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Tired of a messy litter box? Here are six things you need to know.

7 Cat Litter Box Tips You Need to Know

This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

One of the best things about cats is their predictably unpredictable behavior. Once you decide to share your life and home with one or more of them, it doesn’t take long to realize that each has her own unique personality, complete with plenty of quirks. For the most part, these quirks lead to lots of laughs and only make us love them more.

However, there’s one area where no cat parent wants to experience unpredictability: the litter box. Having a kitty who refuses to use one, or who uses it inconsistently, is one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. A cat litter box situation can be stinky, messy, and altogether unpleasant. 

But here’s the good news: many litter box issues have simple solutions. For an episode of the YouTube series Dear Tabby, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Liz Bales (AKA the Catvocate) to uncover the secrets to litter box success. Check out the episode and read below as I break down her six secrets, plus a new additional cat litter box tip, guiding you along the path of what to purchase, how to maintain your cat’s litter box, and how to set your kitty up for lasting success!

If you’re having trouble getting your kitty to use even a clean litter box consistently or if she was using it but then stopped for some reason, you’ll want to talk to your vet to rule out health concerns as the cause of kitty’s accidents. In cases where health isn’t an issue, one or more of the following tips may be your answer.

7 Cat Litter Box Tips and Secrets Your Cat Wants You to Know

1. It’s not about what you want. Consider your kitty!

When you set up your cat’s litter box, it’s easy to think about what’s most convenient for you in terms of where it should go, what size it should be, and more. But all that convenience goes right out the window if the litter box doesn’t meet your cat’s approval. If your kitties don’t like using the litter boxes you provide, you’ll have to spend all kinds of time cleaning up “accidents.”

A much better approach is to think about the litter box from your cat’s perspective. What size does she need? Where would she prefer the litter box be placed in your home? Is it clean and comfortable? 

Keep reading for tips on how to meet your kitty’s unique needs and standards.

2. Don’t cramp her style.

Most litter boxes are on the small side as far as cats are concerned. Sure, they fit inconspicuously into almost any corner, but cats (understandably) don’t like to be cramped or squished when they do their business. They need space.

But how do you know what’s the right fit for a cat litter box? The ideal size of your next litter box can be measured from the length of your cat’s nose to the tip of her tail, plus another 50 percent.

The placement of the litter box within the home is also an essential thing to consider. In a helpful post from PetMD, you can read the dos and don’ts of where to place your cat’s litter box. As a rule of thumb, the best places are usually “quiet, easy-to-reach corners that offer privacy,” perhaps like a laundry room.

3. Don’t cover it.

You’re not the only one concerned about that litter box smell. Cats have very sensitive noses, and a covered litter box traps unpleasant odors. Can you blame cats for not wanting to spend time in a dark smelly enclosure? When you keep the litter box uncovered, you provide a more welcoming space, and your cat will be more inclined to return to their litter box when they need to go.

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4. Add the right amount of cat litter.

How deep does cat litter need to be? This can be a tricky balance to strike. You want enough litter so it feels soft on your kitty’s paws but not so much that they sink right into it.

So how deep does fresh litter need to be? Ideally, between 1.5 to 2 inches. Put in too much or too little and your cat may just decide to “go” elsewhere. It can be useful to get precise about this, even using a ruler to measure the depth until you’re sure you get it just right and to your kitty’s liking.  

And another thing to get just right? Determining what cat litter is best for your litter box. There are so many options in the market—should you get clay litter or a natural litter? What about pellets? Will scented litter cause issues (hint: possibly)? Choosing the right kind can make a huge difference in your cat’s life.

I never use anything but World’s Best Cat Litter. It’s a premium, natural clumping litter made from corn, and it comes in several formulas to fit any cat family’s needs. I love that it’s 99% dust-free and flushable, so clean-up is a breeze. It’s also quick clumping and has outstanding odor control, which makes both cats and their humans happy.

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5. Keep it clean.

Every cat wants a pristine, clean litter box—and who could blame her? Clean litter boxes and keep them fresh by scooping waste out twice a day and giving the litter boxes a thorough cleaning (and new kitty litter) at least once a month. If you’ve opted to use non-clumping litter, you’ll need to change out all of the litter every time you clean your cat’s litter box. Animal Planet provides a useful guide on how to safely clean the litter box and get started on creating a fresh, rejuvenating environment for your kitty today!

Another tip I’d recommend is getting a metal cat litter scoop to keep your kitty’s litter box clean. These metal scoopers are better than plastic ones because they’re stronger and last longer. They don’t hold onto germs and are easier to clean. Also, clumping litter doesn’t stick to them, which’ll make scooping easier. Some of these scoopers even have comfy handles, so they’re nice to hold, and their design helps clean litter boxes better.

Speaking of keeping things clean, I recommend having a good enzymatic pet odor and stain remover on hand at all times when accidents do occur. My personal need for an all-natural, safe cleaner that didn’t have harsh odors or chemicals led me to develop my own enzyme cleaner, Kinderbean No Stress Mess Eraser.

It keeps my home clean and smelling fresh while naturally discouraging my cat from revisiting the scene of the accident. I also use it to clean Olivia’s litter box after emptying it. Since it’s bio-enzymatic, it actually destroys the bacteria that cause the unwanted odor.

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6. Do cats share litter boxes? Hint: one litter box isn’t enough.

Do cats share litter boxes? Does your cat need more than one litter box?

Like many things related to cats, there’s no one definitive answer. Much depends on your cat’s unique personality. However, it seems clear enough that most cats prefer a multi-box household.

When planning and buying, a good guiding principle is to have one box per cat in your family, plus one. For example, if you live in a two-cat house, you need to make room for three litter boxes. This makes sure there are enough litter boxes at home (plus extra). Your cats will have plenty of space and keep the privacy they often hold dear. 

7. Check her poop.

Scooping up your cat’s poop is gross enough in itself, but to actually check each clump as you do? It may seem like another chore to add to your litter box problems, but checking your cat’s poop when you clean the litter box helps you spot health problems early. 

Aside from looking out for things like how often your cat goes, check what her poop looks like and if it smells different. Normally, their waste should be solid and brown in color. Any changes to the consistency and color could indicate your cat may not be as well as you think she is. She may have eaten something shouldn’t have, have parasites, or could be suffering from other more serious health issues.

Finding problems early means you can get your cat help sooner, which will help you avoid costlier vet bills in the long run.

The Tail End

These seven litter box tips offer a win-win scenario for everyone involved. Your cat is sure to feel calmer, more comfortable, and more at home—and you’ll rest easier knowing you’ve created a healthy and constructive environment for your kitty. Plus, there will undoubtedly be fewer accidents around the house! 

Want more tips and tricks for keeping your cat healthy today, tomorrow, and always? Download my free monthly cat health checklist.

cta check your cat's health with this free checklist

Chew on this: I may receive a small commission for affiliate links, but all products I “dig up” are ones I paw-thentically love!

Kristen Levine

Kristen Levine is a nationally acclaimed pet expert, influencer, and Fear Free Certified® Professional with over 30 years of experience working with pets.

Through this blog and her book, Pampered Pets on a Budget, Kristen has helped millions of pet parents solve problems and provide the best care for their dogs and cats.

Working alongside hundreds of pet professionals, including veterinarians, behaviorists and trainers inspired Kristen to become a pet parenting “guide”, providing readers with reliable information about health, wellness and lifestyle for dogs and cats and the people who love them.

A dogged advocate for pet adoption and rescue, Kristen has featured over 1,000 adoptable dogs and cats from the SPCA on live television and radio appearances to get them adopted. Her blog, KristenLevine.com has been featured in over 100 media outlets – including the New York Times, USA Today, FOX & Friends, Good Morning America, Women's Day, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, Pop Sugar and more.

To stay up to date on the latest health and lifestyle trends for pets, Kristen regularly attends the top veterinary and pet product conferences, where she’s often a featured speaker.

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Comments (112)

  1. Well since one or two of the semi-feral catz that share my home with me….oops I mean their home with me…often use my pile of VIPs (Very Important Papers) as a commode; I think I’ll take your advise TigerHaywood and look for paper litter. ~~dru~~

    Reply

    1. Hi Abigail,

      You are too funny! Yes, these tips in this article have solve many litter box problems! We use World’s Best Cat Litter at my house. It’s natural, dust free, cats love it and it’s all natural!

      Kristen

      Reply

  2. Our little feral rescue would go outside the box, right next to it. Took a bit to figure out that she would not go in with the lid on, only when the lid was off. I thought it was litter box not clean enough but after some thought I noticed that she ran to the litter box to use it while I was cleaning it out. Took away the lid and problem solved. I think she was stressed because she could not see her total surroundings, being a feral she probably needed to see the whole area to makes sure no one could sneak up on her.

    Reply

  3. I literally cannot thank you enough! I have 4 cats, because I foster on top of having my own fur babies. I have been using pine pellets for months now. One bag lasts us over a month with 4 cats. We were spending 15 dollars a week or more on litter. Plus, it smells nice and is wayyyy easier to deal with. So, I should have said thank you already. I had to come back today though to say thanks, because I recently took in a litter of puppies. Yes, puppies. After weeks of dealing with thier mess, I decided to try something. I got a plastic pool, and filled the bottom couple of inches with pine pellets. The puppies love it! They have went potty in the pine pellets every single time. It has been a life saver for me and my family, fur kids included. THANK YOU

    Reply

    1. Hi Skylar!
      Thank you for letting me know! It’s always so nice when people write to tell me I was able to help them! Best of luck with those puppies! They are professional mess makers! Thanks for doing all you do to help animals:)
      Kristen

      Reply

  5. These are all great! I have a litter Robot and I really like it. I keep it clean and my cat likes it too! I like that she steps on a clean bed of litter, every time she uses it. The only problem that I have with it is, she still kicks the litter out of the entrance. I got the door guard for it and that seems to help!

    Reply

    1. My cats only use 2 of the boxes. They only pee in the one in my bedroom and not all of them use it. But they all use the one in the closet for all business.

      Reply

  7. Having multiple cats in the household we provide litter boxes cut from plastic storage bins giving them the privacy and space they desire. Some cats like lots of litter in the box a couple of them don’t want to bury their feet in the litter. It is a trial and error but you can find the perfect balance if you keep experimenting

    Reply

    1. Hi Kathy,

      You are right – every cat is different! Privacy and space are important especially in multi-cat households to ensure our kitties feel comfortable 🙂

      Thanks for your comment, Kathy!

      Kristen

      Reply

  8. I never knew you weren’t supposed to cover their boxes. I’ve never had an open box. I’ll have to take the lid off mine and see if my kitty is happier!

    Reply

    1. Angelica,

      I am glad that this helped you learn something new! Many cat parents don’t know that their kitties don’t like a covered box. Let me know how it goes when you take off the lid 🙂

      Kristen

      Reply

  9. Many of my cats are seniors now and I’ve had to add “dog” litter boxes (and newspaper pellet litter – so they won’t kick it all out of the low sided box).

    Reply

    1. As our kitties get older, it is important that we listen to them and adapt to their needs. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad you have found a solution!

      Kristen

      Reply

  11. I haven’t tried World’s best cat litter yet, but I have tried other ones that were not clay, and my cats, all except one, will not use the wood chip type, like OKO cat, they won’t go near the box, except one of them will. Not sure why, if it hurts their pads, or just feels too differently for them but I have given up on buying any that are from wood pulp, but I read World’s Best is from corn, is that similar in consistency to the wood ones? I just don’t want to distress them again.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jennifer,
      It can take time for our kitties to adjust to a new cat litter. The best thing to do is slowly integrate the new litter by mixing it in with your old litter. Then, each time you clean you can add a little more of the new litter. This helps make the transition a little smoother for your kitty! The reason they were avoiding the box with new litter could have just been because you introduced it too quickly for them – cat’s like to be in control! If you switched too soon, they could have been stressed causing them to avoid the box.

      We used clay litter (yuck) before we switched to World’s Best Cat Litter. World’s Best Cat Litter is made up of naturally absorbent corn, so it is mostly dust free and more sustainable! It’s even flushable! The consistency is lightweight, and should be smooth on their paws. You can read more about them here.

      Hope this helps!

      Kristen

      Reply

  16. I have a multiple cat household and have covered and uncovered cause some of them like the covered box but I dont use small litterboxes I use 18 gallon storage tub I cut the door out and they are about $4 so I can just toss them twice a year so the plastic dont get stinky.

    Reply

    1. Sonya,

      The large space is likely helpful so that your kitties have the space they need in their box – especially if we keep it clean. It is nice to have an affordable replacement option as well 🙂

      Thanks for reading.

      Kristen

      Reply

  18. Luckily I already knew all of this and I am so grateful that we haven’t had any issues with my cat. We don’t have her litter box covered, but we do have it in like a hidden spot because she doesn’t like people being able to see her go to the bathroom. The litter box kind of being hidden, makes her happy.

    Reply

  24. I will definitely be trying some of these tips with my cat … suddenly he just started acting funny when he pees in litter box once not covering it then thinking that if he pees once and it’s not scooped immediately ..that it’s a one time use little box ..he seems to now think my other halfs folding chair is his second litter box .. lol smh.

    Reply

    1. Hi Dawn,
      Oh no! It is best to have one extra litter box per cat (so, if you are a single cat household, it’s best to have two litter boxes). This may help him when one box is too dirty, he can use the other one! I hope this helps. If you notice this behavior continue, you should check with your vet! They may have a solution that could help.
      Keep me posted!
      Kristen

      Reply

  25. Great suggestions. We have used every one and must say, they all are important for a happy cat – in our case five of them ranging in age from two to 19. One point I do want to stress is cleanliness. I clean those boxes often and believe not only does it make for a better potty experience for the cat, but keeps the rooms/house from smelling like a funky bathroom. I also have the little mats outside of each box which helps clean the kitties paws when they exit the box.

    Reply

  26. I have found that if you have multiple cats, they like to have their own litter box. I had one cat who liked two litter boxes. One, he’d urinate in and the other he’d defecate in.

    Reply

    1. Pam,
      Yes it is a good rule to have one extra litter box per cat. So, if you have two cats it is best to have three boxes. Some cats are more picky than others, that is for sure!
      Kristen

      Reply

  27. yes my cats hate hooded litter boxes and I have one that will not take his daily poop until you have scooped it clean.. cats are finicky creatures.

    Reply

  28. I have 3 indoor cats and hey are picky about their litter boxes but we have 3 and 2 are covered they seem to like the privacy

    Reply

  29. When my little Moko started peeing on her cat tree or going on the couches in the living room (she spent the vast majority of her time on the tree – eating on the top section and sleeping in the little house on it), I secured a small litter box on one level of the tree and she never peed anywhere else again. Moko had medical issues (hyperthyroid, some early kidney issues, allergies) so much of it wasn’t her fault. She also peed a LOT. That little litter box was just what she wanted – and needed. I had to clean it constantly since it was right where everyone could smell it, but Moko was so much happier with her special box. We do what we have to when it comes to keeping our furbabies happy and healthy.

    Reply

  30. I actually knew a lot of these but the covered litter boxes I didn’t until recently. My cats never seemed bothered by one until my youngest outgrew it and he would go right outside the box. Now I have very large and uncovered boxes with no issues.

    Reply

  32. I have several cats and have 2 boxes in the laundry room and 1 on the enclosed porch. I have found that using less litter works better.

    Reply

  33. I have to caver my cats litter box because my old boy does not stoop to pee he just stands there an goes. Has done this for many years.

    Reply

  36. My male cat will not use litter box, I think it’s because I got him from a girl who was living in her car and didn’t have a box for him so he went anywhere he could. So now he just goes outside to the grass I think he think he’s a dog he even growls at different things it really cute.

    Reply

  38. We have had a rolling box and open pan. The paranoid cat (1/2) only uses the open box due to our second recently adopted cats dominant behavior. The second cat is open to using either, but he keeps going in to play around and fling litter everywhere!

    Reply

  40. really great ideas, for training and teaching a cat to use the little box, some have things that they just dont likej

    Reply

  41. I had no idea there was an amount to put in the litter pan! I have been putting in too much all these years! Great to know!

    Reply

  43. Great tips! I do have to use more than 2″ of litter. I have a male cat who has to pee more than most dogs at a time. Yes he is healthy , he just pees a ton and so 3″ or more catches it all!

    Reply

  46. These are all simple tips for every cat owner. Follow these tips and you and your cat will be happy.

    Reply

  48. I know it says not to cover the litter box but I’ve been thinking of getting a cover or some type of barrier around it to keep the dust down. Yes, I use a low dust litter but there is still white dust on furniture. The box is in the basement but still I hate the white dust on things.

    Reply

      1. Kristine,
        My 12 year old cat has always used Fresh Step. I’ve tried a couple other brands but she didn’t approve. Most of the time she didn’t even bother to cover her deposits. A couple of times she went outside of the box. She was making her point clear that she knew the litter was changed. Maybe I will give Worlds Best Cat Litter brand a try. Thanks!

        Reply

  50. Learning yet more again! I didn’t realize about the covered boxes as most of mine are! Totally makes since though!! Thank-you!!!!

    Reply

  54. My female cat doesn’t squat and was peeing outside of the box. We know have a clear plastic box that is 18″ tall and all is well.

    Reply

  56. I bought a covered litter box about a month ago and could never understand why she did not want to use it. Now I know!

    Reply

  59. Obviously I need a bigger litter box & not covered. Although she does use it 100% of the time I would like to make her more comfortable!

    Reply

  60. I am truly surprised at how many cat owners only use one litter box. My two each have their own and I would have a third if I didn’t live in a small apartment. A friend of mine has 4 cats with one box and they couldn’t figure out why one of their females was urinating on their carpet. Simple science!

    Reply

  61. World’s Best lives up to its name- I never knew that male cats are more prone to bladder infections until recently and having a natural litter helps reduce the chances of getting one. WBL is the only natural litter that doesn’t have a weird smell. We(the cat and the humans) hate any litter that is highly perfumed or strong smelling. It doesn’t cover the cat pee odor and most of the time makes it worse!

    Reply

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