Why Litter Box Placement is so important.
Cats can feel very vulnerable in their litter boxes. Once they are in the peeing or pooping position, they become more concerned about all the potential cats (or predators) who could be in their territory—real or imagined.
If the cat does not feel comfortable using the litter box, they may look for another location to relieve themselves. Obviously, the location of the litter box isn’t the only factor that could be causing your cat to urinate or defecate in inappropriate places. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup before you start making changes.
General Rules for the Litter Box
The total amount of litter boxes.
The general guideline is as follows: one litter box for every cat, plus one more. That’s correct, even in households with only one cat, having two litter boxes available for use is ideal. Some felines have the odd habit of defecating in one location while urinating in another. It’s helpful to have an extra litter box.
The dimensions of the litter boxes.
It should be easy for cats to get in and out of this space, as well as turn completely around. The head to the end of the cat’s stretched tail should be longer than the length of the box. The width should be equal to the length of your cat when measured from head to tail when not extended. Remember, the box you bought when your cat was a kitten will be too small once the cat is fully grown
Type and quantity of the substrate.
The ideal amount of litter for a cat is two to three inches deep and odorless. Substrates that are fine-grained and soft are similar to what cats might use in the wild.
Squeaky Clean.
Scoop out the contents of the box at least once every other day, and give it a thorough cleaning once every two weeks. Plastic containers should be checked on a regular basis for any scratches that may indicate the presence of bacteria or foul odors, and should be replaced as necessary.
Layout of a litter box.
If you’re curious about the types of litter boxes that cats prefer, Studies have found that the majority of cats prefer an open, airy box without any lids. If she is content with using one, however, a box with a covered lid or top entry will suffice. It is important to monitor older cats for any signs of trouble entering the litter box, as arthritis can make top-entry boxes challenging to use.
In addition, if you are going to bring a new kitten into your home, you should choose a box with low sides so that it is comfortable for their smaller legs.