House soiling is one of the most common reasons pet cats are surrendered and euthanized. While litter box avoidance can be a medical problem, often times it is a behavioral issue. Litter box type, placement, and maintenance plays a huge factor in our cat's happiness. If a cat's litter box needs are not met, they will find a more suitable area to eliminate. Cat behaviorists agree on the following recommendations for litter boxes.
1.) Have at least one more litter box than the number of cats in your household.
This one's pretty simple. Have one cat? Then you need to have two litter boxes. Have five cats? Then you need to have at least six boxes. This way, no matter what, there should always be at least one accessible litter box.
2.) Location, location, location!
Now, this does mean line all six litter boxes up next to each other in the basement. We might count six, but to your cats, any number of boxes lined up together is just one big litter box. If the cat is fearful of something blocking access to the litter boxes, they will find a safer place to go. Litter boxes should be dispersed throughout the home, with at least one box on each floor of the home. We tend to want to hide the boxes away in places where we don't go and they won't be seen, but cats prefer to go where their owner's scent is strong. Place boxes in quite, but frequently visited, easily accessed areas. Make sure there are multiple ways in and out of the box so that cats who are using the box cannot be ambushed or trapped, and the box cannot be guarded. While the cat door that leads to a box in the garage sounds like a great idea, it's not. One thing, however, humans and cats can agree on: no one wants to eat their lunch in the bathroom. Litter boxes should be placed away from food and water dishes.
3.) Boxes should be BIG!
Most commercially available litter boxes are too small. Boxes should be at least one and a half times the length of the cat, from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. This allows the cat room to turn around and dig in the box. Large storage containers make great litter boxes.
4.) To cover or not to cover?
Most cats prefer an uncovered litter box. However, if you insist on using a hood, make sure that the box is clear so that a cat using the facilities can easily see any approaching threats.
5.) The litter box buffet.
Most cats prefer sand-like, unscented, clumping cat litter. However, you can (temporarily) set up multiple boxes next to each other, each with a different type of cat litter to find out what your cat likes. Fill the box with at least three inches of litter so that it is deep enough for you cat to dig and bury.
6.) The fastidious feline.
Cats are extremely clean creatures. They will not use a dirty litter box. Boxes should be scooped at least once daily, more frequently if needed. Boxes should be dumped every two to four weeks, scrubbed with a mild, non-ammonia based cleanser, and filled with fresh litter. Completely replace litter boxes every two years.
7.) Considerations for seniors.
Make special arrangements for older kitties who may have health issues. Arthritic cats may have trouble getting in and out of boxes with high sides, so chose a low sided box or cut an opening into high sided boxes. Also, if a painful kitty has to travel too far or down a flight of steps to access their litter, they may choose not to use it, so keep the box close by. Diabetic cats and those with kidney disease often urinate large amounts frequently, so you may need to scoop the box more often to keep it clean.
Keep these guidelines in mind when setting up your cat's environment and they will be much happier and less likely to go outside of the box. It is much easier to try to prevent a behavioral problem than it is to try and fix one once it becomes an issue. And as always, call us for a consultation anytime your pet is having a problem, behavioral or otherwise.
