As I pondered ways to reduce the clay-litter dust, I wondered about improving ventilation at the box. Create negative pressure in the litter box so the clay-dust doesn't linger nor coat everything in the room.
A quick Google search and I found this site,
Litter Box Vent Fan, which details how to make a vent to take care of litter box odor. I like the idea, I wonder if it would work as well for dust removal as it does for the odor.
So, I got to thinking, which lead to planning, which lead to building.
The plan:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtVHXD1wYOKaXSArXw1ZLainx4rIZN44HPjjZ_IJ5fjjq-WoszWfgdYzm-_34TLIbBJoHbhXaTg-neemESKNJzqtjfYRFm8PXkXBBM2bAFj2wqvxjGjSucED3g4tKhWrESwe3Tf6FOYJ5/s400/100908_02.jpg) |
Wood box with front side that opens, allowing for litter box to slide out (litter box base attached with glider drawer tracks for easy access). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuhdFMmKYp1IWGhd_iBZYT38tENUjkYTDMXJ0WMMDROGV5lphL0J8FWGY3Agd0RODj7VvF6u1GJDHffhTQJJsvhsk6XGoMgnJaosm2pxWPuULOqafaS5HITxlOLXzQ-iDef5EB-iZkZci/s400/100909_2.jpg) |
Concept drawing #2, with access door open. |
The building:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwOb5n027G8yV9adDAUECIUFIidQh8ZNRJ-Sixvr3qDcLZxzTmi5GftMJCuO5ceUE0epEBdublEA_SFQ-4TrKjmXR6d_V11MiJOPNFtkfKxpybecRVLEWtM7FiLY5Hg8Hk-c3m2gSgqw7/s400/100908_03.jpg) |
The base that will ultimately hold the litter box. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWP-zImSIjZs8G_iLZ4SKQg6R_RQoIH3hIe7XuSiIsDmBcuJRG4oK2-Calsq6QvlQmgn9FMSXsktkJHZKW4a99FthR1dyMxWC4XRHsbjtiiKqSGf-d6yhpf9lB1DLRzwcqmWNGKXz2K9b/s400/100908_04.jpg) |
The fan/filter housing and wiring installed in the prototype. |
The installing:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToo4NgnsT4YcdT5fcS8LnVYIGRovxRgjC4bvcNpbhhn0WCG3elLR2MG6Ehcf_Hhm2xA88VcwZbi4Cg8b8MntM97ppIXDAXtF3JtLj6w_5HiJG3rPJEtwv5gj6N3FTmIeQECKQLza3f2cQ/s400/100908-05.jpg) |
Finished prototype. Box under broom, behind litter box is the fan/filter housing. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd7kWierWj-5kqnKff-9TvL06WKVQUfKchicp8YbtWx2zpFA1tuzUHUwUIBOTwoFjXgB9ClK9vXwDcL9fAXQ0rlyoSlGAyA1hNf3dR69H2DUKY73lIXtkuHIwb7y9X9UzUi65Vc9LV14S/s320/100908_06.jpg) |
A look inside the litter box housing. The circle at the top right of the photo is the vent going into the fan/filter housing. |
The testing:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Fu9WGkP3lLfttYTTk56M4CF7uHqBPCVXs5dc0Y7ZY76KxyaWbuo_sdnaZZkfgVfAGpy-E1kKk8R9DhhJpn7BHaHWYhMbjk3tqpra3IQtziBTRhh_gLY8ULdtd-wxweC7IwXICIuSvCm/s320/100908_07.jpg) |
Willow, checking out the nearly finished prototype.
|
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyKDnn7b_23TeaUaDyQfocZM06q1RV4wAh2wKC2Nr2Oj5VLFD2bRKziR8u7trAt9rPD-Qb9wU6ClKKmrkTKm8KzO6SfTHonttAYuOTNNBp0wpTAbS-5JIhjITpyjAgaaQXaWGptCITaTj/s320/100908_08.jpg) |
Moments later, Nahum has to try it out |
The fan is a little exhaust fan from a computer and the filter is a folded over paper towel. I am not sure the fan is creating enough negative pressure as it is. There may be a need for a more air-tight hood with a flap-type door or maybe a bigger fan. I was pleased that the fan is quiet and the cats are not bothered by the sound or by having the box covered. For now, I will give the prototype a trial run while making notes on possible problems and then will make the necessary adjustments.
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