Litter Box Tips

Inappropriate urination and defecation outside the litter box is one of the most common complaints of cat owners.  The following tips concerning your cat’s use of the litter box can prevent problems or solve pre-existing ones.

PLACEMENT of the litter box is very important.  One litter box per cat plus one extra one should be placed in a well-ventilated area that provides easy access for the cats.  Litter boxes should not be placed near noisy appliances, garage doors or other animals.  In multiple-cat households, boxes should be spread throughout the home in multiple locations.  In 2 or 3 story homes, there must be at least one litter box on each floor of the house.

CLEANLINESS is a must.  Litter boxes should be scooped at least once daily.  When scooping stools out of the box, do not stir the litter, as it will mix the urine smell throughout the box.  Litter boxes should be emptied and completely washed once each week with dish soap or a mild detergent.  Avoid any cleansers with a strong smell, like bleach or pine-based.

ETIQUETTE around the litter box, if improper, can lead to problems.  If you have more than one cat, do not allow them to scare or spook each other around the litter box. 

STYLE OF BOX is also important.  Some cats feel safer in covered litter boxes and should be given different options.  But covered boxes trap the odor in the box, which can be a deterrent for the cat.  Also if another cat approaches the covered box, the one inside can feel trapped or startled.  Automatic litter boxes are less work for owners, but some cats find them too small or too noisy.  The litters used are often a course grain and therefore less appealing.  Additionally, some cats seem to object to the odor from the reservoir (as do the owners).  Use the largest boxes you can find; there is no such thing as too large of a bathroom.

STYLE OF LITTER should be explored for each individual cat.  It’s best to use unscented litter.  Most cats prefer the soft, fine-grain clumping litter.  They are attracted to the sand-like consistency, and the urine can easily be scooped out.  Cats also prefer deeper litter (up to 2 inches), as compared to shallow litter.

KITTENS need special attention while litter training.  Confine them to a bathroom or utility room, where the litter box is close by, until they learn where it is.  A kitten’s memory is not fully developed until 4-5 months of age.

These simple management steps can make the toileting process more pleasant for you and your cat.  If you are having more serious litter box trouble, please call us for an appointment, as there may be a medical or behavioral problem that needs addressed.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dr. Bonnie