Litter Box Advice

The litter box: small topic, big difference

Litter box problems are one of the most common reasons cats “go wrong” for their owners — while the cause is almost always logically explainable. Cats are extremely clean animals with a nose many times more sensitive than ours. A box that smells “still pretty fresh” to us can already be reason enough for a cat to find another spot. With the right combination of number of boxes, size, litter, location and cleaning rhythm you prevent most problems.

How many litter boxes do I need?

The golden rule: the number of cats plus one. So two boxes for one cat, three for two cats. Don’t place the boxes right next to each other — to a cat that counts as one toilet — and spread them over quiet spots in the house, ideally one per floor. Choose a spacious box (at least one and a half cat lengths) with a low entry for kittens and seniors.

Why does my cat pee outside the box?

Always rule out a medical cause first: cystitis, bladder grit and kidney problems are common reasons a cat suddenly pees outside the box, and they are painful and sometimes dangerous. If your cat is healthy, look at the box itself (too small, too dirty, unpleasant litter), the location (too busy, next to the food) and stress, for example from a move or a new housemate. The wizard above gives you a tailored step-by-step plan, and in the micro-course understanding problem behaviour you learn how to track down the cause behind unwanted behaviour.

Which cat litter is best?

For most cats: clumping litter with a fine grain and without strong perfume — that comes closest to the sand cats naturally choose. For kittens a natural litter of wood or paper pellets is safer, because they still sometimes taste the litter. Switching litter? Do it gradually and mix old and new over one to two weeks.

Where should I put the litter box?

In a quiet, easily accessible spot with a clear view, where your cat can’t be surprised: a corner of the hall, bathroom or study often works well. Never next to the food and water, and preferably not next to a loud washing machine. Is your indoor cat bored — which can worsen stress and box problems — then also take the boredom test, and set the cleaning routine for the sitter in the cat-sitter instructions.

This advice is general and educational and does not replace veterinary advice. Is your cat suddenly peeing or spraying differently than normal? Always have medical causes ruled out by your vet first.