I scoop out the litter boxes every morning and every evening. Then on the weekends I do the major changing of the litter and cleaning the boxes. I noticed this week that the level of the litter in the boxes has been lower than in previous weeks. Both kitties were acting strangely when they stepped into the litter boxes. Gabbie started not covering her poo in one of the boxes. Also, there seemed to be more odor even though I had been using the litter box deoderizer as usual. Then, I figured out what had happened. I had purchased smaller boxes of litter and did not realize it. The litter that I use comes in three sizes and I did not know that. Usually one box of a certain size is the perfect amount to adequatly fill the litter boxes three inches. Yet, I had bought the smaller size. So, I bought another smaller box of the litter and put additional litter in the boxes so that the level is back to the usual. There is still some litter left in that box. Will it still be alright to use that partial box of litter this coming weekend? I mean, does an opened box of litter spoil? Also, do any of you replace some of the litter that has been scooped up with your cat's "deposits"?
I don't see why there would be any problem with the litter. Many times people buy it in bulk and then keep it to use later. I keep a small fairly air tight container close to my litter boxes that has "spare" litter in it, and I do replenish the levels of the box between cleanings.
I don't think litter has a use by date.
I've recently changed the brand of litter I use thanks to Jane (fluffy huffy) I can only get it in 7kg bags which is enough to give a 3 inch deep layer in 1 litter box. It's clumping so quite a bit of litter is disposed with the waste. I buy in bulk to have enough for all the litter boxes and to last 2 months so 8 bags each time. One bag per box lasts a month before I do a complete clean out of the litter box, I scoop daily and don't top up. There's usually about a 1 inch deep layer left at the end of a month which is disposed of and the box given a complete scrub and sterilised.
When the cats were kittens, I did a complete clean out of the open boxes weekly.
If your cats are happy with your scooping routine, there's no need to change as it could cause toiletting problems.
TeresaK Wrote:I don't see why there would be any problem with the litter. Many times people buy it in bulk and then keep it to use later. I keep a small fairly air tight container close to my litter boxes that has "spare" litter in it, and I do replenish the levels of the box between cleanings.
Where did you get the container for the "spare" litter?
My container is actually a metal trash can that you step on the pedal to open the top. Then I line it with a plastic garbage bag. The lid is heavy enough and with a rubber seal that it seems to be fairly airtight when closed
Why does it need to be airtight?
I don't think it does, but mine just kind of is.....
Litter doesn't go bad that I am aware of . A pet store we have leaves it out in a big bucket uncovered so people can scoop out want they want and take it home.
