Sharing the same roof with cats and dogs, you will have most probably been a witness to the most diabolical embarrassing habit of a dog – rummaging around the litter box. This is most certainly unpleasant and unhygienic, and worse even can lead the dog to harmful microorganisms or parasites in or around the litter. For most pet owners, it feels an endless battle to keep the litter box safe without making it harder for their cats. The issue is: How to keep the dog out of the litter box in a way it actually works? The good news is that there are lots of responsible, pet-friendly measures to help — and they have been tried out by them owing to the same problem. Here are seven solutions that work really well:
The simplest and most effective fix for the litter box is raised to a taller spot. Cats are just naturally jumpers, so getting to an elevated litter box will be no concern for them. Most dogs, however, won’t bother from reaching it. You have the box on top of a strong shelf, a washing machine, or a custom-built stand. Just make sure the surface is stable so that your cat feels safe. Using a small ramp or step stool will facilitate access for older cats or those having mobility issues without providing a way up for your dog.
In simple terms, covered litter boxes for cats don’t let the dog intrude during this intimate issue; many have small front accesses that only your cat can manage while your dog cannot fit through. Covered litter boxes also hide the litter and odor. However, cats that don, not like confined spaces might dislike it; therefore, try to introduce the new change slowly. Place the covered box in an area already comfortable for the cat. Observe the behavior, and if they seem comfortable with it, leave it there.
With a free room or even a small laundry area, you can create a “cat bathroom” with nothing but a wall around the door. An example is a baby gate with its own cat door, for an easier option you could even add a latch to open the door only a little, keeping it just ajar for your cat but blocking the dog’s way. This is very suitable when it comes to a White Cat Door Holder Latch. It’s easy to set up and gives your cat easy access to their litter box while keeping the dog completely out. This object brings another base of privacy to your cat – many cats appreciate having that privacy.
If you cannot make a room off-limits entirely, it is still possible to create a cat-only area in your house, whether it be an unused closet, a corner in a quiet room, or a section of the garage (with proper safety and climate control). Use pet gates, arrange furniture, or add a special cat door to barricade access to your dog. More than just a litter spot, it should come complete with a scratching post, a cozy bed, and some toys so that your cat can see it as its own territory. Eventually, your dog learns that this area is off-limits.
Training is a long-term solution, but it will serve you well even beyond the litter box. Essentially, “leave it” means your dog knows to leave an object or something outside of him or himself. Start practicing with low-value items, such as a toy or a treat, and reward your dog for moving away from it. Increase the challenge by moving closer to the litter box over time. Short but frequent sessions work best, and always reward the desired behavior so your dog understands what is expected.
Dogs have such a keen sense of smell that you can use the sense to your advantage. Thus, for example, citrus, vinegar, or rosemary scents would repel the pet dog but not a cat. Lightly spray the areas surrounding the litter box with the pet-acceptable deterrent or place scented sachets around. Strong chemical smells are not to be used, as they could also scare away your cat. The goal is to make the area less interesting for your dog while not for your cat.
It will have an opening at the top rather than at the sides to keep the dog’s paws off from getting inside in the top-entry litter box. Any feline should be able to jump in and out easily, but the design makes things a little hard for a dog- especially the big breeds. This will also help minimize any mess when your cat leaves the box because loose litter will tend to fall inside again. Most of such boxes commonly act as an easy solution for the most dogged of households in that they provide privacy for the cat while at the same time acting as a base for the dog.
There is preventing your dog from entering the litter box setting aside the boundaries and perfect arrangement, with a little consistency. Whether you choose to build an elevated box or install door barriers, or you prefer to work on training, the goal is to provide your cat with a safe and private area where he or she can relieve itself. It takes time and a little patience before dogs would learn to keep away from entering the litter box because dogs tend to be curious that way. With these tips, it becomes much easier to exclude dogs from litter boxes and qualify for peace and cleanliness in your home.
