Chomel, M., Fernandez, C., Bousquet-Mélou, A., Gers, C., Monnier, Y., Santonja, M., et al. (2014). Secondary metabolites of Pinus halepensis alter decomposer organisms and litter decomposition during afforestation of abandoned agricultural zones. J. Ecol. 102, 411–424. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.12205

Think about what you would already have in your apartment. If you already own four benches, you probably don’t need another. But if you have lots of plants around, a house plant litter box may fit right in. Use citrus smell as a repellant. Many people find their cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Soak a few cotton balls in some lemon juice, orange juice, or lime juice. Set them in the soil around the plant. This may deter your cat from going near the plants. [8] X Research source Periodically replace the cotton balls when you notice the smell starts to fade or if you cat starts going near the plants again. How often should I clean my cat’s litter box? Ideally you should scoop your cat’s litter box once a day at the very least, or twice if you have multiple cats. Litter should be replaced and the box thoroughly cleaned at least once every two weeks or so. This story was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget who does her business on a tinkle pad, even at the airport. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Anna embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.Vahdat, E., Nourbakhsh, F., and Basiri, M. (2011). Lignin content of range plant residues controls N mineralization in soil. Eur. J. Biol. 47, 243–246. doi: 10.1016/j.ejsobi.2011.05.001

Unless you teach your cat how to use the toilet, you’re guaranteed to have at least one litter box in your house. Some cat owners have the space to place the litter box in a little used area of the house where guests don’t have to stare at a cat toilet during game night. However, you may not have that option if you live in a small space. Thankfully, if you’re handy and have access to tools, you can craft your own litter box enclosure to keep your cat’s business out of sight (and maybe smell). Here are 16 DIY litter box enclosures you can build today. Make sure your cat's litter box is easily accessible. A box with sides that are too tall may be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of. If you keep your litter box in a space that's often closed off, your cat will not be able to find the box when necessary. Conversely, a cat may be embarrassed or scared to use a box that's out in the open or in area where there's a lot of noise or commotion. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Artistic Hand-Textured Tuscany Hidden Litter Box - Red Clay Finish: Conceal Your Cat's Essentials with Style! Used cabinet, 1 ½ inch trim, liquid nails, wood filler, chalky paint, sandpaper, clear wax, drawer pullsDisentangle the interactions between litter-mediated vs. rhizosphere-mediated PSFs. We already know that rhizosphere pathogens or symbionts play a strong role in mediating PSFs ( Bennett et al., 2017; Semchenko et al., 2018) and litter-mediated PSFs are gaining more attention ( Freschet et al., 2013; Hobbie, 2015; Zhang et al., 2016; Manrubia et al., 2019), but interactions and their relative hierarchy of importance needs to be elucidated. For example, modeling work showed that rhizosphere-mediated PSFs may modify or override litter-mediated PSFs ( Ke et al., 2015). Also, microbes in the rhizosphere can immobilize the nutrients liberated from plant litter, thereby buffering litter-mediated PSFs via nutrient cycling ( Miki et al., 2010). These findings indicate the need to study rhizosphere- and litter-mediated PSFs in combination (see Box 1 for an example) to disentangle their interactions and relative importance. This will require full-factorial experiments where rhizosphere- and litter-mediated PSFs are manipulated. Within such studies it will be important to carefully consider spatial and temporal scales at which litter- and rhizosphere-mediated PSF effects occur, as these are not necessarily the same. In addition (stage-structured), models could be powerful to further explore how litter-mediated PSFs could operate ( Ke et al., 2015; Campbell et al., 2016). This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Zhang, J., and Elser, J. J. (2017). Carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus stoichiometry in fungi: a meta-analysis. Front. Microbiol. 8:1281. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01281 POPULAR — Even though the plant is fake, this unique litter box looks like a real plant when the cat door opening is turned to the side.

With an entryway that's only three inches tall, the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box will appeal to more experienced cats who prefer the path of least resistance. Boddy, L. (2016). “Interactions between fungi and other microbes,” in The Fungi, eds S. C. Watkinson, L. Boddy, and N. P. Money (Oxford, UK: Academic Press; Elsevier, 337–360.Cat and dog super chunky knitted beds/mats/blankets - suitable for window sills, ledges, floors and more

Keep in mind that what works for one cat might not be effective for another. If your cat doesn't seem to be repelled by peppermint, try lemon (and vice-versa). Essential oils with potent aromas and citrus juices usually work well, however. Bradford, M. A., Veen, G. F., Bonis, A., Bradford, E. M., Classen, A. T., Cornelissen, J. H. C., et al. (2017). A test of the hierarchical model of litter decomposition. Nat. Ecol. Evol. 1, 1836–1845. doi: 10.1038/s41559-017-0367-4 Penuelas, J., Prieto, P., Beier, C., Cesaraccio, C., de Angelis, P., de Dato, G., et al. (2007). Response of plant species richness and primary productivity in shrublands along a north-south gradient in Europe to seven years of experimental warming and drought: reductions in primary productivity in the heat and drought year of 2003. Glob. Chang. Biol. 13, 2563–2581. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01464.x I did about three coats of white satin spray paint on the outside. I just laid out a cardboard box and put the pieces on top and evenly sprayed a layer and let dry and continued to do that until fully white! Raaijmakers, J. M., Paulitz, T. C., Steinberg, C., Alabouvette, C., and Moënne-Loccoz, Y. (2009). The rhizosphere: a playground and battlefield for soilborne pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Plant Soil 321, 341–361. doi: 10.1007/s11104-008-9568-6Lehmann, J., and Kleber, M. (2015). The contentious nature of soil organic matter. Nature 528, 60–68. doi: 10.1038/nature16069 Lower your risk of scratches and injuries as you care for your cat’s nails and claw and paw pad health. Freschet, G. T., Aerts, R., and Cornelissen, J. H. C. (2012b). A plant economics spectrum of litter decomposability. Funct. Ecol. 26, 56–65. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01913.x At first, one might think…a cat igloo? But really, this designer catbox is genius. After all, the igloo completely hides the litter and makes a design statement, and Mink seems to love it. And, Ivy gets to wake up every day and look at her Japanese igloo art sculpture instead of a stinky plastic box full of sand.