NUMBER OF BOXES
The general rule of thumb for
the number of litter boxes is one box per cat, plus an
extra box. Translated, this means one cat should have
two boxes, two cats should have three boxes, and so forth.
If it is possible to have two boxes per cat, even better.
LOCATION OF BOXES
It is important to provide your cat with a place
to eliminate in a location where she feels safe and comfortable.
Choose a peaceful area where she won’t be startled
and that provides privacy. Ergo, the laundry room where
the spin cycle or dryer buzzer can erupt and startle her
out of her wits does not classify as safe. And if Kitty
feels unsafe in the area you’ve provided, she will
find somewhere more suitable—which might be in the
back of your closet on some soft laundry. Her pleasant
experience in your closet may prove far more agreeable
than her “scary litter box” and she may make
it a habit. She may also find that she likes the feel
of laundry or carpet better than the litter and choose
this material on a regular basis.
Things to consider
when choosing a location for the litter boxes.
Think Stress-Free Litter Box.
1.) If Kitty
is part of a multiple cat household, she should have easy
access to a private, quiet area that is not a dead end.
The back corner of a laundry room with one entry/exit,
for example, is a dead end. There should be an escape
route available if she feels insecure.
Problem Scenario: Marie
and Pierre are two cats living in same house. Marie is
using her litter box when Pierre decides “Playtime!”
Pierre plans a strategic ambush of Marie while she is
concentrating on her business, unaware of his intentions.
Pierre pounces on Marie and scares the “!!!”out
of her. She tries to run out of the small laundry room,
but Pierre blocks the entrance and Marie is trapped. With
no time to cover her mess or gather her wits, she records
this situation as a very unpleasant experience and will
not let herself be trapped there again.
Solution: Provide a safe
exit out of the litter box area. Place the box in a spot
with a separate entrance and exit. If this is not possible,
place an upside-down box next to the litter box to serve
as a stepping stool to a counter or some other way out.
A kitty condo works great in this situation as well.
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2.) Keep
Fido away from the box.
Problem: If your dogs are
like mine, a little afternoon snack of “Kitty Roca”
is a real treat. While many dogs find cat feces appetizing,
most cats (and humans) find the act disturbing. Kitty
will not feel comfortable using her box while Fido is
lurking around.
Solution: Place a child safety
gate at the entrance to the door. Leave it a few inches
off the ground at the bottom, just enough for Kitty to
get under but not Fido. This is a great solution for keeping
small children out of the litter box as well.
3.) Don’t
put the litter box near Kitty’s food and water.
Do you eat in the bathroom? Kitty doesn’t like it
either. Considering your cleanliness questionable, she
may choose to eliminate elsewhere. Cats do not like to
eliminate where they eat and drink. Also, the box shouldn’t
be near Kitty’s bed.
4.) Don’t
place the box near a door unless the door is generally
left open. If Kitty is using the box in what she
thinks is a nice quiet area and the door suddenly slams
open and someone walks in right next to her, she is likely
to feel startled and uncomfortable. Preferring privacy
in bathrooms is a trait many cats and humans have in common.
5.) Place
two boxes side by side. Many cats like to urinate
in one box and defecate in another. Providing two boxes
close to each other but not touching gives Kitty options.
If not provided with an option, Kitty may choose her own
locations.
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6.) A litter box on every floor of
the house. If you live in a multi-story house,
be sure there is a litter box on every floor your cat
can access. This is especially important with arthritic
or geriatric cats.
7.) Don’t place the litter box
on carpet. Often the feel of the carpet is more
attractive than the litter.
8.) Don’t move the box around.
Find the best spot for the litter box and if Kitty accepts
your decision, don’t move it! If you absolutely must
change the litter box location, do it gradually. Put a
new box in the desired area and then move the old box
a few inches a day until Kitty starts using the new box.
Number
of Boxes & Location •
Size •
Litter •
Cleanliness
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