Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Cat lovers: litter box question (Read 11 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Cat lovers: litter box question
Yahoo Message Number: 103067
I'm narrowing down my list of must-haves before deciding on a LD model and need some voices of experience. I'll be traveling with a wonderful cat who has one major flaw. She enters her covered box, digs madly while flinging litter all about, and then positions herself so she aims out the box and onto the floor.
 Ideally, I'd like to put her litter box in an outside storage area that she can access from the inside and I can clean from the outside. It looks like with minor modification, under the dinette seat in the MB could work if the small outside door is large enough. Is access like this with an existing outside door available in other models?
 She makes such a mess that the shower is out. Sad to say, litter box placement is a thorny issue in choosing LD floorplan. Any help is very welcome.

Linnea
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103069
In a message dated 6/7/2009 2:36:45 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, no_reply@yahoogroups.com writes:

She  makes such a mess that the shower is out. Sad to say, litter box placement is  a thorny issue in choosing LD floorplan. Any help is very  welcome.
Linnea: I wanted to respond to you privately, but could  find no option for doing so.
In our experience, as a cat ages they seem to  require a larger litter box. We have currently made that adaptation for our  elderly cat, Katie, who will be traveling with us occasionally in our  new-to-us "Rosie", a 26.5 RB model.  She used to have a covered box at home  and we had no problems, then we got a cabinet to keep her litter box in (piece  of furniture) and she loved going in and out the big "mouse hole" on the side of  the cabinet.
Unfortunately recently she began having problems making it in the  box and we've had to take off one of the front cabinet doors so she can go in  that way.
We believe these difficulties arise from age related things like  maybe arthritis in her back? Our "grand-cat" had a similar problems with the  size of his box and the cover, but when a larger pan without a cover was  offered, he did just fine.  Maybe claustrophobia? Our plan for Katie is an open box in the shower  with a few layers of newspapers under the box. We hope that will work.

just our 2 pennies, LouAnne & Gerry in No. California

An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377042x1201454362/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103071
Linnea,
 I might suggest looking at a new litter box. Now the one I might suggest you look at is a top entry..Check Petco at http://www.petco.com/product/14467/Clevercat-Top-Entry-Litterbox.aspx?CoreCat=CatSFC_LitterLitterBoxes  or PetsMart at http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754439..
 I would think if your cat will use it that may make your decision easier.  :) Good Luck Sylvia & Draino the Cat "The DogHouse" 1996 30 IB
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103074
linnea2009  wrote: She makes such a mess that the shower is out. Sad to say, litter box placement is a thorny issue in choosing LD floorplan.
--- You might try this product; it helps contain the litter thrown out of the box by an "enthusiastic" cat, and it shakes out easily; just remember to bring up all four corners to carry it before you shake it outside:

http://tinyurl.com/mxbtux
 I suggest getting the *large* mat and testing out the amount of scatter around the cat's regular box area; if you find that it contains the litter well enough, you might reconsider the shower floor for box placement; it would be unfortunate to feel that you have to choose a floor plan based on litter box placement. ;-)
 Also, will she use a *covered cat box*?  Some cats will, and seem to like the "privacy", but some apparently think there's something evil lurking in the back of the box and will show their displeasure by eliminating in inappropriate places, like on your bed or in the driver's seat. (I know this.) Covered boxes are bulky, but they do contain the "flingings".
 If you do decide to use the shower floor for the cat box, you might want to place a flat rubber "stopper" over the drain (the mat would go on top of the drain, but litter migrates!) to prevent litter, especially the clumping type, to get into the grey tank.  And, you might also want to investigate the types of cat litter which are in larger pieces and scatter less; there are a couple which are wood-based, and a couple which look like rabbit pellets. You could go on a cat litter field trip to the pet store!  ;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103077
On Jun 7, 2009, at 5:36 PM, linnea2009 wrote:

Quote
I'm narrowing down my list of must-haves before deciding on a LD model and need some voices of experience. I'll be traveling with a wonderful cat who has one major flaw. She enters her covered box, digs madly while flinging litter all about, and then positions herself so she aims out the box and onto the floor.
Hi Linnea...getting close to taking the jump, eh?  Good for you!

In my rear bath Sambo's litter box rides in the wheel well of the passenger seat and that works well because I travel solo.

Have you checked Art's Archives?  Seems to me that there have been some pretty creative solutions to this very problem.  Also, have you considered (in the RB cabinet under the fridge) cutting a hole in the door or removing the door entirely, lining the floor and dedicating that "hole" to her majesty's very own powder room?  It's nice and deep, and you could just pull the liner out and dispose of her external mess while you're at it.

Just a thought!

Lorna, Sebring, FL still with stuck generator door.
 Blog:  http://uppity-woman.blogspot.com
2003 RB
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103081
Thanks for the replies. I felt a little silly posting this question, as I foster cats (right now have 8 with 1 more due any day and 5 litter boxes throughout the house), so I should be able to think this through on my own. The problem is that Smidgen stands in her large covered box with her business end pointed out its door, so the mat, floor, walls, and anything else nearby, including yours truly, can get a dowsing.
 A top opening box just might work. I've never seen one but it sure is worth a try. Thank you for the suggestion.
 Lorna, so glad to hear from you. Under the refrigerator is a wonderful idea. That would be so easy. Where do I find Archie's archives? BTW I just love your blog. Impressive!
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103083
When I traveled with my cats I got a large, plastic box from Joanne's that pretty much fit the shower. Then I put a smaller but bigger than a regular litter box inside it. It did the trick fine. I could lift it out easily, put it
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103084
Hi Linnea and thanks for the kind words.  It sounds like you're in the final stages...yes?  That's great!  Your cat Smidgen sounds like hoot -- they can be such ornery creatures and so unpredictable.
 ART's Archive can be found on the "Lifewithalazydazerv" home page by looking down the list of options (FAQ, SELLING, SEARCHING, etc.).  In "SEARCHING," click on "searchable archive."  That should take you right to it.  Or just go to: http://www.lazydazers.org/Yahoo/msg_display.php

(Sounds like you have your hands full with kitties and almost-kitties!)

Lorna blog:  http://uppity-woman.blogspot.com
2003 RB
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103091
Quote
Thanks for the replies. I felt a little silly posting this question, as I foster cats (right now have 8 with 1 more due any day and 5 litter boxes throughout the house), so I should be able to think this through on my own. The problem is that Smidgen stands in her large covered box with her business end pointed out its door, so the mat, floor, walls, and anything else nearby, including yours truly, can get a dowsing.
 A top opening box just might work. I've never seen one but it sure is worth a try. Thank you for the suggestion.

Linnea
We started using the clever cat box before we went fulltime and it has worked great for our two.

Jim
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103101
The top-entry box sounds as if it's worth a try in your situation. But for what it's worth, here's what I do.
 I tried the litter-pan-in-the-shower method early on, but quickly gave it up. It was messy, I got tired of constantly stepping on litter in my bare feet, and most of all I got sick of lifting a pan full of liter in and out of the shower every morning. That stuff is heavy!
 I bought a covered litter pan that fits nicely between the cab seats when I'm parked (98% of the time), and nestles under the sink overhang when I'm driving. In its cab location it's out of my way but convenient for Alix, occupying otherwise wasted space. With its folding handle on top, it's easy to slide a few feet back when the time comes to get underway, allowing me unobstructed passage from coach to cab.
 I use clumping litter, of course, which means very little has to be added from week to week. Because I usually scoop out the clumps in the evening, I mounted a Sylvania Dot-It LED puck light inside the pan's cover. It provides plenty of light, so that I don't miss anything.
 My cab blanket--actually an inexpensive comforter that I cut down and re-hemmed to the correct size for my rig--has a foot-high slit in its lower edge, so that when it's down, Alix can easily get through to her litter pan.
 Alix does carry out a bit of litter on her paws when she exits the pan, but my daily pass with the Swivel Sweeper quickly takes care of that... and it's much less annoying on bare feet when it's on carpet rather than linoleum.
 By the way, with my previous cat, Marie I had the same problem you did: as she got older, she started to hang her back end out the opening of the covered litter pan when peeing. A slightly larger litter pan solved that.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103105
Quote
I would think if your cat will use it that may make your decision easier.  :)
Good Luck

Sylvia & Draino the Cat

"The DogHouse" 1996 30 IB
 Yikessss!!!!  Draino the Cat? ? ? ? ???  At first I wanted to know, but given the topic of this thread....  Nope, ain't gonna ask, but thanks for shopping anyways :)

Slammy5150 "MERVN" 2006 30 IB Giggy and Maggie May

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103106
In our 2000 RK, the rear outside compartment on the driver's side opens to the area under the stove (and kitchen drawers).  We cut a square hole in the paneling below the oven door and installed a cat door.  That gave Daphne an entrance to her own private bathroom.  Plenty of room for the litter box, which can be cleaned from the outside.
 I'm not sure the RK compartments are still unchanged -- there may be something else under the range now. It maybe that the only definitive answer will be a factory visit.

/noel/
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103109
Quote
Yikessss!!!!  Draino the Cat? ? ? ? ???  At first I wanted to know, but given the topic of this thread....  Nope, ain't gonna ask, but thanks for shopping anyways :)

Slammy5150 "MERVN" 2006 30 IB Giggy and Maggie May
How Draino got his name!
 When I adopted him from the local shelter his name was Orlando, as he had been found in the city or Orlando and brought over to the Melbourne shelter. Well Orlando wouldn't fly and  I wanted to call him POTUS. My husband is a firm beliver that cats name themselves so  2 days after adopting him off we went in our coach "The DogHouse"  and we found that when we would look for the cat he was laying in the sink, doing nothing so we called him Draino!  I will post a few pictures.

Sylvia
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103123
Quote
I'm narrowing down my list of must-haves before deciding on a LD model and need some voices of experience. I'll be traveling with a wonderful cat who has one major flaw. She enters her covered box, digs madly while flinging litter all about, and then positions herself so she aims out the box and onto the floor.
Linnea, the shower works fine for us with a FL, and a RB would be similar. We put a stiff, custom cut carpet runner in the bottom of the stall, and face the box so the exit is at the rear of the stall (from the shower entrance). Litter is kicked out against the shower wall, and most contained on the floor by the thickly ribbed runner. The feline must do a 180 turn and leap over the high sill in the stall to exit the shower, leaving all loose litter behind. Converting to shower use involves lifting out the box, carefully lifting out the runner and dumping the loose litter into the box. Then any litter escaping the edges of the runner I quickly wipe up with a damp paper towel. Of course, converting back to cat palace involves completely drying out the stall with a micro-fiber towel.
 Note that litter still gets everywhere, eventually, because it sticks to cat paws and fur. Location of litter box has no bearing on this issue.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103124
We had the factory install a door on the side of the dinette behind the passenger seat.  We removed the door and put a curtain over the entrance to the area beneath the seat.  The litter box takes up about half the space and is easily access for cleaning by removing the seat cushion.

Cat's Meow Fredericksburg, TX
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
 
Re: Cat lovers: litter box question
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103127
Aaah, Cat's Meow, thank you. This is my ideal. An inside door opening under the dinette plus outside access for cleaning, with extra space for some kitty supplies.
 Or, if not a MB with the available outside door, using a smallish litter pan inside a large covered storage container with a cutout kitty access under one of the dinette seats, maybe lining the entire area with plastic...
 Since this cat has never completely understood that litter is not just for digging and that she is supposed to aim for it, well, enough said. Thank you everyone.

Linnea