Cat Litter Box Tips: Dos and Don’ts
Cats are naturally clean animals and have an instinctual desire to bury their waste. Litter box behaviour is an important aspect of a cat’s routine, and understanding and addressing their needs can help ensure they use their litter box appropriately.
Some of the things to strongly consider are:
- Location: Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible, and private area of the home. Cats prefer a quiet and secluded location where they can feel safe while using the litter box. It’s advised to get one litter box per cat, plus one. So, if you have two cats, you ideally need three litter boxes. It’s important to ensure that these are not in high-traffic areas as cats feel vulnerable while eliminating.
- Type of litter: Cats have preferences when it comes to substrate. Some prefer clumping litter, while others may prefer non-clumping or natural litter. Experiment with different types of litter to see what your cat prefers. Try setting up a “litter box buffet” with multiple options to find out which your cat likes best.
- Cleanliness: Cats are concerned about accuracy in detail. They prefer a very clean litter box. Scoop the litter box daily—twice a day is ideal—along with a complete full change and clean with mild soap and water as needed. Depending on the type of litter, this could be once a week or once every couple of weeks.
- Size of the litter box: Make sure the litter box is large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and dig in. In general, bigger is better. Litter boxes should be one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to the base of the tail. Most cats prefer open litter boxes, as they offer a full 360-degree view of their surroundings while they eliminate. If you currently have a hooded litter box, consider getting one without a hood for variety. Options are key.
- Multiple boxes for multiple cats: It’s recommended to have one litter box per cat plus one extra. In multi-cat households, this helps prevent territorial issues and gives each cat their own space to use the litter box. Ensure that the litter boxes are not side by side, as cats will see them as one big elimination area. Spread them out around the home. For multi-level homes, place a litter box on each floor.
- Changes in behaviour: Changes in litter box behaviour can be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or idiopathic cystitis. If your cat is suddenly avoiding the litter box, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns.
- Stress and anxiety: Cats may avoid the litter box if they are stressed or anxious. Provide a calm and enriching environment for them with plenty of toys, interactive play, appropriate scratching opportunities, and hiding spots to help reduce stress.
Cats and Scented Litter
It’s generally recommended to avoid scented litter for most cats due to their sensitive sense of smell. They have a highly developed olfactory system, with a sense of smell that is 14 times better than that of humans (cats have 200 million scent receptors, compared to 5 million in humans). This also underscores the importance of keeping their litter box pristine and clean. Like a heavily soiled litter box, scented litter can be overwhelming and off-putting for many cats, leading them to avoid using the litter box altogether.
For most cats, it’s recommended to use unscented, clumping litter that is gentle on their sensitive sense of smell. Unscented litter allows the cat to feel comfortable and secure while using the litter box, without being overwhelmed by artificial fragrances. This is especially important for cats with respiratory issues. Synthetic fragrances in scented litter can irritate a cat’s respiratory system, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. So, be kind to their nose.
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
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