Litter tray etiquette

[Millie1]

When we had cats when I was young they lived in the tack room or boiler house and litter trays were unheard of!

As of yesterday, we have two beautiful 8 week old kittens. They are confined to our laundry for now to allow them to settle in and they have been brilliant about using the litter tray.

But, oh, the smell - just from their poop. It's so strong, makes me gag. We're using wood pellet litter. Should litter absorb or mask the smell - or do all those with indoor cats really have to stomach those fumes? Obviously, we scooped it out as soon as we discovered it.

Also, how often should we change the contents of the tray as opposed to scooping? Have only scooped no.2's thus far and guess I should take any damp litter out too.

Is wood pellet litter a good one to use or is there something more effective out there?

Thanks.

I use catsan.

Are your kitties on kitten biscuits. Dry food poo's are lots less offensive than wet food ones. Also, have they been drinking milk? That also makes the poo smell. Water only or cat milk for occasional treat.

I scoop as quickly as poss after my kitty has 'done her business' and I change my litter every 2/3 days.

Unfortunately the smells are part and parcel of litter trays but you can do the above to minimise. You do get used to it :) I was horrified when I got my first cat, haha.

Some litters are much more effective at dealing with the smell, but yes, basically you have to scoop as soon as they have been! I found the wood pellet ones aren't very good.

Thanks both of you. The smelly one was there when we got up this morning so heaven knows when she had done it. Got one after it was delivered and it was much less offensive . Shall definitely look into Catsan!

They were on a mix of dry and wet food at the rescue but I've put them straight onto James Wellbeloved dry - is that okay? They seem to love it anyway. And water all the way.

Still learning!

Oh one more quick question .... does the litter tray need disinfected every so often and, if so, what to use?

I am sure that dry food is fine. Lady at Cats Protection advised me to feed my kitten on Science Plan for kittens then switch to Purina once she is a year. I disinfect mine about once a week fortnight with diluted zoflora.

Mine is sound asleep on my knee now after tearing round my house for half an hour :o

That should have said Royal Canin for kittens, not Science Plan.

I used to go as soon as my cat had finished and scoop some litter over the poo to seal in the smell! Although probably takes 5 seconds longer just to scoop into some newspaper or whatever and bin, really.

Thanks everyone!

Have you got a covered litter tray? It does make a difference. (Perhaps not if they are tiny kittens but you could try and take the door off!)
We clean out once a day (our cat is older and can go out)
I use Milton to clean once a week.
You can get a powder to sprinkle in litter and mix in to help kill the stink!
Enjoy baby kitty playing. (Jealous emoticon!)