Cats are quite particular about their litter boxes, and here are some they’d like to be sure we humans know:
- Place the litter box in a quiet location away from heavy foot traffic and commotion. This is their rest room, after all….
- If changing litter types, please do so gradually. Cats need time to adjust to any type of change, so start with a small portion of new litter (25%) mixed with existing litter used, gradually increasing the amount of new litter until fully converted. Allow at least a week for the change.
- Once you’ve decided on a location for the litter box, don’t move it. As mentioned above, cats are not fond of change and will often continue to eliminate in the former litter box location even after the box has been moved.
- If your cat has an accident and eliminates outside his box, don’t scold him. Cats are very sensitive and if scolded, your cat may equate the litter box to being scolded and avoid the box as a result.
- Make sure you have the right size and type of box. Some cats like the privacy of a covered box, while others don’t like the feeling of being closed in, so if you’ve got a covered box for him and he seems to be avoiding it, try taking the cover off. Regarding size, the box should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably.
- Are there enough litter boxes available? If you have more than one cat, the rule of thumb is one litter box for each cat and one additional box. So if you have two cats, it’s recommended you have three litter boxes available in various locations in your home. Having multiple boxes available ensures each cat will have one when needed so there won’t be a “waiting line.”
Photo from zaldozhnykh at animal-photos.com
Written by Karen
