Cats and Their Litter Boxes

 Cats like bathrooms as clean if not cleaner than we do.

Be sure to scoop the waste and dirty litter at least twice daily. Change all of the litter and clean the box completely once a week. If your cat’s box is several years old, give his bathroom a make over with a fresh new box.

 Cats do not like small bathrooms.

Your cat should be able to easily turn around in the litter box. When his bathroom gets a makeover, be sure to purchase a large enough box. Older cats can suffer from arthritis making it difficult to climb into the box. You may need to cut a low side for easy access into the litter box for him.

 Cats like their own bathroom.

Most cats don’t like to share a litter box with housemates. Be sure to have a separate litter box for each cat in your home and an extra one won’t hurt either.

 Cats think carpet is magic.

When a cat urinates on carpeting, the urine instantly soaks into the carpet and padding. The urine disappears into the carpet and we later clean it. This makes carpet an ideal place for cats to urinate. Making the litter box a more attractive place to eliminate will change their opinion.

 Cats like to bury their waste.

Normal cat elimination consists of a cat first scratching in the litter, eliminating, and covering the waste. If your cat does not bury his waste, then he may not like the litter. Try using a different type of litter. A light weight scoopable litter is the preferred by most cats. Two favorites are Cat Attract Litter and The World’s Best Cat Litter

Cats do not like perfumes in the bathroom.

Many perfumes added to cat litter only mask a dirty box. Remember cats like a clean bathroom. They are very sensitive to different smells and fragrances. Most cats prefer unscented litter. 

 
Cats do not like to eat in the bathroom.

It may be more convenient to have your cat’s food and water next to the litter box, but most cats don’t want to eat right next to the litter box.

 Cats do not like caves.

Covered litter boxes are just like caves. We like them because they control odor and we don’t have to look at what is inside. Cats think of them like a Port-o-Potty. Keeping the box uncovered and very clean will encourage your cat to use the litter box.

 Cats do not like the Boogie Man.

Many cats will avoid their litter box if sudden loud noises occur near their litter boxes and they become scared. We often place the litter box in the laundry room with loud washers and dryers. Moving the box or placing a different box in a quieter place will encourage your cat to use the litter box instead of the carpet.

Cats do not like to exercise.

If you have a large home or a two story home, you may need to put a litter box at both ends or on each floor.

Cats do not like to walk the gauntlet to find their litter box.

If your cat has to walk past the dog who likes to chase him, then he may find a more convenient place to eliminate.