Our little dog got real sick, they couldn't find out why (after about $2,000) and she was suffering so we put her down about 5 wks. ago.

We had to sell our home 1 1/2 yrs. ago and we live in a mobil home park now.  There is no yard for a dog and having one here cramped our lifestyle so we decided to get a cat this time.  Cats are not aloud outside so the sandbox must be cleaned twice per day.  The lady who gave me the cat gave me a ton of kitty stuff too, including Tidy Cat.  Man, that stuff stinks!  Cat poo may smell better!  This is the first time I had a cat that couldn't go out to do her business and our place is small.  We have one bedroom and an office with two bathrooms.  I don't know if I want to keep the cat because of the smell in here.  The lady said she will take the cat back if I like.

Any suggestions?

Having and cleaning a litterbox is an essential part of owning an indoor cat.

Cats also live much longer than dogs (especially indoor cats, kept away from outdoor hazards), so if you're having second thoughts at this stage, maybe having a cat in your present situation isn't the best idea. Maybe giving the cat back would be the best solution for both of you?

Good luck with your decision.

If you have a shelter in your area, talk to one of the people that help visitors with adoptions.  They will have options you can try to make the litter smell better.  But the best thing they will be able to do for you is talk over your concerns with you and help you decide if you are really in a place to happily keep this cat.  It is wonderful that you have a place to send the cat back to if you decide not to keep it and part of the jobs of most shelter people is to help owners decide if they are truly ready to have an animal.  They also help people who already own an animal decide if giving the animal up (whether to them or a previous owner) is the best option for both the person and the animal at that time. 

If you decide that you need to rehome the cat, please do not feel bad.  You know that you have a good place to return it to so it will not be on its own.  So if you do not think you can deal with the upkeep of a litter box (beacuse they do smell and cleaning them is not the most fun job in the world), then perhaps it is best to return the cat.  That you are even asking the question rather than just putting the cat outside in violation of the rules or just letting the litter box stay dirty shows that you are a responsible pet owner who puts the needs of the animal first.  Good luck in whatever you decide.

My only question is...is that scoopable litter? That's what I use and don't seem to have problems. BUT, here's one problem I had with a male cat I had. He had an enclosed box, but the bottom was low sided and he didn't squat to pee, he sprayed. The vet didn't know why, and he always used the litter box, but for a while, the urine was leaking out the seam and on to the floor.

I had to go out and find a high sided litter box to fix the problem. Are you sure all the urine is going in the box? And if you're cleaning it twice a day, are you throwing the used litter in your trash, and putting it outside? There is litter that you can flush down the toilet. It's all natural stuff. Can't remember the name of it.

First......I'm very sorry for the loss of your little dog.   My heart goes out to you and sending big hugs your way.

You mentioned that having a dog cramped your lifestyle......wouldn't a cat do the same?   I'm  asking because the only real difference in taking care of a cat and a dog is that a dog you take outside to potty and a cat you clean the box.  Since you have some doubting feelings at the moment, you might would want to reconsider having a pet at this time.  Best of luck to you with your decision.

I use Tidy Cat scoopable litter and I never have had a terrible odor from it.  Is it possible that this person gave you some really old stuff?   Having 4 cats......2 are males......I also sprinkle in some Arm and Hammer litter box deoderizer each time I scoop.  I constantly  have people come in my apartment and tell me that they never would've guessed that I had cats by the smell....that my home always smells so fresh and clean.  The Tidy Cat must be doing it's job okay for me.

Veronica..............My cat Seamus does the same thing.  He starts out in a squat and then he stands up in the back corner of the book and shoots a stream.  Even with a high sided box, he still managed to go over the top.  I can't use a covered box because Emma and Popcorn refuse to go inside.   My solution was to put sheets of plastic on the wall and have the  plastic go over the top of and partway down into the box.   The sheets that I use are those plastic floor runners that you put over your carpet that you buy at the hardware store where it's sold by the foot.  It works like a charm and to clean it I just wipe it down with a little bit of white vinegar.  No more tinkle on the walls or floor.