Hygiene:
- Scoop the litter box at least once a day to remove waste.
- Wash the litter box with mild detergent and water once a week.
- Ensure the litter box is kept clean to prevent your cat from avoiding it.
Type and Size of the Box:
- Use a large, uncovered litter box for easy access and ample space.
- Consider boxes with high sides or covered boxes if your cat tends to scatter litter.
- Provide low-sided boxes for kittens or older cats with mobility issues.
Litter Substrate:
- Use fine-grained, unscented litter, as most cats prefer this type.
- Avoid scented or deodorant litters, as they may deter your cat from using the box.
- Choose scoopable litter for easy daily maintenance.
Location and Number of Boxes:
- Place litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas away from appliances or air ducts.
- The Golden Rule - Provide one litter box per cat plus one extra box.
- Position litter boxes on every level of your home for multi-story dwellings.
Other Considerations:
- Avoid sudden noises or surprises near the litter box area.
- Do not place litter boxes in "tight spots" that are difficult for your cat to access.
- Monitor your cat's litter box habits and make adjustments as needed.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
- Monitor your cat's litter box habits for any changes.
- If your cat avoids the litter box despite proper setup, reach out to me for possible health issues. Your cat could have a sever disease problem or feel threatened by something in their environment.
- Consider environmental factors that may be causing stress or anxiety for your cat.
Conclusion:
Properly setting up and maintaining your cat's litter box can help ensure a positive elimination experience and prevent behavioral issues related to litter box avoidance. You can also look into our Education Videos and/or our Problem Solving section.
