If only, IF ONLY there was some kind of alternative ...

[YamiNoHime]

I remember when they started using the plastic bags. They were saying that it was to save the rainforests. Weird

[Dragon_Dreamer]

We did, and tried everything. These two are legitimately scared of their own shadows. They were found as feral kittens when they were about 3 months old, and apparently had been terrorized by neighborhood kids. 8 years later, they still barely tolerate human presence.

[Mental_Mouse]

Ask your vet for advice on introducing your cat to the new gizmo. There are routines and techniques for that sort of thing.

[Pixelated]

I would love to have one of the automatic litterboxes. We even borrowed one for a couple months.

My cats are TERRIFIED of it. Ever seen a long furred cat ZOOM away from the litterbox, a string of poop waving like a stinky brown banner from his rear? We ended up giving it back to the friend who had loaned it to us. (It had been a trial run, and if they'd taken to it, we'd have bought it.)

Okay, I know it wasn't funny to the cat, but ...

Yeah, I'll have to see if I can borrow one before I go and blow all that cash on it. Especially given my various cats' tendencies, down through the decades, to reject what I've just spent money on in preference for "the simple life" (the stereotypical cardboard box over the $25 bed I just bought ...)

[Dragon_Dreamer]

I would love to have one of the automatic litterboxes. We even borrowed one for a couple months.

My cats are TERRIFIED of it. Ever seen a long furred cat ZOOM away from the litterbox, a string of poop waving like a stinky brown banner from his rear? We ended up giving it back to the friend who had loaned it to us. (It had been a trial run, and if they'd taken to it, we'd have bought it.)

[Mental_Mouse]

Well, paper has its own environmental liabilities (water use/fouling in its manufacture, plus it's not actually all that biodegradable), but right now, plastic does seem to be causing more serious and widely distributed problems.

[workerbee222]

My boss has decided that plastic is evil. Even though our business would not be affected by the bag ban, he is determined to use something else. From where I sit, the system in the works looks like the gift box scene from "Love, Actually," but, not my circus, not my monkeys.

[Mental_Mouse]

I use Chicobags, and love them. Sturdy nylon/whatever bags that (for the shopping-size bags) stuff into an interior pocket, ending up about half the size of my fist. They have a variety of colors, styles and sizes too, from a little one whose storage form can go on a keychain, up to a picnic bag that stuffs into a roughly-flat square. My oldest is most of 5 years old, and looks a little shabby (then again, it's olive green -- the newer ones are brighter) but is still entirely usable..

[workerbee222]

Actually, the litter goes into one of those step-on-pedal-raises-the-lid trash can, which is fine. But for the trash man to take it away, it still must be double bagged. I'm not going to argue with the guys that pick up my garbage. single use bags of some sort will have to be purchased, when now they're free.

[dalesys]

... One box corks.

Delayed side effect: Exploding cat obviates all gains.

[Kit-Ginevra]

Simple solution. Eliminate the need for any litter boxes or bags.

One box corks.

[Sparklyturtle]

I can't use plastic grocery bags in wastebaskets because my idiot cats like to chew on them, and then it makes them throw up for the next few hours. I'd rather just not use bags in wastebaskets than deal with cat hurk. I use a bag in the kitchen trash, but that's under the sink behind a cabinet door they can't open.

[Slave to the Phone]

I never even considered paying that much for an automatic litter box, but my sweetie though it would be a good idea. He was so very right! The footprint isn't much larger than a large litter box, 3 adult cats happily use the single robot instead of us having 4 boxes scattered around.

We used to scoop 4 boxes at least once a day, dump/wash/refill them once a week, as well as dumping more litter in the boxes during the week.

Now, the robot detects when a cat has gone into the dome, waits long enough for the clumping litter to harden, sifts it and drops the results into a plastic bag. Once a week, we replace the bag and add more litter.

No smell, no wasted litter, and we are not constantly leaning down to clean boxes.

You can take my Litter Robot when the Zombie Apocalypse starts and the power goes out forever. NOT beforehand lest you end up wearing a bag of litter covered used cat food.

[Pixelated]

I am in total agreement about the Litter Genie/Litter Robot suggestions. Yes, they are pricey, but they save so much time, litter and bags.

*snip*

Okay, so this IS about the $500 litterboxes and not just the closed containers for litter disposal (similar to the old diaper pails) ... ?

My first thought was "Crap, do they EVER take up a lot of space," but I don't think they take up more space than my current two litter boxes plus the disposal box.

Will save up some $$$ and give them a try. Somehow I doubt my siblings are going to get me one for Christmas.

[Slave to the Phone]

I am in total agreement about the Litter Genie/Litter Robot suggestions. Yes, they are pricey, but they save so much time, litter and bags.

I have also found that if I am in need of cheap plastic bags, I can contact one of the many donation centers who are thrilled to stuff as many of their bags into my car as possible. Nobody uses good bags to donate stuff, and they have to pay to have them hauled off.