How do you avoid that dreaded housebound cat smell? Simple: Clear out waste frequently and keep the box itself clean. Scoop out the waste at least twice a day, tie it up in a plastic bag and throw it away; if it's flushable, you can simply drop it into the toilet. Completely empty and clean the box about once a week. Scrub the pan and the scoop with detergent to clean and a small amount of bleach to disinfect, then rinse thoroughly. Let the box dry fully before refilling it with litter. A plastic liner makes your cleanup easier, but works best in a box with a rim or cover to hold it in place. Cats that really enjoy scratching in the box may tear the plastic, thereby defeating the purpose. A secondary benefit of these chores is that they give you the chance to keep tabs on your cat's health. If you notice changes in feces, blood in the urine or any unusual elimination habits, call the vet for advice.
