Most of us who live with cats have experienced at least one episode of “litter box aversion” at one time or another. A recent column was devoted to how to clean up afterwards. This time I’ll address how to keep the depository inviting.

The first rule is to have a litter pan for each cat and place them in different spots. Not only does this keep the boxes cleaner longer, but it helps to sidestep any turf wars which may be brewing. I have one cat who likes to ambush the others when they are in a compromised situation. If this sounds familiar to you, have at least one uncovered box available so no cat feels trapped, and add an extra one just in case. The bully will not be able to watch them all at once.

Rule two is to clean the box frequently, and by this I mean at least once a day if not twice. There is nothing more distasteful to a prissy cat than being forced to use a dirty toilet. I have seen boxes that have literally been solid masses of cat urine and feces, and the owners wondered why their pet was going in the corner on the rug!

The most common excuse I hear for not scooping is that the person cannot stand the smell. Well really, if you can’t stand the smell think of the poor cat whose nose is much keener than ours. Changing a baby’s dirty diaper is not all that pleasant either, but you wouldn’t leave the same one on for a week! Then think what that pet is tracking onto your lap or bed and everywhere else around the house.

There are many ways to combat the odor issue the first being a clean box. for the cleaner it is maintained the less it smells. Try spraying a room deodorizer before scooping, burn some incense or dab a bit of perfume under your nose. There are also fragrant stick-on gel discs that can be put inside the box.

Litter box liners might be good for you as disposal would be quick and easy. But here again, you must do this often as the liner may be shredded by the cat’s claws if you wait too long. You will also go through litter faster as you will be basically throwing the whole box away each time.

Invest in one of those self-cleaning boxes. They are pricey and some cats are afraid of them, but some people love the daily freedom they provide. You will still have to empty the receptacle as needed, so how much better will it really be?

Hire a neighbor’s child to scoop for you as an after school job. It will be worth the money, make two people happy and your cat as well. You might even have a budding affordable cat sitter for that upcoming weekend getaway.

There are dozens of different litters to choose from, many containing odor-fighting agents such as baking soda, lemon grass and pine. Ones that are labeled for multi-cat households might be a good choice even if you only have one animal. Whatever you do try, be sure to pour the new litter into a different clean box to see if your cat will use it.

Never just change litters without introducing it to your cat first. This can be done as suggested above, or if you know which product you will be using, begin mixing it into the current box a little bit at a time until the switch has been made.

Now let’s discuss how to clean the box itself. Cat urine is very potent, so at least once a month the litter pan and scoop should be cleaned. You may want to try a pet odor removal product instead of using harsh chemicals and detergents which may leave a smell so strong it will be distasteful to your pet, causing him to avoid the newly-cleaned receptacle. We do use bleach for equipment used by kittens that have been treated for parasites, but we hose it off thoroughly and let it dry in the sun. If you chose to use this method, try it first with one box before cleaning them all this way.

The worst thing you can do is to give your cat a reason NOT to use the litter box. I hope these ideas encourage you to keep it clean and your cat to be equally as courteous in return.