Litter Box Setup: Placement, Litter and Cleaning
Most litter box problems are setup problems. Fix the box before blaming the cat.
Cats almost never stop using a tray out of spite. When it happens, something about the box, the litter or the location is wrong — or the cat is unwell.
How many and how big
One tray per cat plus one spare, in different rooms. The tray should be about one and a half times the cat's length from nose to tail base. Most trays sold are too small; a plain storage box often works better.
Litter
- Unscented, fine-grained clumping litter is what most cats choose in preference tests.
- Depth of 5–7 cm so they can dig properly.
- Change brands gradually — mix the new into the old over a week.
Where to put it
Quiet, easy to reach, with a clear line of sight so the cat is not cornered. Never beside the food and water bowls, next to a noisy appliance, or at the end of a route the dog patrols.
Covered or open
Most cats prefer open trays. Hoods trap odour inside where the cat has to sit in it. If you use one, scoop more often.
Cleaning
Scoop at least once a day, and wash the tray with unscented soap monthly. Skip strong disinfectants — the smell is exactly what puts a cat off.
Sudden changes
A cat that starts missing the tray, strains, or cries in it may have a urinary problem. That is a same-day vet call, especially in males.
