxic: Avoid materials like certain plastics or chemically treated fabrics that could harm your cat if ingested.
- Not Changing the Underlayer Regularly: A saturated underlayer can become a breeding ground for bacteria and contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Using Too Little Material: Ensure the underlayer is thick enough to effectively absorb liquids and prevent litter from sticking.
- Ignoring Your Cat’s Preferences: If your cat avoids the litter box after you’ve added an underlayer, try a different material.
Benefits of Different Underlayer Types
The choice of what you can put under cat litter impacts various factors.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ————– | ———————————————————————————————— | ——————————————————————————————- | ——– |
| Newspaper | Eco-friendly, readily available, inexpensive | Can be messy, may not be as absorbent as other options | Low |
| Puppy Pads | Excellent absorbency, good odor control, easy to use | Can be more expensive than newspaper, not as environmentally friendly as some alternatives | Moderate |
| Litter Liners | Designed for the purpose, comes in various sizes, helps keep the litter box clean | Can be easily torn by cats, some liners are not biodegradable | Moderate |
| Paper Towels | Good absorbency, readily available | Can be expensive, not as eco-friendly | High |
| Old Towels/Blankets | Reusable, cost-effective in the long run | Needs frequent washing, may retain odors if not cleaned thoroughly | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of putting something under cat litter?
Putting something under cat litter creates a barrier between the litter and the bottom of the box. This absorbs moisture, controls odors, and prevents litter from sticking, making cleaning easier and improving litter box hygiene.
Are litter box liners the same as an underlayer?
Litter box liners can serve as an underlayer. They’re specifically designed for litter boxes and offer a convenient, all-in-one solution. However, other materials like newspaper or puppy pads can also effectively function as an underlayer.
Can I use plastic bags as an underlayer?
While plastic bags might seem convenient, they are not recommended. Cats can easily tear and ingest them, posing a choking hazard. Furthermore, plastic bags don’t absorb moisture effectively.
How often should I change the underlayer?
The frequency of changing the underlayer depends on the material used and the number of cats. As a general rule, change it weekly or more frequently if it becomes saturated or starts to smell.
What are the signs that the underlayer needs changing?
Signs that the underlayer needs changing include a persistent odor, dampness at the bottom of the litter box, and visible signs of saturation or soiling.
Can I use scented products under the litter?
While scented products might seem appealing, they can deter some cats from using the litter box. Cats are sensitive to smells, and strong fragrances can be overwhelming and unpleasant. It’s generally best to use unscented materials.
Is newspaper safe to use as an underlayer?
Yes, newspaper is generally safe and eco-friendly to use as an underlayer. However, ensure that the ink is soy-based to avoid any potential toxicity to your cat.
What if my cat tears up the underlayer?
If your cat tears up the underlayer, try using a more durable material like puppy pads or a thicker litter box liner. You can also try burying the edges of the underlayer under the litter to discourage digging.
Can I use fabric softener sheets under the litter?
No, do not use fabric softener sheets under the litter. They contain chemicals that can be harmful to cats if ingested. They are also not effective at absorbing moisture.
Is there an eco-friendly option for an underlayer?
Yes, newspaper is a great eco-friendly option. You can also use biodegradable litter box liners or compostable puppy pads.
Does the type of cat litter affect the choice of underlayer?
Yes, the type of litter can influence the choice of underlayer. Clumping litter, for example, might require a more absorbent underlayer to prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the box. Non-clumping litter might require more frequent underlayer changes.
My cat stopped using the litter box after I put in an underlayer. What should I do?
If your cat stops using the litter box after you introduce an underlayer, remove it immediately. Your cat might be sensitive to the material’s texture or smell. Try a different material or go without an underlayer altogether.