What Not to Do
Let’s start with the “don’ts.”
Avoiding a few common cleaning mistakes can make a surprisingly big difference. Take a look at this quick checklist. If you’re already avoiding all of these, you’ve probably got at least 80% of your litter box routine right.
Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners on the Globe
CATLINK Cat Litter Box Cleaning Brush Set
It’s difficult to give a single definition of what counts as a “harsh” cleaner. There are simply too many formulas and ingredients on the market. But there are a few signs that the cleaner you’re using on your litter box globe may be too aggressive.
For example, after wiping down the globe and letting it air-dry, you might notice that the surface looks slightly lighter than before. Or you may see tiny cracks or signs of brittleness around the edges of the silicone seal. If your litter box looks or feels just a little different after cleaning, it’s worth asking whether the cleaner may have been too harsh.
If the cleaner is only affecting the litter box itself, the problem is relatively manageable. What concerns us more is what happens when your cat comes into contact with those residues. Your cat’s paws are delicate, and cats also groom themselves by licking their paws—meaning anything left on their paws can eventually make its way into their bodies.
So, if your litter box isn’t particularly smelly to begin with, plain water is usually enough for a deeper clean; If odor is a bigger issue, try a diluted, cat-friendly cleaner instead.
Don’t Clean Immediately After Every Use
If you’ve always used a traditional litter box, you may be used to cleaning it right after your cat does their business. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But with an automatic litter box, we actually recommend giving the waste a little more time before cleaning. In the cleaning settings, try turning on Continuous Cleaning or Soft Stool Burial. Both modes work on the same basic principle: give the litter enough time to fully clump before removing it. Letting the litter form a solid clump can go a long way toward preventing urine from leaking into the globe or the base of the litter box.
So if you’ve always had your litter box start rotating immediately after your cat leaves, try giving it a little more time. Sometimes, a few extra minutes can make a real difference.
Don’t Put Coffee Grounds in the Globe
CATLINK litter box Odor Eliminator
Coffee grounds are great at absorbing odors, which is why so many people like to keep them in the refrigerator as a natural deodorizer. But we don’t recommend mixing coffee grounds into your cat’s litter or putting them in the waste bin.
There are two reasons for this:
First, cats groom themselves by licking their paws. Their kidneys and metabolism are very different from ours, and we simply don’t know how much exposure to coffee grounds mixed into litter could affect a cat’s health. This is also why cat parents are constantly reminded to be mindful of potentially toxic plants and other everyday household substances.
Second, freshly ground coffee has a wonderfully rich aroma, but that same fine texture also means more dust. Some cats are sensitive to litter dust, particularly those with sensitive airways, so using coffee grounds as a deodorizer isn’t really worth the trade-off.
What You Should Do
Many cat parents are already doing these things, but they’re worth a quick reminder.
Completely Replace the Litter Every Two Weeks
Over time, litter gradually gets used up, while the amount of odor-holding, soiled litter continues to build up. We recommend doing a complete litter change at least every three weeks, and ideally every two weeks.
It may sound like a small routine change, but a genuinely fresh litter box can make a noticeable difference in your cat’s everyday environment.
Keep the Litter Box in a Well-Ventilated Area Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can raise the temperature inside the litter box. In the summer, that can turn an enclosed litter box into something surprisingly close to an oven—with very little opportunity for heat or odor to escape.
For better ventilation and long-term device durability, we recommend placing your CATLINK in a well-ventilated indoor space and, whenever possible, keeping it out of direct sunlight.
Take a Quick Look Between the Globe and the Base During Deep Cleaning
No matter what kind of automatic litter box you use, a small amount of litter will eventually find its way into the space between the globe and the base.
Whenever you empty the waste drawer, take a moment to lift the globe and vacuum out any litter that’s collected underneath. It’s a simple step that can help reduce wear and tear on the globe while also keeping stray litter from making unwanted noise as it moves around.
During a deep clean, we recommend lifting the globe at least once every two months and using a vacuum to remove any litter that has collected underneath. And if you ever hear a little click-click or an unfamiliar rattling sound while the litter box is running, this is one of the first things worth checking.
Final Thoughts
A little routine maintenance goes a long way. After all, the goal of an automatic litter box is to make life with your cat easier.
