Top 3 must-have cat litter box accessories.

A chic, properly furnished bathroom makes a house a home, right? It helps you feel more comfortable, anyway. Your cat enjoys the same benefits from using a well-outfitted litter box. 

What accessories does your cat need to 💩 in style?

The best litter box overall.

Before we start furnishing your cat's box, let's go back to the basics. What is the perfect litter box? 

Many factors go into selecting the right litter box for your pet, including size, ceiling, and entrance.

• Appropriate Size: The rule of thumb is: your cat's litter box should be as long as your cat from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail (extended). It should be as wide as the cat is long without his tail extended. Our Modkat litter box products measure from 14 inches wide to 16.5 inches wide and from 16 inches deep to 21 inches deep for the biggest litter box.
• Covered Litter Box or Uncovered: Does your cat prefer her box covered or uncovered? According to researchers at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, 70% of cats have no preference while 15% choose an uncovered box and 15% opt for a covered box. 
• Top or Front Entry: Adult cats often seem to relish leaping into a top-entry box. For kittens, senior cats, or cats with disabilities, however, a front-entry box may be the top option.

Some litter boxes come hidden in pieces of furniture. While this idea looks clever in photos, it's often not practical in real-world homes. A bookshelf, end table, or armoire is a lot more cumbersome and much heavier than a traditional litter box. 

Other boxes feature robotic arms that stir up the litter each time your cat uses the box. These look super cool, but they weren't designed with cats in mind. A robotic box is often too small for larger kitties, and it can frighten animals with its mechanical sounds. Plus, you have to change the litter, no matter what.

The best litter box should be spacious enough for a cat and attractive enough for a human.

…And it should be filled with the right cat litter.

How to choose the right litter for your cat.

To give your cat the best litter, you need to think outside —and inside — the box.

Think inside the litter box.
Cat litter should be absorbent, unscented, and dust free. We recommend a clumping litter because it makes scooping much easier for you. Sorghum, walnut shells, and Arm & Hammer's natural litter all clump nicely. Definitely avoid anything with added scents, which can drive cats' sensitive noses haywire. You can toss in baking soda or activated charcoal to reduce smells.

Think outside the litter box.
Clay cat litter is an environmental hazard. Companies strip mine tracts of land in states like Georgia, Montana, and South Dakota to get truckloads of clay. Strip mining destroys many animals' natural habitats and extends deforestation. Clay litter also causes a problem on the backend. Since it can't be flushed, it ends up in landfills where it will live without decomposing for thousands of years. 
Many inexpensive green litter options work great for cats, are easy on humans, and do not harm the planet.

Accessorize the litter box and save.

You've discovered the perfect litter box. You've found the right clumping litter. Now, it's time to splurge on all the litter box accessories that make a great addition to your cat's life.

Litter box scoops.
Every litter box needs a scoop. The best scoops have holes or slots that will clean litter boxes while letting the unused litter fall back in the tray. A good scoop should be sturdy. Choose something made from corrosion-resistant metal or a durable plastic. Our Modkat scoops also have beveled edges to get those hard-to-reach spots in the corners of your box.

Cat mats.
Litter mats are like doormats for cats. They trap small pieces of litter that your cat tracks outside the box. These handy litter box accessories protect your floors and furniture from scratches and stray pebbles. Cat mats come in several styles and makes. Mesh, silicone, and dual-layer mats are popular because they work well and are easy to clean. Our Modkat mats get great reviews, including one that said, "Give yourself a break. Just get it."

Odor eliminators.
You never want to try to mask litter box odors with heavily scented potpourri, litter, plug-ins, or sprays. These can irritate cats. That said, you do want to eliminate that distinct litter-box smell. A covered box can go a long way toward that goal by trapping odors. You might also sprinkle baking soda over your fresh litter, or you could invest in a cat-friendly odor remover kit.

Small trash bin with a lid.
Disposing of cat litter isn't easy. Unless your cat litter specifically says it's flushable, don't flush it. Cat litter clogs drains, harms animals, and contributes to water problems at the source. Instead, invest in a small trash bin with a lid. You can dump used cat litter there. Just remember to empty the box before trash day. Cat litter that's out of sight — and smell — can start to get rank.

Litter box maintenance.

Once you've found the right cat box, litter, and accessories, your litter box experience is nearly complete. From there, it's a matter of keeping things clean. A cleaning policy should look something like this:

• Scoop daily (even better, scoop after every visit your cat makes to the john)
• Top up the litter as needed
• Refresh the litter completely once a week (liners make this task a cinch) 
• Wash the plastic box with warm water and gentle dish detergent once a week
• Replace your odor control kit once every 3-6 months.

Litter boxes can be gross — and sometimes funny — but they're important to feline health and happiness. A dirty litter box can make your cat sick and your house stink.

So give your cat, and yourself, the gift of a litter solution that looks great in your home, keeps litter off your floors, and lets your cat feel free to pee as high as she wants.

“It looks nicer than any other hooded or open option we considered.”

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