r/Catownerhacks

My apartment is small and the odor gets bad fast with 2 cats, so im trying to find something that actually keeps the smell down and isnt a pain to clean every day. Wondering if covered boxes really help or if they just trap everything inside lol thanks

I’ve also tried a couple basic open trays before but they just seem to spread the smell more around the room especially when the cats dig a lot. I clean daily but it still builds up quick and I’m not sure if I’m missing something like a better design or if I just need a different setup entirely

What's their routine like (diet, indoor/outdoor, vet care, etc.)? Anything you think really made the difference?

Trying to spot patterns so the rest of us can help our cats get there 🐱

I’ve acquired a 5 y/o cat (neighbor dumped her outside in freezing temps), and I never planned to own a cat in my life, so I’m a little out of my depth. We (self and roommate) have two dogs, so we’re familiar with animal care in general and I’ve started some research on cat care. I’m a big planner so I’m outside my comfort zone here, and have started reading every article I can find on cat ownership lol. While I’m doing that, I’d love some advice on setups and gear that will help give my new kitty a comfortable home. I own my home so I’m open to bigger modifications for her benefit as well.

I have a cat tower, a sifting litter box, and a cabinet for the litter box on the way, and plan to put some wall shelves up in the near future. She hasn’t shown a lot of interest in toys yet, but it’s only been a few days. Planning to start out with cheaper options and then once she’s settled and shows me what she likes best, getting her better quality things (towers, toys, etc)

Does anyone have any hacks to having a litterbox in ur apartment? We can afford a one bed one bath, we have two cats and want to find a way to keep their litterbox hidden

Hello, I have a cat who currently uses an enclosed plastic litter box with a doggie door.

I want to find a litter box that is ultimately easier to clean/provides better odor control. I have thought about using a steel litter box but even when there is plenty of litter my car will scratch the walls of the box to really make sure it’s buried. So I am hesitant because I have heard it can be uncomfortable to scratch the metal for their claws.

I have thought about an automatic litter box but in order to get one I know would be safe is a tad out of budget at the moment.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

This’ll be long but I really need multiple opinions on this. This whole situation is breaking my heart.

I had my female cat for all her life (4yrs) and she’s not really cared for other cats. About a year ago my boyfriend picked up a stray kitten and we raised him for 6 months before he got FeLV, and became so sick we needed to put him to sleep. But during the time we had him, it took us a while to introduce them to each other because she was hissing, etc. shes not really the sweetest cat to begin with. She can get irritated quickly. But eventually she got used to him and we could put them together. He was playful and she didn’t mind him and we really had no issues. Maybe it was because he became sick and didn’t really wanna play with her.

Anyway, losing him really destroyed us. So a few months later we started looking at cats in the shelter and eventually found one that we really liked. He was around the same age as my other boy was. So we thought it would be okay.

We tried doing the same introduction we did the first time, but maybe a few less days. Maybe we should’ve waited longer but I feel like this issue is more than just introduction. She’s fine with him just sitting in the same room, sometimes even passing next to her or sniffing each other. They can eat treats with each other.

But he is so very playful. So energetic. And he wants to play with her but she doesnt want to play with him. I genuinely thought she would want to but she doesnt. Obviously this was my big mistake, I should’ve known this. Please don’t tell me I shouldn’t have gotten such a playful cat, I know.

I think the problem of why she hates him so much is because he jumps on her even when she hisses and he still chases her and jumps on her. Of course I try to stop him but he doesnt listen when you make loud noises, if anything it makes it worse sometimes.

and I feel like it’s getting worse. They just had a really bad/loud fight and her fur was on the ground. This was the worst it’s ever been. I’ve separated them again but I’m constantly having to separate them. I feel like neither are living a happy life because he clearly wants a cat to play with. And my female cat doesnt like him, he stresses her out so bad that she coughs. (Only when he continues to chase and jump on her, this isn’t often that she coughs).

But now I’m so attached to him it’s breaking my heart that I may have to send him back to the shelter/foster. He’s genuinely a sweet cat, and I’m able to love on him how my female cat doesnt let me. And it’ll be like losing a cat all over again. I’m going to feel an empty hole where he was. But obviously I don’t want to stress my female cat out. We’ve had him for a few months now and I don’t know what I can do. Please someone help me.

Does anybody throw in their already dry towels in the dryer to get them all heated up and then spread them on the bed so that the cat can sleep on a warm towel, or is that just me being neurotic and trying to be helpful? Because I know they love the heat coming off of the blanket and they will sleep there for hours and I just love seeing them do that.

I live in a pretty small space so the litter box smell is something I notice quickly if I fall behind even a little. Does the automatic ones really help with that or if it’s still basically the same situation?

Like I want something where I don’t walk into the room and immediately think about litter. If you’ve used one in a small space, did it make a noticeable difference or not really?

Sorry if this is the wrong thread but there needs to be more awareness of this. Was just laying with my cat playing with his paws when I noticed he had one huge claw that was so overgrown it was digging deep into his paw/toe and was crusty and purple. Was luckily able to get it removed and cleaned. Hoping it heals okay.

In conclusion, check your cats paws and claws here and there.

I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, and I’m used to that very social, outgoing, “best friend” kind of energy. Like constant interaction, always excited to see you, super affectionate, etc.

Lately I’ve been seriously considering getting a cat, but I feel like I need a bit of a reality check from people who actually have them.

My main hesitation is personality. I’ve met some cats that are super playful, curious, and affectionate, but I’ve also met a lot that are pretty aloof or just do their own thing most of the time. Literally nothing wrong with that, for the record. I’m just worried about ending up with a cat that…doesn’t really like me or isn’t interested in interacting much.

I don’t expect a dog in a cat’s body, but I do want some level of companionship and interaction. I’m totally fine with independence, I just don’t want to feel like I have a roommate who tolerates me instead of a pet that actually bonds with me.

So I guess my questions are:

• How realistic is it to expect a cat to be affectionate and social on a daily basis?
• How much does personality depend on the individual cat vs how you raise/socialize them?
• Is there a way to increase the chances of getting a more “dog-like” (for lack of a better term) cat?
• For people who have owned both, what were the biggest mindset adjustments?

Appreciate any honest takes, even if the answer is basically yeah this might not be for you. I’d rather know that upfront than go in with the wrong expectations, since that would be very unfair to the cat!!!

Hey guys!
I have not been a cat owner since I was a kid. I recently got married, and my husband is moving in with me. He has a cat, but I am allergic to cats. I’ve always been mildly allergic. Not living with a cat for 10 year has caused the allergy to grow. I do LOVE cats and want this to work out.

I get itchy eyes upon contact with fur or things the cat has been on, and get hives or super irritated from scratches. Some dogs also affect me this way.

Tips and tricks for this? Has anyone had success in healing from this histamine affect? I have done acupuncture in the past (yes this can help in some cases) but it got too expensive. I’m also very holistic and love homeopathy and natural remedies.

Would love any advice!

I’ve taken care of cats before and grew really attached to them but never had one for myself. I’m now moving into a 1,000 sq ft apt with my best friend and I want to adopt a cat for myself. There are no other pets but my roommate is considering getting one as well. Are there any breeds I should avoid or thing to look for when adopting?

My 2 voids (female and male, 6yrs) had their yearly exam and I was informed they both need a dental cleaning and my male cat needs a left back tooth and right upper canine removed. I feel awful for him but I am a frustrated because my cats have always gone to their yearly appointments with the same vet and every year I ask should we do a dental. The vet would brush me off and say they are fine but now it’s escalated to needing teeth removed. Why didn’t they just tell me to do the dental cleaning sooner to prevent the extractions?

I started doing research after the fact unfortunately and discovered they should have had a dental at 3 but when I would push for it they would say it’s not needed.

My cats are super picky about litter, so we're not interested in switching from the grass litter that's working. But there are tiny beads all over our hardwood floors. What the heck do people use to get this up?