Dog Proof the Cat's Litterbox

Dogs and cats can live together in relative peace and harmony, but there are some undesirable side-effects of the relationship. One is the fact that dogs can't resist the tempting treats of cat poo in the litterbox. Once your dog realizes those little sandy nuggets are there, it'll do anything to keep going back for more, unless you do something about it.

Steps

 * 1) Locate a closet in your home that has space on the floor inside for the litterbox, and that you don't mind leaving slightly ajar.
 * 2) Test the width your cat needs to get in and out of the opening. Put Kitty in the closet, and firmly hold the door  open approximately 4" or so.  If Kitty has to struggle or squeeze to get out, open it just enough to let her come and go freely.
 * 3) Measure the distance of the opening.
 * 4) Buy a hook-and-eye latch that is only slightly shorter than your measurement.
 * 5) Sand a small patch of finish/paint off of the inside of the closet door, approximately 2" from the edge, and about two-thirds of the way up. [[Image:door.gif]]
 * 6) Sand one of the wide sides of the wood block to roughen.
 * 7) Apply a couple of blobs of wood glue to the block, and stick it onto the sanded patch on the door. This is going to give the latch eye a sturdy place to anchor, in the event that your door is hollow.
 * 8) Clamp with the C-clamp overnight for the glue to dry.
 * 9) Select a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than your eye anchor.
 * 10) Drill a small starter hole in the center of the block.
 * 11) Screw the eye anchor of the latch into the hole, make sure it's sunk as far as it can go.
 * 12) Measure the height of the eye anchor, and mark a spot on the door frame that matches.
 * 13) Use the same drill bit to drill a small starter hole in the door frame.
 * 14) Screw in the hook anchor as far as you can.
 * 15) Close the door to your kitty-width, and hook the latch together. Give the door a good wiggle to make sure the hardware is staying put.[[Image:done.gif]]
 * 16) Test the width again with Kitty inside the closet, this time with the latch on. If it's too small, you can get a little leeway by unscrewing the eyes at either end just a bit.
 * 17) Show Kitty the new location of the litterbox several times, just to prevent any confusion.

Tips

 * If you don't have a drill, you can make a starter hole with a hammer and a small nail. Watch your fingers!
 * Apply a coat of latex paint that matches the door or the doorframe onto the latch to camouflage it.
 * Measure twice, drill once.
 * Keeping the litterbox as clean as possible will not only leave less temptation for Poochie, but it will also prevent items in the closet from picking up litterbox odors.
 * An alternate idea is to elevate the litter box (on a box or an old table) so the cat can reach it and the dog cannot.
 * Another alternate idea is to put a piece of short wood (or a baby gate) across the doorway to the room where the litter box is located. My dog, a large German Shepherd, would not step over a board only six inches tall.  Humans can step over the wood or baby gate and cats will certainly jump over it.
 * Another great idea is to install a "Cat Flap" into the door, then your dog will not fit throught the door. Of course ensure you teach kitty how to use the new flap.

Warnings

 * This will only work if your cat is significantly smaller than your dog. You'll probably have to elevate the box if the dog is close to cat size.

Things You'll Need

 * drill and assorted small-sized bits
 * large (5" - 6" long) hook-and-eye latch
 * wood glue
 * sandpaper (medium grain)
 * C-clamp
 * Tape measure or yardstick

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Keep Your Dog from Chasing Cats
 * How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Your Cat's Food
 * How to Keep Your Dog out of the Cat Litter Using the Plastic Tub Method
 * How to Make Cat Jungle Gyms and Playgrounds
 * How to Communicate With Your Cat
 * How to Get a Cat As a Teen
 * How to Care for Your Cat