Presented by Comet
One of the best things about cats is that, unlike dogs, they generally come pre-programmed with the desire to use a bathroom in an appropriate location.
If you’ve ever spent months housebreaking a puppy while standing outside in the rain at 2 a.m., this feels like magic.
No Training Required
For those new to cat ownership, you should know that litter training a cat is nowhere near as challenging as housebreaking a dog.
When kittens are big enough to walk on their own and can climb over the edge of the litter box, you basically just show them where the litter is and let them go. They’ll figure it out from there.
Digging and burying waste is a natural cat behavior. Your job is simply to provide an appropriate place for them to do it.
If a kitten seems confused, placing them in the litter box a few times can help them connect the dots. Most of the time, though, they need remarkably little instruction.
How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?
The official recommendation is the number of cats you have, plus one extra.
One cat? Two boxes.
Two cats? Three boxes.
Ten cats?
Please don’t do that math right now.
Like most cat advice, this recommendation exists for a reason. Some cats prefer one box for urinating and another for bowel movements. Some don’t like sharing. Some cats are just dramatic.
The goal is to ensure that every cat always has access to a clean, acceptable bathroom option.
That doesn’t necessarily mean every household has to follow the formula exactly. Factors like box size, the layout of your home, how frequently you scoop, and your cats’ personalities all play a role.
But if you’re struggling with litter box issues, increasing the number of boxes is often a good place to start.
Bigger Is Usually Better
Many commercial litter boxes are surprisingly small.
Most cats prefer a box that allows them to comfortably turn around, dig, and bury their waste without feeling cramped.
As a general rule, the box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat.
And if you have a cat who somehow manages to pee over the side of the box despite having access to the entire interior space, high-sided boxes may save both your sanity and your flooring.
Especially if you have boys.
Boy cats can be… enthusiastic.
Location Matters
Imagine if the only bathroom available to you was in the basement, behind the washing machine, with a vacuum cleaner randomly turning on throughout the day.
You’d probably hold it longer than you should.
Cats feel vulnerable when using the litter box. They generally prefer areas that offer a bit of privacy without being completely isolated from the rest of the household.
Avoid placing litter boxes right next to loud appliances or in areas that become inaccessible when doors are closed.
And, as tempting as it is to hide every litter box in the most remote corner of your home, remember that convenience matters. If the litter box is difficult to get to, some cats may decide that the nearby rug is a better option.
You will not agree with this decision.
Scoop the Box
No one wants to use a dirty toilet.
Your cat doesn’t either.
The frequency with which you need to scoop depends on how many cats are using the box, but daily scooping should be the minimum goal.
More frequently is often better.
Keeping boxes clean not only encourages appropriate litter box use, but also allows you to notice changes in your cat’s bathroom habits. Changes in urine volume, stool consistency, or frequency can sometimes be the first sign that something isn’t quite right.
When Litter Box Habits Change
One of the biggest misconceptions about cats is that they suddenly decide to become “bad.”
Cats don’t usually stop using the litter box out of spite.
If a cat that has reliably used the litter box for years suddenly starts having accidents, it’s worth paying attention.
Medical conditions, stress, arthritis, environmental changes, bullying from another cat, or dissatisfaction with the litter box setup can all contribute.
If litter box issues appear out of nowhere, a veterinary visit should be high on your list of next steps.
Because while cats can’t tell us what’s wrong, they are often very good at showing us.
Sometimes that message just arrives in the form of pee where it shouldn’t be.