6 Litter Box Secrets You Need to Know
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. It 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 6 secrets, 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 the 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.
6 Litter Box 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 with your cat’s approval. If your kitty doesn’t like using the box 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 it 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? The ideal size of your next litter box can be measured from the length from your cat’s nose to the tip of her tail, plus another fifty percent.
Placement 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,” they write.
3. Don’t cover it.
You’re not the only one concerned about smells coming from the litter box. 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 it uncovered, you provide a more welcoming space, and your cat will be more inclined to return time and time again.
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4. Add the right amount of kitty litter.
How deep does kitty 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 kitty 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. 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 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.
5. Keep it clean.
Every cat wants a pristine litter box – and who could blame her? Keep your kitty’s litter box clean and fresh by scooping it out twice a day and giving it a thorough cleaning (and new litter) at least once a month. Animal Planet provides a useful guide on how to safely clean your cat’s litter box and get started on creating a fresh, rejuvenating environment for your kitty today!
Speaking of keeping things clean, I recommend having a good enzymatic pet odor and stain remover on hand at all times for 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 causes the unwanted odor.
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 allows each cat to make a litter box their own, have plenty of space, and the privacy they often hold dear.
These 6 secrets 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.
Chew on this: I may receive a small commission for affiliate links, but all products I “dig up” are ones I paw-thentically love!
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!
Lissa,
Yes you want just the right amount! So glad this could help.
Kristen
These are all excellent tips!
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!
Ellen,
I am glad that 3″ works for you! Every cat is different, especially when it comes to the box LOL
Kristen
I have 4 Cats. 2 litter boxes are covered, the other 2 aren’t.
Kerry,
Thanks for sharing! Most cat’s don’t like the covered box due to those unwanted smells, but a few don’t mind it. Have you had success with yours?
Kristen
I always use an open litter box for my furrbies.
These are all simple tips for every cat owner. Follow these tips and you and your cat will be happy.
Thank you for these helpful tips. I have 5 litter boxes in the house.
Liz,
Thanks for reading 🙂
Kristen
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.
Vickie,
What kind of litter do you use? World’s Best Cat Litter has a great formula that is 99% dust free. This makes it much less likely to get that white dust on the things that surround the box! Here are the different options that they have. I love it!!
Kristen
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!
Great article. The best litter I have found is Arm and Hammer Slide. Works for everyone.
Learning yet more again! I didn’t realize about the covered boxes as most of mine are! Totally makes since though!! Thank-you!!!!
Tiffany,
I am glad this helped!
Kristen