Are you cleaning your cat litter box correctly?

How often should you clean your cat’s litter box? Plus three other tips for peak cat cleanliness

Throughout history, people have revered cats. Ancient Egyptians worshipped feline deities. In Norse mythology, the Viking goddess Freya rode around in a sled pulled by two cats. And my father regularly takes his cat on walks around town in a little bubble backpack so she can see the sights.

As anyone who has lived with a cat knows, we serve them and not the other way around. This includes the messy and malodorous task of tending their litter box.

According to experts, there is often room for improvement. “The most common mistake people make when it comes to their cat’s litter is creating a setup that works for them instead of for the cat,” says Samantha Bell, cat expert and content strategist for the non-profit rescue Best Friends Animal Society. “But we bring our cats into our homes, so we need to do our best to ensure they are as comfortable as possible, and a litter box is a huge part of their comfort.”

Below, what you need to know to ensure your feline overlord’s bathroom satisfaction.