Balcony grass "cubicle" litter box

Dr Bolouswki

I'm getting a pup and a kitten at the same time (to avoid territoriality and so they can be mates).

I live in an apartment and only have a large balcony rather than a garden.

I'm putting a pet flap in the balcony doors to give them access to the breeze - netting will be up so they can't jump over.

The cat will have his own "cattery" with levels, a tree etc. The dog gets the rest of the balcony.

I am building a large litter box (2x4 foot) out of a large shower tray. In this will be an elevated platform of a plastic grid on which will sit a layer of hydroponic sod (basically hybrid artificial grass - half real half fake). So to look at it would just like an open topped box of... a piece of lawn. The shower basin will drain via a pipe to a gutter.

The plan is to daily scoop the poop and bag and dispose, hose down the grass, disinfect/de-odorise. Will likely replace the sod every 3-6 months I guess (to be decided). I'm quite certain it will work - will see how the smell part works out.

I will section it off so that the cat can access 1/4 of it from the cattery - this area will be partitioned from the rest so it is private for the cat. The dog gets the rest.

I know it sounds mad - I just want the beasts to feel like they have a bit of a natural garden for themselves at night or the odd time they will be alone!

My question is this.

Will the cat be put off using it because of the proximity of the "dog smell"? I know sharing litters is out of the question - but this is a bit different in that there is no physical interaction - only the smell from nearby.

Any ideas?

Dr Bolouswki

I got the idea from this

cocker5

Dr Bolouswki wrote: »

I'm getting a pup and a kitten at the same time (to avoid territoriality and so they can be mates).

I live in an apartment and only have a large balcony rather than a garden.

I'm putting a pet flap in the balcony doors to give them access to the breeze - netting will be up so they can't jump over.

The cat will have his own "cattery" with levels, a tree etc. The dog gets the rest of the balcony.

I am building a large litter box (2x4 foot) out of a large shower tray. In this will be an elevated platform of a plastic grid on which will sit a layer of hydroponic sod (basically hybrid artificial grass - half real half fake). So to look at it would just like an open topped box of... a piece of lawn. The shower basin will drain via a pipe to a gutter.

The plan is to daily scoop the poop and bag and dispose, hose down the grass, disinfect/de-odorise. Will likely replace the sod every 3-6 months I guess (to be decided). I'm quite certain it will work - will see how the smell part works out.

I will section it off so that the cat can access 1/4 of it from the cattery - this area will be partitioned from the rest so it is private for the cat. The dog gets the rest.

I know it sounds mad - I just want the beasts to feel like they have a bit of a natural garden for themselves at night or the odd time they will be alone!

My question is this.

Will the cat be put off using it because of the proximity of the "dog smell"? I know sharing litters is out of the question - but this is a bit different in that there is no physical interaction - only the smell from nearby.

Any ideas?

Personally i think get both at the same time will cause you all sorts of issues OP but the choice is up to you.. what breed of dog are you looking at?

are you renting your apartment or are you a home owner?

does your apartment block allow animals ? (huge amount do not)

Ms Doubtfire1

Dr Bolouswki wrote: »

I'm getting a pup and a kitten at the same time (to avoid territoriality and so they can be mates).

I live in an apartment and only have a large balcony rather than a garden.

I'm putting a pet flap in the balcony doors to give them access to the breeze - netting will be up so they can't jump over.

The cat will have his own "cattery" with levels, a tree etc. The dog gets the rest of the balcony.

I am building a large litter box (2x4 foot) out of a large shower tray. In this will be an elevated platform of a plastic grid on which will sit a layer of hydroponic sod (basically hybrid artificial grass - half real half fake). So to look at it would just like an open topped box of... a piece of lawn. The shower basin will drain via a pipe to a gutter.

The plan is to daily scoop the poop and bag and dispose, hose down the grass, disinfect/de-odorise. Will likely replace the sod every 3-6 months I guess (to be decided). I'm quite certain it will work - will see how the smell part works out.

I will section it off so that the cat can access 1/4 of it from the cattery - this area will be partitioned from the rest so it is private for the cat. The dog gets the rest.

I know it sounds mad - I just want the beasts to feel like they have a bit of a natural garden for themselves at night or the odd time they will be alone!

My question is this.

Will the cat be put off using it because of the proximity of the "dog smell"? I know sharing litters is out of the question - but this is a bit different in that there is no physical interaction - only the smell from nearby.

Any ideas?

I don't think the cat will be put off by the dogsmell. ..when you';re done...can you do me one too????

aonb

That grass litter tray is so cool
Will a cat use a litter thats "grass" - as opposed to the litter/gravel stuff - I guess they will if used to it from day1
I dont think you will have a problem introducing kitten/puppy at the same time?
It will be a lot of work for you with two "babies" to sort at the same time though.
Would it make more sense to get the puppy (harder work to house train etc than a cat) and then 3-4 weeks later get the kitten?
Anyway Im sure you have thought about it all, good luck with your two pets - post a picture when they arrive (and a pic of your finished balcony?)

tk123

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

I don't think the cat will be put off by the dogsmell. ..when you';re done...can you do me one too????

I'd be more worried about the dog liking the cat smell and eating/rolling in the poo!

intheclouds

I dont think a cat would go in it. They like to dig a hole and then cover.

Dr Bolouswki

I spoke to both breeders and both recommended getting them at the same time. It does seem like more work for sure but I figured they would know best. I do like the idea of dog first but yeah, bit worried about the dog then thinking it was "his" turf.... i've still got time to change. Gotta think about it/investigate some more.

Dog can't eat the poo - thought of that one! The cat's "section" would be caged off. The digging bit yeah - that makes sense. I guess I will make that section big enough to take a small tray too in case the cat doesn't like it? Still working it out - just want to keep litter boxes out of the apartment. Agree totally about how cool the grass litter tray is!

Consensus seems to be smell not an issue for cat - thanks for all the feedback!

frillyleaf

Cats usually dig and hide their business so you may have an issue with the cat using it so I would advise a litter tray 😊 as long as the poop is cleaned daily there shouldn't be a smell especially as they are outdoors. Be careful the pup can't escape through any gaps under the fence, you'd be surprised how well they squeeze through small spaces!!

Dr Bolouswki

Ingredients:
Shower basin (free)
Plumbing pipe 2x3m (€7)
Easy plumb corner connectors x3 (€10)
Decking 5x2m (€25)
Scrap timber for internal frame (free)
Garden path Underlay x4 (€16)
Bag of gravel (€8)
Imitation Grass 1mx1m (€5)
Bricks for support (€15)
Various fixings (metal bracing strips, screws etc) €20

Total: About a €100 as I rounded some of the above. I've never done DIY or anything before - but this was kind of fun and easy. Delighted tbh. Thanks for the advice - was encouraging! The dog and cat get on great - neither of them **** in it!! (ha ha, I only finished it today)

Pigs Garden of Organic Sculpture

intheclouds

Not to rain on your parade, I wholeheartedly admire your enthusiasm and DIY skills!

But is that just a small cage balcony? I'm not sure why either animal would want to spend time on it when so much of it is a toilet?

Cats are very sensitive to smells, once that grass has been peed on the cat is unlikely to want to go anywhere near the balcony. Is it not going to make for very smelly guttering too if pee is constantly draining down the gutter? Will the pipes stand up to the acid in the urine?

Maybe it'll prove useful for the dog. Do let us know how it goes.