Cat Information

What did cat owners do before litter was invented?

Where would indoor cats go to the bathroom before cat litter was invented? Did people just use plain sand or dirt?

Public Comments

1. I don't think there were indoor cats before litter was invented.
2. Peopl used soil. After all cats dig soil up to go to the loo and then bury it.
3. Plain sand, loose dirt you can get in any yard. But it had to be changed quite frequently since there was no odor control involved.
4. Cats roamed outdoors most of the time.
5. I believe they used sand or just let the cat out. But most cats were outdoor cats anyway.
6. I've heard the litter box referred to as the sand box so I think they did use regular sand but for the most part, cats and other animals were kept outside of the home. Or at least they had free access to the out of doors.
7. a friend of mine always used a cardboard box with dirt in the bottom. some cats only go to the bathroom outside and won't use a litter box. they wait to be let out like a dog.
8. Before cat litter was invented there were NO INDOOR cats! lol Think about that...! : ) However, cats do not really CARE whether there is a litter box available OR NOT! : ) They can do their duty pretty much anywhere they please! Where...??? Welll...... in a house plant, on the floor, in any corner of your house, a nice area rug....your closet, anywhere!!! lol I KNOW... I own a LOT of cats... and I do cat rescue... one cat I rescued [a stray] actually ripped down a set of curtains from a window, then proceeded to PEE all over them!! lol : ) [He is now living outside again, BTW... :) ] Cat Girl..... [meow!] lol : )