Choosing the Right Litter Box for Your Cat

While there are many amazing aspects of owning a cat, cleaning out their litter box isn’t one of them. Choosing the wrong litter box could lead to a plethora of problems, such as your cat refusing to use it. Some cats may feel unsafe in certain models and choose to eliminate outside the box instead. This can lead to messy accidents around your home and potential behavioral issues. Fortunately, choosing the right litter box doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some things to consider when choosing a litter box for your pet cat.

In Litter Boxes, Size Matters

While all litter boxes may seem more or less the same, they often have unique features and specifications that make some better suited for certain cats. One of the most important aspects of a litter box is size.

Cats tend to have their own unique pre and post-litter box ritual, often entailing sniffing, spinning, and even digging to find the perfect spot to “go.” A box that’s too small could disrupt this ritual, as the cat may not have adequate room to move around. Aim for a litter box that is approximately 1.5 times the length of your cat, excluding the tail.

Types of Litter Boxes

There are many types of litter boxes, ranging from simple, inexpensive designs to more costly, technologically advanced options. Which you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget.

Top-entry litter boxes are a common model featuring a swinging top where your cat can enter and exit. High-sided litter boxes are better at containing messes, especially for cats that tend to kick their litter around. Self-cleaning litter boxes have become increasingly popular in the last decade. These often electronic boxes feature rotating parts that automatically rake and discard waste.

Covered vs. Uncovered Litter Boxes

When choosing a litter box for your pet, consider if a covered or uncovered box would be best. Covered litter boxes feature removable lids that prevent the litter from scattering. They can also provide privacy for your cat. Uncovered litter boxes offer the convenience of easy cleaning, as the box doesn’t have to be disassembled. In addition, some cats don’t like being in an enclosed space, making uncovered litter boxes the better option.

Cat Litter Depth and Type

In addition to comparing types of litter boxes, you’ll want to look at various litter materials. There are several primary types of litter used in these boxes, such as clay, pine, walnut, silica gel, grass, crystal, paper, and wheat. 

Also, consider whether clumping or non-clumping litter is best for your cat. Clumping litter creates solid pieces when wet, which are easier to scoop out, which makes the litter last longer. Non-clumping litter doesn’t form clumps, which may be best for kittens who may try to eat the litter.

How much litter you add to the box will depend on several factors, such as the size of the litter box and the type of litter. For example, the ideal depth for a box with non-clumping litter is typically between 2 and 3 inches. If you use clumping litter, aim for a depth of about 3 to 4 inches. Having adequate depth allows your cat to freely scratch, dig, and bury without easily reaching the bottom.

Location Is Key for Your Cat’s Litter Box

While the type of litter box you choose is important to your pet’s comfort and well-being, where you place the litter box is just as important. Set up a litter box in an area of the home that is quiet and free of distractions, clutter, and obstacles. Never place your cat’s food and water dishes near their litter box, as this could deter your pet from eating and drinking normally.

Consider comfort and convenience when choosing a location for litter boxes. While some pet owners may choose a location like a basement or a garage to minimize odors in the home, these locations are often less than ideal for cats. In addition, younger kittens may not be able to navigate long flights of stairs to use the bathroom, so be sure that the litter box is easily accessible based on your cat’s age and physical condition.

Multiple Litter Boxes for Your Cats

In most cases, a home with cats needs multiple litter boxes, even if you have just one feline. As a general rule of thumb, you should have enough boxes for each of your cats, plus one additional. Place these litter boxes in various locations throughout the home to give your cats the choice to go elsewhere if needed. This can help prevent territorial disputes and potential physical altercations between pets in the home.

Maintaining Your Cat’s Litter Box

Once you’ve chosen a litter box, litter material, and location, it’s time to set up a schedule to consistently maintain your cat’s litter box. To keep the area clean, feces should be scooped out of the box daily. How often the box is changed completely will be based on how many boxes and cats you have in your home. When cleaning the box, avoid using strong-smelling chemicals which can deter your cat from using the box. If litter box problems develop, consult with your vet or an animal behaviorist about the next steps to take.