This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® and The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® Program, but Horseshoes & Hand Grenades only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
Cats. They’re way different than dogs. While they love their humans, they’re more independent and they want you to know it. They are really the ones making decisions, not you, and if they actually listen and agree from time to time, then you should consider yourself lucky that they have allowed you to think you actually have a say. Different than dogs, cats also poop in the house…in a litter box of course, but in the house nonetheless which brings a whole other set of tasks that go along with being a cat owner (or should I say the person that the cat has allowed to cater to them). Litter boxes sometimes, can be the root of all evil, but there are ways to avoid that becoming the situation and ruining your feelings about cat parenting.
Our Newest Rescue Kitty – Pia
Of course keeping the litter box clean is rule number one. Cats don’t like a dirty box and if it gets too bad, they’re more likely to find somewhere a little more comfortable go. This could be the floor, a closet, under a bet or even on a pillow or in a laundry hamper. This makes for a pretty crappy day so make sure you’re scooping that box daily and those types of issues can be avoided.
As cute as she is, she’s cat #3 in our house, which means litter box duty is a priority!
Proper nutrition is also a big factor in avoiding litter box problems, including smell. Believe it or not, the right balance of vital nutrients lead to a healthy bladder, and a better smelling litter box. Urinary & Hairball control is for healthy cats so even if you feel like you’ve tried everything to correct litter box problems, and you’re still having issues, make sure you try adjusting foods as well.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has recently introduced a new Urinary & Hairball Control formula to their extensive lineup of products because a healthy bladder starts with the right balance of vital nutrients. Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control is formulated to support the health of the whole urinary system, from kidneys to bladder, through an optimal level of magnesium and natural fiber to help avoid hairball formation in healthy adult cats. It is a maintenance product for healthy cats, and does not treat crystals. As always, Hill’s recommends that a pet parent consult their veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for their cat.
Proper nutrition, patience, and a clean litter box are key to keeping your kitties happy, healthy, and at home instead of at a shelter. Of course if you’ve been thinking about adding a new member to your family, use the Find a Shelter tool to find a Hill’s® Food, Shelter & Love® shelter partner in your area.
Jasmine says
August 25, 2015 at 11:33 amAdorable cat! I don’t have any pets but I will let me neighbor with a ton of cats know
Shann Eva says
August 25, 2015 at 4:26 pmWe used to have a cat, but found out I’m allergic, so we had to get rid of her. She always had problems with her urinary tract so this food would have been helpful.
Claudette P. Esterine says
August 25, 2015 at 6:40 pmI don’t have cats and frankly, I couldn’t deal with the litter box care. Sorry. 🙁
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
August 25, 2015 at 7:50 pmYou have a really cute cat. I love it’s tongue sticking out!
rochkirstin says
August 25, 2015 at 9:46 pmI thought they’re okay to stay anywhere. So a dirty box or dirty bed won’t attract them? We don’t have any pets so it’s just nice to know all these about cats. We have neighbors though who have cats but they seem to not care about sanitation and proper nutrition.
Alison says
August 25, 2015 at 9:56 pmCat’s are actually very clean animals and most tend to shy away from dirty litter boxes and such. I know my cats will let me know when I’ve let it go a little too long, I can tell just by the way they’re acting and if I don’t recitfy the problem, they’ll make sure I pay attention by going somewhere they’re not supposed to. If I do my job as a pet parent though, and keep their bathroom clean, they go where they’re supposed to.
Elizabeth O. says
August 25, 2015 at 10:32 pmThis is nice to know. I don’t know much about cats since I haven’t attempted to get myself a cat to take care of.
rika says
August 25, 2015 at 10:42 pmI don’t have cats… only dog. I heard cats are so much easier and cleaner than dogs.
Ourfamilyworld says
August 26, 2015 at 2:32 amWhat a cute cat. My sister has a cat, so I will pass this on to her.
Liz Mays says
August 26, 2015 at 8:34 amIt makes sense that what they eat affects the litter box. Clearly I need to make some changes over here because yuck! It can get stinky!
victoria says
August 26, 2015 at 8:57 amI have an siamese cat and it is a very clean animals, when her bed was full of dirt she was sleeping on our sofa, and this a great post i learned those things
Sinziana says
August 30, 2015 at 9:55 amGreat post for cat lovers! I have 3!
Alison says
August 30, 2015 at 8:13 pmMe too 🙂 3 is a good number – 4 gets to be a little much and 2 just not quite enough – this also coming from the girl with 5 dogs lol
Debbie Champagne says
August 30, 2015 at 11:35 amI hear you on the cat boxes. I know I clean mine 3 times a day. I do have 4 cats and 3 big cat boxes for them. Out of all 4 of my cats, Sammie my Siamese likes to only use the litter box in the bathroom. I guess the other 2 are to far for him to walk..lol But if one of the other cats had pooped in it before him he will sit right outside of the box looking in and making this God awful meow sound. so I come and scoop it ad he is all happy.
Your post is very informative and a great post to read.
Alison says
August 30, 2015 at 8:12 pmOh my gosh I has a Siamese once and she was the most finicky cat too!! I think it’s in their nature – they rule the house and how dare anyone else use their throne!!
Tracy Williams says
September 12, 2015 at 2:03 amHi Alison, Yes I have so beautiful cat in my home and I love her very much. Thanks for sharing such nice information with us. I totally agree with your point of view is that Cats don’t like a dirty box.