Some might guess my love of felines stems from my profession as a veterinarian, but make no mistake, I’ve been a crazy cat lady from the start. My earliest childhood memories are filled with cats: one supervising my ride down the sidewalk in my battery-powered big wheel, or seeing tiny pawprints in the snow circling my freshly built snowman.
Back then, outdoor cats were far more common, and the world was their litter box. But as I grew older and became the primary caretaker of cats myself, I understood the risks the outdoors can pose. That’s why my cats now live strictly indoors and with that decision comes the daily task of managing the litter box. Ah yes, the litter box: arguably the least glamorous part of sharing your life with cats.
With eight cats currently in my home, I’ve learned a thing or two about litter box management. Combined with over a decade of experience as a veterinarian and routinely talking with pet parents about the pain points they experience, I’ve gathered a wealth of insights into making this essential task more manageable and solving the common problems that come with it.
1. Choose the Right Litter Box:
Selecting the perfect litter box is all about meeting your cat’s specific needs. Always opt for boxes that are at least 1.5 times the length of your cat to ensure they can comfortably stand and turn around. Most cats prefer uncovered boxes, though many humans prefer covered ones—so a little experimenting and compromise may be needed. Keep in mind that senior cats with arthritic and mobility changes may also prefer a lower edge for ease of getting in and out of the box.
- Dr. Seelaus’ VetRecs:
- Arm & Hammer Top Entry Litter Box: These top entry litter boxes are starting to grow on me. The tops cut down on the amount of litter tracking through the house and it’s perfect for when you also share your home with a naughty pup that loves to sneak to the litter boxes for the forbidden crunchy-coated doody rolls.
- Hooded Corner Litter Box: I find these large entry corner litter boxes to be a nice compromise between covered and non-covered boxes. The entrance to the box is so wide and the area inside the box is so spacious cats may not mind that it’s hooded. This is the most common type of litter box in my home currently.
- High-Sided Litter Box: These high-sided litter boxes are great for cats that like to urinate over the lip of short-sided boxes and onto the walls and floors around the box. You can always add Pee-Pads under the box, but the high-sided walls solve the problem entirely. Plus, the entryway is shallow allowing even older kitties to get in and out easily.
2. Select the Right Litter:
Cats can be picky about their litter. Experiment with different types, textures, and scents to see what your cat prefers. Some prefer clumping litter, while others might like non-clumping or natural options.
- Dr. Seelaus’ VetRecs:
- Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter: This is currently what fills all of my boxes at home. It sticks less to the sides of the boxes making cleaning that much easier and works very well in our automatic litterbox. This brand is readily available online has ended my days of lugging heavy boxes home from the store and I’ve since completely switched to ordering litter online and having it delivered directly to my door.
- Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract: For any kitties that need help with litter box training, whether it’s a new kitten just learning how to use the box or an adult cat that started with some behaviorally induced inappropriate elimination, Cat Attract is often my go-to recommendation. The litter uses natural herbs to attract cats to the litter box and encourages them to keep coming back.
3. Choose a Strategic Location:
Where you place the litter box matters, a lot. Pick quiet, low-traffic areas that afford your cat some privacy both from human companions and other pets in the household. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls to create a clear separation between eating and eliminating. Ideally, there should be at least one litter box on each level of a home that your cat has access to. Litter boxes should be spread throughout the house and not all concentrated in one single area.
4. Gradual Introduction:
For young kittens and newly adopted cats, gradual introduction to the litter box is key. Show them the box, let them explore it, and gently place them inside. Praise and reward them when they use it. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging good litter box habits. If you are transitioning from one litter to another, add a separate box with the new litter next to the box with the previous litter. Once your cat is continuously using the new litter box, then take away the previous litter box. Don’t abruptly change litter types as this can trigger litter box aversion.
5. Regular Cleaning Routine:
Scoop litter boxes daily to remove waste and clumps. Aim to do a full litter change and cleaning at least once a week. Choose biodegradable or compostable waste bags for an eco-friendly approach.
6. Troubleshooting Behavioral Issues:
If your cat starts avoiding the litter box, there might be an underlying issue. Stress, medical problems, or dissatisfaction with the litter box setup could be factors. The first step is to consult a veterinarian to rule out health concerns including things such as urinary tract infections, urinary bladder stones, or diseases that may change bathroom habits, like diabetes or kidney disease. If medical conditions have been ruled out, there may be a behavioral component to the inappropriate eliminations and your veterinarian may suggest adjusting the litter box environment and/or adding behavioral modification medications or supplements.
- If medical conditions have been ruled out and you’ve optimized your litter box setup, here are some supplemental VetRecs to discuss with your veterinarian:
- Feliway Pheromone Diffuser: A calming pheromone that reduces behaviors related to stress, including urine spraying. Each diffuser covers up to 700 square feet and is best placed in areas where your kitty hangs out the most.
- Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract: This litter uses natural herbs to attract cats to the litter box and encourages them to keep coming back.
7. Multi-Cat Households:
The golden rule of litter boxes is to aim for one box per cat plus an extra one. Ensure that the boxes are spread throughout the house to prevent territorial disputes and encourage proper usage. Keep in mind that litter boxes that are housed all through a single doorway or down a single stairway can be easily guarded by an alpha cat, which may discourage a shyer kitty from attempting to reach those areas and can then lead to litter box aversion.
Maintaining litter boxes is part of the responsibility of sharing our homes with cats. By choosing the right litter box, creating a suitable environment, and being patient, you can establish a positive litter box routine that keeps both you and your feline friend content. With a commitment to cleanliness, health, and understanding your cat’s needs, you’re on your way to providing a tidy and happy home for your beloved companion.
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