It is very important to maintain your cat's litter box appropriately because urinating or defecating outside of the litter box is the most common behavioral problem we see in cats.  This problem can sometimes be very difficult to cure.  A common cause of this inappropriate behavior is a less-than-ideal litter box situation.

Here are some helpful hints on how to keep your indoor cats happy with their boxes:

1.     # boxes = # cats+1

This means that if you have 2 cats you should have 3 boxes.

2.     The litter boxes should be of good size

Some big cats need to use a large under-the-bed style plastic storage box.

3.     No hood and no liner

Most cats, especially large ones, do not like the confinement of a hood.

Liners are usually too noisy and interfere with scratching.

(Exception:  some little kitties like the privacy of a hood!)

4.     Use a non-scented clumping litter

Clumping litter is more like sand, which is a cat's natural litter.

The scent in litter is for us (cats don't like the scent) and clean boxes don't smell.

5.     Scoop twice daily and completely change litter every 1-2 weeks

This is probably the most important thing.  The most common cause of inappropriate elimination is a dirty litter box!

6.     Clean box with soap and water only

Don't use fancy cleaners; cats can smell these too.

7.     Boxes should be located in quiet but easily accessible places

A litter box should not be in the kitchen or in the far reaches of the 3^rd floor.

8.     Multi-cat households should have the litter boxes in more than one location

What if two cats want to go at the same time?

9.     Finally, replace litter boxes every 2 years

The plastic eventually absorbs odor which cannot be removed.

Also:  Use an enzymatic cleaner designed to eliminate pet odor to clean soiled areas.

Other cleaners do not destroy the smell your cat can still detect it and may reuse that area.

Please Note:  Many litter box problems can be solved by following the advice above.  However, sometimes the cause can be a medical illness (e.g. cystitis or colitis) or a different behavioral problem.  Please call our clinic if you are having a litter box problem with your cat.  Contact us.