For senior adults who have a cat or two (or more) in their home, the biggest problem is usually the process of cleaning those litter boxes. As a result, they normally don’t get cleaned as often or as well as they should.
The problems are mostly due to either not being able to get down to the litter box if it’s on the floor or if the person is suffering from arthritis, they aren’t able to manage the handle of the scooper or have the strength to use it.
Fortunately, there are some pet products and solutions that we can share with you and hopefully one or two of them will work for you and your kitty family.
Self Cleaning Litter Boxes
The first thing I want to mention are self cleaning litter boxes because for some older adults caring for cats, this could be a great solution.
There are several self cleaning litter boxes available on the market these days. Honestly, I absolutely love the idea behind these but I’m still not 100% sure that they are a great solution for many seniors.
You’ll see why I say that when you read through my list of pros and cons of self cleaning litter boxes.
Pros
- The machine works right after the cat has used the box so there’s no lingering smell to stench up your home.
- You can go a few days without having to tend to the litter box (depending of course on how many cats you are caring for).
- For older adults – it eliminates the frequent bending down and handling of the litter which can be difficult if there are mobility and arthritis issues.
Cons
- These new fangled gadgets are going to cost you quite a bit more than a standard litter box so be prepared.
- Some also require that you purchase a special type of litter which your cat may or may not take to.
- Some cats simply won’t like using this box since they often begin working right after the cat has used it and sometimes still in it!
- They can be sometimes noisy which may wake you up in the middle of the night.
- Self cleaning litter boxes are mechanic so that means that things can go wrong, break down, etc.
- They tend to require certain trays and accessories that you will have to keep buying.
- You still have to clean out the tray – not as often as a standard litter box but it doesn’t completely eliminate that task for you.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect
Here’s a great video with a review of several self cleaning boxes.
In this video, her top recommendation is Litter-Robot 3 Connect.
This model also comes with an app which allows you to monitor it’s functioning and other features.
It’s the most expensive self cleaning litter box and does have some limitations as you’ll hear her mention in her video.
The other self cleaning products she recommends are…
PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Hooded Cat Litter Box
This one uses Blue Crystal Litter trays and is less expensive than the Litter-Robot model.
On a personal note – I can tell you that my own cats did not like the feel of the blue crystal litter product so you may want to find out if that is true as well for your own cat(s) before you purchase this product.
CatGenie Self Washing Self Flushing Cat Box
This model does not have a hood which may be more comfortable for your cat and although it’s more expensive it does wash and dry itself after every use. Of course, this means that it does need to be placed near a cold water line and a toilet.
PetSafe ScoopFree Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
This is a fairly inexpensive (compared to the others) self cleaning litter box and it works very well with clumping cat litter. Not recommended for multiple cats or larger cats.
LitterMaid Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
This model is the least expensive in this list and it uses a rake system which can get clogged up. Her review of this litter box demonstrated that although it’s cost effective it doesn’t work as well as she would have liked.
Long Handled Scoopers
You’ve probably seen a person or two walking their dog with one hand and holding a long handled scooper with the other. Well – there are long handled scoopers for litter boxes too!
These can work great if you are an older person who has trouble bending down to clean those litter boxes.
But – because the handle is long, it may be a bit more difficult to apply the strength that you sometimes need to scoop that litter.
If you are interested in trying this product out it’s fairly inexpensive.
Adjustable Length Handle Super Large Shovel
This product is promoted as “no more bending for scooping” which is absolutely true. The ergonomic angled handle (which means it’s a bit larger) can also be easier to handle.
The scoop itself is a bit larger than the average size. The length of the handle is adjustable which makes it even better.
Straight Handle Long Cat Scooper
If you aren’t a fan of the angled handle or don’t need a large scoop – then perhaps this model from Onlyoung would suit your needs better.
It’s adjustable and it’s also detachable so if you don’t want to use the long handle you can convert it to a standard scooper.
Raising The Litter Box
Of course, to avoid having to bend down to clean the litter box, it seems that a simple and inexpensive solution would be to simply raise the litter box.
As long as your cat(s) can jump up there and you have the space then this solution may work for you.
If you don’t yet have anything to raise the litter boxes onto may I suggest this litter box enclosure.
I would place the litter boxes on top and then put some cushions inside the box to give your cat(s) their own little room where they can sleep the afternoon away!
Of course there are many other similar options to choose from, as well.
I hope that some of these solutions work for you and your kitties!
