TIPS FOR PREVENTING AND SOLVING LITTER BOX PROBLEMS
Creating the ideal toileting or litter box situation for your cat can both prevent and treat litter box problems. We need
to think “outside the traditional box” and more like a cat! It is about what the cat likes, not what we prefer. We humans
would prefer to provide a tiny litter box that rarely needs cleaning that can be hidden in one out of the way spot.
TO SET YOUR CAT UP FOR SUCCESS CONSIDER THESE CAT FRIENDLY LITTER BOX TIPS:
1. Scoop litter boxes at least twice a day! Keep them clean!
The “unflushed” toilet, who would want to use this?
2. Completely dump the used litter and scrub the box once or twice monthly. Use a mild unscented soap. Avoid
cleaners with strong or ammonia type odors.
3. Use a litter that your cat likes. Generally cats prefer clumping, non-scented litter but you may need to experiment
and test for preferences. Texture matters to cats and the feel of very soft litter on the paws is very important.
4. Make sure the litter is deep enough (5 cm or 2 inches deep in general). As the soiled litter is scooped and removed,
top off the box with fresh litter to maintain a consistent level. Don’t use Litter Box liners, most cats do not like them
5. Litter boxes should not be close to food bowls and water dishes. Cats do not like to potty where they eat!
6. Boxes should be easily accessible but private with a minimum of two entry and exit points. A cat does not want to
feel trapped or cornered when in the box.
7. The number of litter boxes in the home should at a minimum equal the number of cats in the house plus one!
Ideally if you have one cat you should provide two boxes. If you have 3 cats, provide at least 4 boxes.
8. There should be a box on every level of the home. Make boxes convenient and easily accessible. This is most
important for senior cats who might have mobility issues.
9. Boxes should be located in different rooms of the house. Don’t line up the litter boxes in one room. Scatter them
throughout the house to make them convenient and so one cat doesn’t have to pass a more assertive cat who might be
guarding a litter box area.
10. Avoid scary noises and vibrations. Litter boxes should not be placed near appliances or utilities that could suddenly
turn on or make a noise such as laundry machines or water heaters. Many cats also do not like the automated boxes
because of the noises they make.
Automated litter boxes are usually too small
and make scary noises that many cats find upsetting.
11. The litter box should be large, at least 1.5x the length of the cat. Most commercial cat litter boxes are much too
small; consider adapting a large clothing storage box into a litter box.
This Litter Box is too small!!
Many cats like a low sided large box.
Consider using a large clothing storage box that is about
1.5 times the length of your cat as a litter box
For cats that tend to urinate over the edge,
an uncovered but high sided storage box might help
12. Most cats prefer uncovered litter boxes. If using a covered litter box and you cat is not using it, consider a change
to an uncovered box or at least to a much bigger box. Problems with covered litter boxes include:

Covered boxes hold in aversive scents including the smell of waste or the strong odor of scented litter

The do not allow an escape route which can be important for a cat that is being stalked in a multi cat home.

Most commercial covered litter boxes are too small, if a covered box is a must, again consider making a larger
one out of a storage box.
(This covered box is 82.5 x 50.2 x 47.3 cm, it might be big enough
if a covered box is desired, or just use the bottom!)
13. Do these suggestions seem difficult and inconvenient? Consider the alternative, how difficult and inconvenient will
it be if you have to repeatedly clean up stinky cat urine and replace your carpeting? It is often difficult to follow all of
these recommendations but your efforts to do so will be well worth it!
14. If your cat is not using the litter box properly schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately to
ensure that there are no underlying medical problems that may be causing this behavior. Your veterinarian can help
determine and treat both underlying medical and behavioral causes of house soiling. Many behavioral house soiling
problems are related to medical illnesses and/or anxiety so never punish a cat that is not using the litter box.