Skip to main content

6 litter box hacks we think are genius (and will save you tons of cleanup)

Use these tips to keep your cat's litter box clean

Cat standing in a litter box in a living room
New Africa / Shutterstock

Cats are wonderful companions, but their litter boxes aren’t exactly pleasant. Litter boxes can be a hassle to clean, some cats throw litter everywhere, and the smells can be strong. Luckily, are plenty of tips and tricks that can make things easier, whether that’s using a different product or just changing your cleaning technique. These litter box hacks can save you time and money, but most importantly, they can save you and your cat a lot of frustration, too. Here are our 6 favorite litter box hacks for you to try out.

Orange cat lying next to a litter box full of paper litter
Yulia Alekseeva / Shutterstock

Use disposable liners

One of the best hacks to simplify cleaning a litter box is to use disposable litter box liners. These liners prevent the litter from coming into contact with and sticking to the box, and when you buy liners with drawstrings, you can lift the whole liner, including the litter, up and out of the box. There’s no scrubbing needed unless your cat scratched through a liner, so cleaning the box is faster and easier.

For liners to be effective, they need to fit your box well, so measure carefully and shop around until you find liners that are the right size. You might find that some brands are thicker and more durable than others, so don’t be afraid to try a few different options until you find a brand that’s right for your needs.

Grey kitten sitting in a litter box
NordStock / Shutterstock

Try wipes from the store

If you hate the mess of scrubbing out a litter box with a sponge, give some cleaning wipes from the store a try. These wipes can be a lower-mess option, and you don’t have to worry about rinsing and storing a sponge.

If you try wipes, make sure that you purchase unscented wipes. Most cats aren’t wild about citrus smells, and you don’t want a heavily scented cleanser to drive your cat away from using the box. You can get extra-good deals on disposable wipes when you buy them in bulk or head to a dollar store.

Black and orange cats in a litter box
Guajillo Studio / Shutterstock

Make your own cat litter

If you’re tired of lugging big bags of heavy litter home from the store, it might be time to try making your own. You can make your own cat litter using old newspaper, dish soap, and baking soda.

Keep in mind that making your own litter isn’t exactly a time-saver. It’s a multi-step process and it will take a few days before the litter is finished. Making litter can be a good way to recycle newspapers and to avoid dealing with heavy store-bought litters.

Kitten using a litter box
Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Use a metal scoop

If you’re tired of litter clumping up and getting caught on the scoop, it’s probably time to switch to a metal scoop. Metal scoops are stronger and more durable than plastic scoops, and litter doesn’t stick to them as it does to plastic scoops. Metal scoops will cost a bit more than plastic ones, but chances are you’ll be happy about this investment every time you go to clean your cat’s box.

Kitten sitting in a purple litter box
New Africa / Shutterstock

Use a plastic tote

Tired of your cat tracking litter all over the house, no matter how many litter-catching mats you put down? This last hack is our favorite, and it comes from the Animal Rescue Site. To start, you’ll need a large plastic storage tote that has room to contain your cat’s litter box, while also giving your cat space to walk in front of the box.

You’ll need to cut open a large hole in the tote that will serve as a doorway. Then, place your cat’s litter box inside, and line the front of the tote with litter-catching mats. Place another mat just outside of the tote to capture any excess litter.

The tote neatly contains your cat’s litter box, while helping to prevent your cat from spreading litter all over the house. It can be particularly effective if your cat enjoys digging around in his box and flinging litter around the room.

Woman cleaning a cat's litter box next to a cat tree
sandyman / Shutterstock

Add an extra litter box

Having more than one litter box may sound counterintuitive, but it can actually reduce the amount of time and effort it takes to clean them overall. For starters, having multiple litter boxes in different locations reduces the risk of your cat having an accident because it can’t get to the litter box fast enough. This is especially helpful if you have a kitten or an elderly cat, or if your cat is sick. Additionally, your cat’s business will be spread out across a couple of different litter boxes, meaning each litter box will be less dirty and will stay clean longer.

This hack is particularly useful if you’re traveling and leaving your cat at home. Even if you have someone coming over to clean their litter box, they likely won’t be cleaned as often or as thoroughly as they typically would. Having multiple litter boxes helps keep the mess from getting out of control, which is better for your cat’s health and your home!

Litter boxes can be a lot of work, but with a little experimentation, you can find a setup that works well for you. Start with these 6 litter box hacks and branch out from there – you never know what might work for you! You might need to try different litters and different box styles until you discover what is right for your cat, and what’s easy to clean. If you make these changes, be sure to gradually introduce them to your cat. Cats are highly particular about their litter boxes, so give your cat time to get to used to any of the changes that you’re introducing. This strategy will increase the chance of your cat accepting those changes.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why does my cat stare at me for no reason? Good question – we dug up some answers for you
What to know if your cat can't seem to take their eyes off you
Two white kittens looking curious

Do you feel like your cat is always watching you? It may seem like your cat’s eyes are locked in on you, whether you’re sitting on the couch, in a Zoom meeting, or headed to the bathroom.
We know -- those deep green, amber, blue, or multicolored eyes are gorgeous. You can gaze into them for hours when bonding with your kitty. Yet you may prefer it if you had some semblance of privacy. Maybe you feel like your cat is judging you or plotting against you.
It’s understandable to want to know, “Why does my cat stare at me?” The language barrier between humans and felines complicates matters. However, experts point to a few reasons why you can’t seem to escape your cat’s watchful gaze. Here’s what we dug up.

What does it mean when cats stare at you?
Cats stare to send a message. What is your kitty trying to tell you? That answer will depend on their personality and needs at the time.

Read more
How long can cats go without food or water? It’s less time than you think
This is how often cats need to eat and drink
A Himalayan cat eating a treat outdoors surrounded by fallen leaves

Cats and humans have more in common than you might think. Despite the size difference, both cats and humans require a safe place to sleep, regular meals of nutritious food, and plenty of water. However, the erroneous belief that all cats hate water is often conflated with the amount of water our feline companions need to drink each day. Research shows the evidence that cats "hate" water is anecdotal at best, and it usually stems from a negative experience, like being left outside in a rainstorm. In reality, cats can't go for days without drinking clean water.

How long can cats go without food and water? The answer may surprise you. Here's everything you should know.

Read more
A dirty litter box is dangerous for you and your cat: Why want to keep it clean
Litter box safety tips and tricks for a clean, healthy home
Cat sitting in front of a Litter Robot litter box

A dirty litter box is unsightly and smelly, but it also carries serious health risks for you and your cat. It's all too easy to let your cat's litter box go uncleaned for too long, especially if you're busy and only remember about the box when it starts to smell. But just like you make a point of feeding your cat every morning, you also need to make scooping and deep cleaning his litter box part of your routine.

What are the risks associated with a dirty litter box?
A litter box that isn't cleaned regularly poses many dangers that can lead to serious diseases that are harmful to both you and your cat. The solution is easy, especially when you think about the products that can simplify cleaning the litter box. Read on to learn what the risks are so you and your furry friend will both be safer.

Read more