5 Litter Box Alternatives: What to Use Instead of Litter Box?

Is the problem of litter box alternatives giving you a headache? Litter boxes for cats are the best thing when you consider to have a cat. They are super handy and super effective, and they keep not only us but also our feline buddies happy all day long.

For some certain issues you have to say goodby with your trustly litter box. So, what if you just cannot get a new one ASAP, and your little cats are in desperate need to use the loo?

Can You Have Cats Without a Litter Box?

In short, the answer is no. Not having a litter box is generally not recommended and goes against responsible cat ownership.

However, you must clearly understand why the toilet isn’t the best option for cats:

Inability to monitor their health: Without a litter box, it becomes challenging to track your cat’s health through their feces. Changes in litter box behavior can provide valuable insights into their overall well-being.
Safety concerns: Cats using the toilet may encounter accidents where the toilet seat could unexpectedly fall, potentially causing harm to them.
Accessibility issues: Older cats or those with limited mobility may struggle to jump onto the toilet seat, making it impractical for them.
Contrary to natural instincts: Using a litter box aligns with a cat’s inherent bathroom instincts. Deviating from this may confuse or stress them out.

Why Flushing Cat Waste Is a Really Bad Idea

Unfortunately, even waste system in developed areas and countries can not handle all things especially cats waste. There are Toxoplasma gondii which known as a parasite only on cats and be able to transmit it through their feces.

There was a time when we contemplated moving internationally, bringing our cats along. During our research, we discovered that even in other countries, most waste systems are not designed to filter out and eliminate these parasites.

In fact, experts strongly advise against flushing cat poop for several compelling reasons.

Alternative methods are considered for the sake of your fellow individuals and the well-being of your septic system.

Please refrain from flushing cat waste and opt for more appropriate disposal options.

Is It Acceptable to Not Have a Litter Box?

Both indoor and outdoor cats all need a litter box. It provides a designated area for your cat to eliminate waste and significantly simplifies the cleaning process for pet owners.

And Where to Put Cat Litter Box in Small Apartment is sone of the most important to give the resident household can have a more hygienic living environment when sharing a building.

Cat’s overall physical and mental well-being can be healthier with the proper litter box. By adhering to a few simple guidelines when choosing a litter box, owners can prevent various health issues that may arise.

From preventing infections caused by harmful bacteria to establishing a reliable elimination routine for your cat, a litter box offers numerous benefits.

Even outdoor cats appreciate having a litter box available. It not only benefits your own yard but also helps prevent them from using someone else’s front yard or garden as a makeshift litter box. That’s why having a litter box is always necessary for any cat, regardless of their living situation.

You Will Need More Litter Boxes Than You Can Image!

Having at least one litter box is essential, but chances are you actually need more than just a single box.

A general rule of experienced cat owners is being aware of the important of quantity litter boxes proper with quantity of cats.

In apartment, for example. We’ve realized that three litter boxes are necessary to accommodate our feline friends. Stronger territorial instincts can make them hard to share litter box with others if owners have more than one cat.

How To Buy Cat Litter Box?

Choosing a litter box for your cat in factors:

Size: A litter box provides enough space for your cat to move comfortably and cover their waste.
Accessibility: Ensure the litter box is easily accessible, especially for older cats, kittens, or cats with mobility issues.
Number of Boxes: If you have multiple cats, provide one litter box per cat, plus an extra box to avoid territorial conflicts.
Hooded vs. Open: Decide between a covered or uncovered litter box based on your cat’s preference for privacy and odor control.
Litter Box Type: Consider different designs like rectangular pans, corner boxes, or top-entry boxes to accommodate your cat’s preferences.
Ease of Cleaning: Look for a litter box with features that simplify cleaning, such as smooth surfaces, removable liners or trays, and rounded edges.
Odor Control: Choose a litter box with built-in odor control features like carbon filters or covered designs if managing odors is important.
Durability: Opt for a durable litter box, especially if your cat tends to scratch or chew on it. Consider high-quality plastic or stainless steel options.
Location: Place the litter box in apartment where is a quiet, accessible area that provides privacy for your cat and avoids high-traffic or noisy spots.
Traveling litter box: this could be needed when you have plan to travel with your cats. Convenient, compact are factors you must concern.

How To Buy Cat Litter?

Consider the following factors when choosing a cat litter:

Type of litter: Clay-based, clumping, crystal, natural, or recycled paper options offer different benefits and drawbacks. Consider your cat’s preferences and any sensitivities they may have.
Odor control: Look for a litter with effective odor control to keep your home smelling fresh. Some litters use additives or scents, while others rely on their composition.
Dust level: Opt for a low-dust or dust-free litter to prevent respiratory issues in your cat.
Clumping ability: Clumping litter makes scooping and cleaning easier by forming solid clumps when in contact with urine.
Tracking: Some litters track more than others. Choose a litter with minimal tracking properties or use a litter mat to reduce mess.
Environmental impact: If you can imagine how much does cat litter per month, you will be aware of that cat litter is effective much to environment, consider eco-friendly dispose of cat litter options like recycled paper or plant-based litters.
Cat preferences: Cats may have specific preferences for litter texture and scent. Experiment with different options to find what your cat prefers.

Let’s see an example how we overview A Skoon Cat Litter before buying.

Read More: 5 Best Natural Cat Litters

10 Magnificent Alternatives to Cat Litter

You can consider these alternatives instead of cat litter:

Shredded Newspaper: Shredded newspaper can be easily disposed of or composted and can find it everywhere in your house.
Wood Shavings or Pellets: Wood shavings or pellets made from materials like pine or cedar can provide good odor control and absorbency.
Silica Gel Crystals: Silica gel crystals are designed to absorb moisture and control odors. They are low-dust and can last longer than traditional cat litter.
Coconut Coir: Coconut coir, made from coconut husks, is a natural and biodegradable option. It has good absorbency and odor control properties.
Wheat or Corn-Based Litter: Litters made from wheat or corn are natural and eco-friendly alternatives. They clump well and can be flushed or composted.
Recycled Paper Pellets: Made from recycled paper, these pellets are highly absorbent and can control odors effectively.
Grass Seed: Some cat owners have successfully used grass seed as an alternative. It provides a natural surface for digging and can be replaced as needed.
Reusable Washable Mats: Instead of using litter, you can train your cat to use reusable washable mats designed for litter box use. These mats can be easily cleaned and offer a litter-free option.
Scented Wood Chips: Scented wood chips, such as cedar or pine, can provide a pleasant aroma while still offering good absorbency.
Natural Fiber Pellets: Pellets made from natural fibers like wheat, barley, or grass can be an eco-friendly option. They are biodegradable and offer good odor control.

Read More: 6 Best Clumping Cat Litters

5 Best Litter Box Alternatives

Well, no longer would it be if you know these 5 cool litter box alternatives!

Storage containers

Surprising as it might sound, storage containers can serve the role of the litter box ever so wonderfully. If your cat’s litter box someday just goes down in shape and you have no choice but to toss it away, you can use these as replacements.

Now, storage containers can be pretty useful as they not only take up a small space in your house but also go easy on your wallet. Still, as they are originally made to store normal stuff, not… you-know-what from your cat, you might need to measure your container properly before putting it into use. A piece of advice: Go for those whose sizes resemble that of your old litter box.

In case you have no idea how to turn a storage container into your cat’s new ‘private spot’, here is a little guide:

Preparation:

2 deep containers or a bin (depends on how deep you want the new litter box to go and the number of cats you have).
A plate with which you will use to draw the round entrance.
A saw, a sharp box cutter, or a strong pair of scissors.

Instruction:

Place the plate on the container.
Use a saw or a sharp box cutter to cut 2 openings in the front of the containers.
And that’s it! You have finished making a new litter box for your feline friends. If you find it somewhat dull (storage containers mostly
come in only white or grey), let your imagination run wild, and decorate it yourself.

You can check out this video for more specific instructions:

Disposable litter box

Cats are lovely, and litter boxes are nice. Scooping their waste out of the box, however, is not. Have you grown sick and tired of this? To the point that you are thinking of duct-taping your cat’s backdoor so that you will not be bothered by the task? (Just admit it, we are all hit with this urge at least once in our life)

If you are repeatedly nodding your head at the moment, a disposable litter box may be what you are looking for!

The disposable litter box is a perfect solution for any owner who wants a use-and-throw box for their cat. Your cats come in, doing whatever they need to do in there, and then you just need to toss the entire box away. Neat and easy!

Besides, these boxes are typically made from paper or cardboard, which is eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly too)!

Disposable boxes are available in all shapes and sizes and you can easily buy them from any pet store. They offer all the best disposable litter boxes that you can find.

A disposable box can be a top-quality alternative to the litter box.

Carton litter box

On the off chance that you fail to get any storage container or disposable box, a carton box can be a cheap alternative to a litter box.

In fact, this might even do a better job. As we all have known, cats are crazy fans of boxes. So, using carton boxes might be a splendid potty train method, especially if you have stubborn kitties who refuse to listen to you.

Making a litter box out of a carton box is super easy. If you prefer the simple style, you can just leave it open and pour it into the sand. Or you can apply the instructions for the container storage box and make a more elaborate cat toilet. The choice is up to you!

Cat litter pads

You are an avid fan of traveling and you want to let your cat experience the thrill that an adventure can bring? But you cannot fit the litter box into your car, and you have to put that very plan off?

Then you can go for litter pads as litter box alternatives!

Cat litter pads are 5-layer mats that you can bring along when traveling by car. They can eliminate foul smells and control odors as there are certain types of filters within all the layers. On top of that, cat litter mat pads are disposable and easy to clean.

Read More: 9 Best Cat Litter For Kittens

Old cabinet to litter box furniture

Do you find the sight of the litter boxes lying here and there in your house nowhere near pretty? Then perhaps you should consider putting them somewhere far from your eyes. So, what do you think of keeping those boxes hidden in a DIY cabinet?

Scroll down and we will let you in on how to create a perfect place to keep the litter box out of grotty cabinets you are about to toss away.

Things you need:

An old cabinet that you no longer have any use of, primers, and some paints if you want to refresh its look.

Instruction:

Remove the door and hardware.
Use primers to refill all the old holes.
When the primer is dry, use a saw or sharp box cutter to cut out the opening on one side of the cabinet. This will be the entrance to your cats’ new private spot (the size depends on how big the litter box is).
Paint the whole cabinet with your favorite color. It’s done!!

Also, here is a brief tutorial that you can use as a reference:

FAQs – All About Litter Boxes

1. What can be used instead of cat litter?

Just like its containers, cat litter can be replaced by several different things that share its properties. If you are trying to cut down on expenses, you can try using junk mail and old newspaper (in shreds) instead of commercial litter. Regular sand might cut it too.

Plus, if you have a workshop or a farm, using wood shavings or chicken feeds is highly recommended.

We have already prepared an article that goes deeper into the topic of “What can I use instead of cat litter.” Just check it out if you want.

2. How do you make a homemade litter box?

Simply by following some basic steps, you can create a cheap and decent litter box for your lovely cats with what you have at hand. For example, you can go with a bin and a strong pair of scissors. All you have to do is to cut the opening on the bin, add some cat litter, and your feline buddies will fall for them promptly!

You can get more details and proper instructions on “How to make a cat litter box out of a Rubbermaid container”!

3. Where is the best place to put a litter box?

The best place to put a litter box is in your bathroom, under the sink, or next to the toilet in your house. This way, if any ‘accident’ occurs while your pets are having their ‘private them’, the cleaning will not be a pain in the ass.

What? You live in a micro-apartment and your bathroom is so humble in size for that? Then read our recent article on Where to put the cat litter box in a small apartment!

4. Do you really need 2 litter boxes?

Frankly speaking, NO! More litter boxes mean more things to clean up and deal with, not to mention the smell will be nowhere near pleasant. So, unless you have too many cats or too many rooms in your house, one is quite enough.

Interesting:

Conclusion

All in all, there are several things that you can use as litter box alternatives, including storage containers, disposable litter boxes, carton boxes, cat litter mat pads, or even an old DIY cabinet. If you have a cat or intend to have one, make sure to note down what we have shown you as it might be your lifesaver one day!