With so many options on the market, how do you know which kind of litter box is right for your cat? From covered to electronic to top-opening, there are many different kinds to choose from. But not all of them are designed with cats in mind. When choosing a new litter box and where to put it, make sure to consider its size, shape, and material as well as your cat’s age, where you will put it, and the number of cats in the home.
There are two general rules when choosing a litter box:
One rule is that the box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. Cats want to be able to comfortably fit inside the box, turn around, do their business, and bury their poop. A too small box won’t be comfortable for them to use and they may avoid it.
The second rule is that you should have one litter box per cat in the home plus one extra. So if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes. If you have two cats, you should have three, etc. This is because cats like to poop and pee in different areas and so they aren’t competing for resources. If one cat is resource guarding a box, the second cat has other options. The more litter boxes you provide, the less likely it is for one cat to prevent the others from being able to access the boxes when needed.
There are many other things to consider, but those are far and away the most important.
Covered vs. Uncovered
Most cats prefer an uncovered box. Some may prefer the privacy a covered box offers, but they can also feel too trapped or claustrophobic, especially if the box is covered and too small for them or if it has a door flap. They may feel more vulnerable when using covered boxes since they can’t see what is happening outside of them.
Since cats are both predators and prey, they innately like to be able to survey their areas and see what’s happening all around them, especially if there are other pets in the home. They don’t want to be startled when they’re using the litter box. If you really want to get a covered litter box, try to get one with a clear cover and without a flap so your cat can look around them and feel safe and secure.
The covers can also trap odors, which many cats don’t appreciate. If you opt for a covered litter box, you should make sure to scoop and clean them often.
Most cats don’t like top-opening litter boxes. They are completely surrounded, which leaves them feeling very vulnerable. They can’t see what is happening outside the box at all. Having to jump down into their litter box can be very stressful. They may not be able to see who is inside it when they’re on the outside and when they’re using it, they can’t see if a predator is lurking outside.
High-Sided vs. Low Entry
High-sided boxes are great for reducing the amount of litter that gets strewn about. They are also helpful for cats who like to dig or those who spray. Clear boxes, again, would be ideal so your cat can watch what’s going on around them and so they don’t feel like they are trapped. For messy cats who like to dig, you can also place a litter mat outside the box to catch stray litter and prevent them from tracking it around the house.
Low-entry boxes are good for kittens, seniors, or cats with health and mobility issues. If the box is hard to get into, a cat may avoid using it and opt to go elsewhere so it’s important they can easily and comfortably use their litter box. Some boxes have one side that is much lower than the other three so cats can just walk in without having to step over a wall.
Automatic vs. Manual
Automatic boxes are great for owners, but not great for cats. If they activate while your cat is using them they can get startled or hurt. They are noisy, which can be scary and deter your cat from using them. They are also expensive and take up a lot of space. Since they sift and clean automatically, they also make it difficult to monitor your cat’s usage. It’s important to be able to see your cat’s output to ensure they are healthy.
Material
Stainless steel litter boxes have become very popular lately. They are easy to clean and sterilize and they last a long time. Plastic boxes are the most common, but should be replaced every year or so as the plastic eventually can trap odors and urine can break down the plastic.
Location
Cats generally prefer using litter boxes that provide a good view of their surroundings while maintaining their privacy. Choose a quiet location, away from noisy appliances like washers, dryers, and air conditioners. Avoid high-traffic areas, but also don’t put the litter box so far away that it deters your cat from using it. While it may be convenient for you not to see or smell the box, avoid putting the box in basements, garages, closets, or laundry rooms. These are inconvenient and scary for your cat. Cats also prefer to leave their smell where your scent is strong, not in an area where you spend the least amount of time.
If you have a multi-story home, put one box on each floor.
Keep the litter boxes away from your cat’s food and water bowls. They do not want to eliminate where they eat and would never do so in the wild.
Make sure your cat has easy access to enter and exit the litter box from multiple angles. They don’t want to feel trapped when they’re in their most vulnerable position.
Put the box far away from the entrance to the room. This will give your cat a moment to react if someone appears. They don’t want to be surprised while they’re going to the bathroom.
Type of Litter
There are many types of litter to choose from - clay, wheat, corn, crystal, pellets, and even tofu. Most cats prefer standard unscented, clumping clay litter.
For kittens, it’s important to use a non-clumping litter in case they ingest it.
There should be between two and four inches of litter in the box at all times. As you scoop, add more litter to maintain a constant depth.
Avoid using scented litters as cats will not like them.
Scooping the Litter Box
Cats are incredibly clean animals. They never want to be forced to use a dirty litter box. You should scoop the litter box at least twice a day to keep your cat clean and comfortable.
Scooping their output will also help you to monitor their health. Notice any changes in frequency, color, smell, or consistency. If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian.
Cleaning the Litter Box
Every two to four weeks, you should deep clean the actual litter box using hot water and dish soap. Avoid using bleach as cats don’t like the smell and may avoid using the box afterward.
Since cats scratch when they use the box, if you use plastic litter boxes, odors will eventually seep into the plastic, and you won’t be able to get rid of the smell. Make sure to replace the litter box if the smell remains after cleaning it or if it is excessively scratched up.
Extra Tips
Avoid using fragrance sprays and air fresheners near litter boxes as the smell may deter your cat from using their box.
Avoid using plastic litter liners as most cats dislike them. They may find them uncomfortable on their paws or not like the noise they make. The liners often don’t fit the box properly, which can cause urine to pool instead of clump. They can make odors worse and if your cat scratches them while digging or chews them, holes are created and their purpose is defeated.
There are many considerations when choosing a litter box. If you pay attention to your cat’s behavior, you will learn what they like and dislike and how you can make their bathroom experience the best it can possibly be.
Love, Nala
