Litter boxes and their accessories are among the most important purchases you can make for your cat's health and well-being. It is well known that litter box avoidance and litter box "accidents" are close to the top reason for cats being surrendered to shelters. Help your cat develop good litter box habits by keeping your litter box area fresh and clean with these products - my top picks.

Photo © Franny SyufyDisposal of litter box scoopings has been a universal problem among cat owners until Petmate Litter Locker came along. This award-winning product seals urine clumps and feces, along with their odor, safely inside until ready for permanent disposal in the included plastic bags.
Catpaper is recommended both for putting under litter boxes to catch the "accidental overflow" from cats with poor aims, and for attaching to walls behind litter boxes for the same purpose. It is made from absorbent white paper bonded to a clear plastic backing amd really does the job it claims to do, without allowing any liquid to seep through to the floor. Available in rolls and sheets. (The starter package is a good buy.)
Have a limited area in your home for the number of litter boxes you optimally need? These attractive litter box benches serve a double purpose as a piece of furniture that effectively hides the box. They come in two sizes and a number of colors.
Baking soda has traditionally been used for neutralizing household odors. (What refrigerator doesn't have an open box of baking soda for that purpose. The trusted name of Arm & Hammer has taken the concept further, with a 20 oz. box specifically packaged for odor control in the litter box.
This long-handled scoop helps to do the scooping job with a minimum of bending and stooping.
The ergonomic handle provides a good grip, and the serrated front edge helps to scrape all those bits of soil that might stick to the bottom of the box. It is recommended that you clean your litter scoop with soap and water, then rinse well after each use.
Responsible litter box maintenance requires at least daily scooping and complete replacement of the litter regularly, depending on the brand of litter used. These antibacterial litter box liners help keep your cat's litter protected against bacteria, mold, mildew, and odors, while the drawstring makes replacement a breeze.
Step 'N Go is a functional, attractive mat with grasslike blades (astroturf) that trap litter and help keep kitties' feet clean. Simply shake to clean (outdoors, of course.) It comes in several designer colors.
A nice litter box cabinet not only hides litter boxes from view, but helps avoid the litter-tracking problems. I like this one because it really is attractive, and has space inside for storing litter, scooper, and other accessories. The stained glass insert depicts a beautiful cat in a window, or you can opt for an optional hand-carved door. It isn't cheap, but it's on my wish list for now.