![]() Do you work or are you at home during the day?Ĭleaning cat waste as soon as it appears is the best practice for litter box maintenance. Some cats appreciate a covered litter box for the enclosed privacy (relatable!) and some owners may want to go the extra mile by purchasing a box that blends in seamlessly with their space. Does your cat like privacy? Hint: Some do! So one cat needs two boxes, two cats need 3 boxes, and so on,” adds Penn. “The current recommendation for the number of litter boxes for a household is one box per cat plus one. Multi-cat households need a wider litter box to accommodate more than one cat-and more than one litter box. “Sometimes with age and arthritis, they have trouble getting into the box,” says Penn. Senior cats or tiny kittens may require a shallow litter box with a low lip, making it easier for tired or uncoordinated cats to easily step in and out. A heavier cat may not be able to reach its box if it is too far off the ground. In addition, cats need to be able to jump or climb up into the litter box easily so they don’t hurt themselves. “Cats have a natural instinct to use a moveable substrate in which they can bury their feces.” As a general rule, the litter box should be at least one-and-a-half times the length of your cat. “Size is important only in that the cat should be able to fit in the litter box comfortably,” says Penn. You should think about the size of your cat before you commit to a litter box. ![]() While there’s no way to predict exactly how your cat will react to a new litter box, there are some questions to keep in mind when shopping that can help you find the best options: How big (or small) is your cat? “Urinating outside the litter box is the number one reason cats are surrendered by their families.”Ī cat’s size, age, and personality are all key factors to keep in mind when selecting the best litter box for them. Urinating or defecating outside the litter box and other serious medical conditions can arise,” warns Fishman. “If your cat finds their litter box environment unsuitable there is potential for trouble. Your cat’s own preferences about where they feel most comfortable going to the bathroom isn’t about a pet being picky for the fun of it, but an important factor for their general health. ![]() “Problems can actually have a lot to do with the location of the box.” “For example, cats are highly sensitive to environmental influences such that litter box avoidance can involve the cat being uncomfortable in the box’s location due to it being in a noisy or high traffic location,” he says. Sean Penn, DVM, who practices in Scottsdale, Arizona, says litter box use issues can be complicated-and that not only is the type of litter box relevant, where you place it may matter as well. In addition, think about where you will locate your cat’s box. “This includes the type of litter, location, size and shape, and if the litter box is covered or not.” Whether your cat likes or dislikes the litter box is influenced by many factors,” she says. “Just like us humans, cats have strong preferences with bathroom spaces. Kelly Fishman, DVM, in San Francisco, California. It is important to think about your individual cat and what they will feel comfortable using, says Dr. Things to consider before buying a litter box However, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the right litter box. After all, it’s just a place for a cat to do their business-and the options out there seem to only differ significantly in terms of style. A litter box is a purchase that most pet owners won’t think twice about.
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