I just got my first cat and he’s great and I love him. I did a lot of research before getting him and thought I knew what I was getting into, as I have lived with dogs before and am used to the hair and cleaning it up… so I thought I could handle a cat.
I am starting to think I was wrong. Since having him, I’ve become more of a germaphobe/clean freak than I’ve ever been around dogs. I think it has to do with the litter box. I always had health concerns about keeping a literal toilet in my living room, but just figured I would get over it because every one else does it and it’s normalized so much so it must be safe? Despite reading about the ammonia fumes from their pee causing respiratory issues which freaks me out.
It’s not just the worries about my health, it’s also just basic sanitary concerns. Every time he uses the litter box it smells horrible. At least dogs poop outside. I don’t mind cleaning up the poop I just hate that it is always going to be INSIDE the apartment, unlike a (trained) dog. It’s like I am just co-existing with poop in my home and it’s all I think about now. I guess I have anxiety over it.
To clarify, if I am home when he uses the litter box then I will just scoop it up immediately after he’s done and throw it out IMMEDIATELY. But, I am often gone all day for work and when I get back all I can think of is that the poop has been sitting there for HOURS all day, the smell and bacteria just floating through my home into my kitchen, etc.
I don’t know how to get past this. It’s killing me and I LOVE my cat and love animals, but I can’t stand feeling dirty in my own home, and I’m thinking of giving him away but I feel horrible.
Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? Or any cleaning tips on the litter box? I empty it and clean it twice a week with soap and water.
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/onwh9o/litter_box_hell/
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