Tiffany Haney
Cats are usually independent when it comes to using a litter box, but some may need a little encouragement. If your cat is not using the litter box, there could be a medical issue, or they may dislike the type of litter or litter box, or its location. To encourage your cat to use the litter box, place them in the box after meals and praise them when they use it. You should also ensure the box is in a quiet, private, accessible location, away from food and water.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a litter box that suits your cat's preferences and specific needs
Cats can have strong individual preferences for certain litter trays and litter types. It is important to choose a litter box that suits your cat's needs and preferences.
Firstly, the size of the litter box matters. Most cats prefer a spacious litter box that gives them ample room to move around. Experts recommend getting a litter box that is about 1.5 times your cat's length, from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. This allows your cat to turn around and dig comfortably. However, if you have a small kitten or a very little cat, a smaller box may be fine. Large litter boxes can be costly and take up more space in your home.
Secondly, consider your cat's mobility needs when selecting a box. Kittens, senior cats, or those with injuries may benefit from a box with a low entry height of about 3 inches or less. High-sided boxes may make some cats feel trapped, especially if the interior height is limited and they need to crouch while eliminating. If you choose a high-sided box, look for one made of a material that can be safely modified to create a lower entry. An open-topped litter pan is the most universally accepted by cats of all types as it provides easy entry and exit, and allows cats to stand flat on all four paws.
Thirdly, while some cats may prefer the privacy of a covered option, most cats prefer uncovered litter boxes. Covered boxes can trap ammonia smells, making the box unpleasant for cats. Open litter boxes provide cats with a clear view and easy escape routes, helping them feel more secure. However, covered boxes can be useful if you have respiratory issues and need to control litter dust, or if you need to keep dogs or toddlers out of the box. If you do opt for a covered box, ensure it has plenty of ventilation and is cleaned regularly.
Lastly, consider the location of the litter box. Most cats prefer a quiet, private, and easily accessible space for their litter box, away from their food and water. Providing multiple litter boxes in different locations allows your cat to choose their preferred design and spot.
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Pick a quiet, private, and accessible location for the litter box
Cats are like us in that they prefer some privacy when they use the litter box. They also want to be able to access it easily. It's a balancing act, weighing privacy and seclusion against ventilation and ease of access. The best place for the litter box is somewhere out of the way but easy to access—for both you and your cat.
It's important to avoid placing the litter box in noisy places like near the TV, speakers, or washing machine. Cats are often timid and wary of loud noises. Spooking your cat with an abrupt sound while she’s trying to go is a sure way to condition her to avoid the litter box, setting yourself up for potty accidents elsewhere in your home.
A great place to locate the litter box is in your bathroom, as long as you make sure to keep the door wide open when it's not in use. Many people tuck the litter box next to the toilet, between the toilet and tub, or, if you have a small space, under the sink. However, tight spaces may block the view and air circulation. If possible, place the box a few inches away from the wall to increase your cat's sense of security.
Guest bedrooms are also a good choice, as they may not get as much foot traffic. If you have a multi-level home, a good approach is to place a litter box on each floor. Avoid areas where obstacles might show up, such as spots where laundry piles up or where doors may be opened and closed frequently.
If you have limited space, you can place the litter box in a hallway closet. Make sure to prop open the doorway (or cut a hole in the door if you own the place), so your cat has consistent access.
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Use the right type and amount of litter
Cats can have strong individual preferences for certain litter trays and litter types. Offer different things to see what they prefer. A good starting point is a large open litter tray (at least 1.5 times the length of your cat) filled with about 2-3 inches of an unscented litter. Cats generally prefer clumping litter with a medium to fine texture. While scented litters mask odours for humans, they can be overwhelming for cats. Avoid strong scents and air fresheners near the litter box. A light layer of baking soda at the bottom of the box can help control odours without deterring your cat.
How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats, the number of boxes, and the type of litter. Each time you replace the litter, wash the box with mild dish soap. Avoid products with ammonia, citrus oils, or harsh chemicals as these can repel cats and may be toxic. Litter should be entirely replaced occasionally, but how often will depend on the type of litter you use and the sort of litter box you have. You may need to replace it once a week, but if you scoop regularly, you may be able to get away with replacing it just a couple of times a month.
If your cat starts to urinate or defecate outside of the tray, try changing the factors above. If problems persist, seek veterinary advice to make sure there are no medical reasons for changes in toileting behaviour.
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Maintain a clean litter box
Cats prefer a clean area to do their business. Here are some tips to maintain a clean litter box:
Firstly, the litter box should be scooped at least once a day, removing the waste and replacing it with fresh litter. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on top of the fresh litter to help remove any odours. Clumping litter is a good choice because you don't need a pan liner, and it's easier to scoop out of the box as it forms solid masses. If you are using clumping litter, ensure there is enough litter to cover the cat's waste and allow enough depth to form tight clumps.
Secondly, the litter box should be cleaned and washed at least once a week. Wash the litter box with hot water and a mild detergent, dry it out with a paper towel or cleaning towel, and then refill it with litter. Avoid using detergents or cleaning chemicals with ammonia as these can irritate your cat.
Thirdly, the litter box should be placed in a quiet, private, and easily accessible location, away from noisy appliances and your cat's food and water. Cats like to have a choice between multiple litter trays, so one cat needs at least two trays in physically separated locations.
Finally, the type of litter box and litter is a personal preference. Cats can have strong individual preferences for certain litter trays and litter types. Offer different options to see what your cat prefers.
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Reward your cat when they use the litter pan
Cats are naturally clean animals and providing them with a designated space for elimination helps maintain a sanitary environment for both you and your cat. It is important to understand your cat's instincts and behaviours related to elimination to provide appropriate litter training. Cats have an instinctual desire to bury their waste, which helps them maintain hygiene and avoid attracting predators.
Positive reinforcement strengthens the association between the desired behaviour and the reward, making your cat more likely to repeat the behaviour. Rewarding your cat with praise, treats, or affection whenever they use the litter pan correctly is a great way to encourage them to continue using it. You can also gently use their paws to scratch the surface of the litter to encourage them to use the litter pan.
Consistency is key when it comes to litter pan training. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule for your cat can have a significant impact on their litter pan use. Cats are creatures of routine, and a regular feeding schedule helps establish predictable elimination patterns. By feeding your cat at the same times each day, you can lead more predictable bathroom habits. Take note of your cat's natural elimination patterns and ensure the litter pan is easily accessible during those times.
It is also important to provide enough litter boxes and litter for your cat. Each cat should have its own litter box, plus one extra. For example, one cat should have two litter boxes, and two cats should have three litter boxes. The litter boxes should be placed in quiet, private, but easily accessible areas, away from food and water. Avoid frequently moving the litter boxes so as not to confuse and stress your cat.
In addition to the number of litter boxes, the type of litter and the amount of litter used are also important factors. Cats may have preferences for litter texture, scent, and privacy. Offer different types of litter and observe your cat's behaviour to see what they prefer. Provide enough litter to allow your cat to dig and cover their waste. Cats like to keep clean, so it is important to remove their waste daily and empty and clean the litter boxes regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats can be litter trained at any age, but it may take longer for adult cats. The first step is to choose the right litter box and litter type. Most cats prefer a quiet, private space away from their food and water. Cats also like to have the choice between multiple litter trays, so it's best to have one litter box per cat plus one extra. You should also ensure the litter box is large enough for your cat to turn around in and has enough litter to cover their mess.
There are many reasons why a cat might avoid their litter tray, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment, and undiagnosed medical conditions. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, take them to the vet to rule out any health issues.
You can encourage your cat to use the litter pan by placing them in the tray within half an hour of feeding and praising them when they use it correctly. You should never punish your cat for having an accident outside of the litter pan as this may cause stress.
