Make sure cat likes litter box

The most common behavioral problem in cats is inappropriate elimination (not using the litter box). It is, unfortunately, the number one cause of behavioral euthanasia or surrender to a shelter for cats. This behavior can be a sign of a serious illness, and you should consult your veterinarian as early as possible, but it can be as simple as the animal’s reaction to some stress in the household or perceived threat to territory.

While every cat and situation is unique, there are some guidelines that can help your cat like her litter box:

The box

Frequently, the problem is with the litter box itself. The box is too dirty, too small or too out-of-the-way and therefore, the cat would prefer not to use it.

Most litter boxes available for purchase are simply too small for cats to use comfortably. They may also be shoved into a corner or underneath an overhang. They may have a cover that makes it impossible for a large cat to turn around inside them. If cats had a choice, they’d choose a sandbox; something they could dig around in with plenty of room. Try using large plastic storage containers, like the kind designed to slide under the bed. They are significantly larger than traditional litter boxes and the sides are not too tall, making it easier for kittens or for old, arthritic cats to get in and out of them. Avoid litter box covers which trap odors inside.

Location

What seems to us to be the perfect location for the litter box (laundry room or garage) and the perfect frequency of cleaning (rarely) may be unacceptable to your cat. Quiet and private is ideal, but the box should not be placed so far from where your cat hangs out that it is inconvenient to get to. It should also not be close to sleeping and eating areas. In a separate room or on the opposite side of a large room is best. Also, laundry rooms and garages can be noisy and if a cat gets scared or startled in the litter box, he may not want to return to it.

The litter

Veterinary behaviorists do studies in which cats vote which litter box or type of litter they prefer. (I don’t know whose job it is to count the “votes.”)

The majority of cats in behavioral studies vote for unscented, clumping litter. Unscented clay litter comes in second. There are certainly individual cats who don’t mind scented litter but, in general, it is best to avoid it. Litter should be at least two inches deep.

Cleanliness

This is the biggie! A dirty litter box is the number one reason cats develop an aversion to the litter box and a preference for your dining room carpet. A cat’s sense of smell is significantly better than ours. If we can smell the litter box, it’s 100 times worse for our cats.

Scoop litter daily, replace litter at least weekly (more often if more than one cat is using it) and clean the litter box with warm soapy water. If you have multiple cats, keeping one box clean is a fulltime job. You need more boxes! Ideally, behaviorists recommend a box for every cat in the household, plus one additional box. They should be in two or more separate locations to help avoid any territorial confrontations at the litter box.

Replace the box every 6 months because eventually urine odors will get into the plastic and make it smell bad to your cat.

Finally, cats don’t urinate or defecate outside of the box because they are mad at you or out of spite. Once medical reasons have been ruled out, inappropriate elimination is a cat’s response to a stressful situation. Just as a dirty house is stressful to some of us, a dirty litter box is stressful to our cats.