When to COMPLETELY change and clean your cat litter tray?

I scoop the litter box every day and add 1-2 cups of litter each time. It is very clean, but I am not sure how often to completely change the litter. I have heard everything from once a week to every couple of weeks, and even just a few times a year (my vet suggested this and said to bleach it too). He said it is fine as long as I scoop daily and fully clean it a few times a year. I want to get more opinions on this.

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We use crystal litter and we only have one cat. Every day we scoop and replenish the litter, and every seven to nine days we use a disinfectant to conduct a thorough clean.

How some individuals manage to get away with completing a thorough clean once a month or less is beyond me. We just can’t leave it that long since Ember urinates a lot. I wish that were the situation for us. It truly depends on your cat and how they use the restroom, I suppose.

It’s great that you’re scooping the litter box daily, as that helps keep it clean and odor-free! As for completely changing the litter, opinions do vary. Many cat owners find that changing the litter once a week is effective, especially for multi-cat households or if you notice any odors. However, if you’re diligent about daily scooping and your cat is healthy, you could stretch it to every two weeks or even monthly. Your vet’s recommendation to fully clean the box a few times a year is sound advice, as this helps prevent any buildup of bacteria or odors. When you do a full change, it’s essential to wash the box with mild soap and water and thoroughly dry it before adding fresh litter. If you choose to use bleach, be sure to rinse it well to avoid any harmful residue. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your cat, but regular cleaning and monitoring will help you maintain a healthy litter box environment.

You should completely change and clean your cat litter tray at least once a week. Here’s a quick guide:

Spot-Clean Daily: Remove clumps and waste every day to keep the litter clean.
Change Litter Weekly: Replace all the litter and clean the tray with soap and water once a week.
Thorough Cleaning: Wash the tray thoroughly and let it dry before adding fresh litter.