You can put two litter boxes next to each other, but it's often better to separate them, especially for multiple cats, as placing them side-by-side can make cats perceive them as a single, potentially vulnerable spot rather than separate choices, risking territorial issues or avoidance; ideally, spread boxes out to offer distinct, safe, and accessible options in different locations for each cat, plus one extra.
The Golden Rule is "one litter box per cat, plus one".
Each cat requires a place to eliminate and mark territory. In homes with more than one story, litter boxes must be available on each level of the home. Cats don't like to walk far to get to the nearest litter box.
A cat's litter box should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it shouldn't be placed next to anything that could scare the cat (like a washing machine or furnace). Other than that, really anywhere is good, as long as the cat likes it. The best places are socially significant.
Spread out your litter boxes
Don't keep all of your litter boxes in one area of your home. Spread them out in different rooms on different levels. That way, there's always somewhere to go, no matter what part of the house your cats are in.
Yes, cats can share a litter box—but with some important caveats! Multiple cats can share multiple litter boxes, but multiple cats should not share one litter box. Each cat does not need their own personal litter box, but in your home there should be as many litter boxes as you have cats, plus one extra litter box.
The rule of thumb for the number of litterboxes is one per cat in the household, plus one. If you have one cat you should have two litter boxes, a two cat household should have three litter boxes, etc…. Extra litterboxes are necessary because some cats defecate in one box and urinate in another.
If you have multiple cats, it's best to provide each cat with its own litter box to avoid territorial issues and competition over resources. In some cases, a more territorial cat may try to block access to the litter box, so it's important to separate the boxes.
Why Do Vets Not Recommend Closed Litter Boxes? Odour trapping: Closed boxes can trap unpleasant odours, making the box less appealing and potentially leading to elimination outside the designated area.
In Conclusion
Keeping your cat's litter box in the bedroom isn't ideal so if you can, move it to a more appropriate part of the house. Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia.
However, if your house is quite large with an upstairs and downstairs, it's best to put one litter box on each floor.
Do cats mind if you move their litter box? The short answer to this is yes! Cats are creatures of habit and, if their litter box is somewhere they approve of and you change that, they may avoid using it.
Clumping litters only need a full clean and complete change of litter every two to four weeks, unless you have several cats choosing to use the same litter box. Non-clumping litters are good at absorbing cat urine, but require the litter box to be fully emptied and cleaned more frequently (usually once a week).
Once the study was over, the researchers were able to determine that overall there was no preference between covered vs. uncovered boxes; however, some individuals did like one over the other. Four cats (15%) preferred the covered litter box and four cats (15%) preferred the uncovered box.
Cats will avoid areas where they have been ambushed, frightened or felt cornered with no way out. as their toilet, provide at least 5 feet between them.
Ideally, you should spot-clean your cat's litter tray every day and replace the litter at least once a week. If the tray is left to become dirty, your cat may prefer to use the floor instead!
When picking the tray itself there are commonly two types – ones with lids and ones without. Covered litter trays are more appealing as they stop spillage and any mess around the tray, the downside is that your cat may not like it. Most cats prefer to use a box without a lid.
5 things you do that your cat secretly hates
Behavioral Changes
If your typically social and cuddly cat is now withdrawn and hiding, this is an immediate red flag that something might be wrong. It's common for cats that aren't feeling well to hide to prevent their illness from being discovered.
Veterinarians and feline behaviorists recommend following the “N+1 rule”—one litter box per cat, plus one extra. This guideline isn't arbitrary; it's designed to prevent resource guarding, give cats options, and reduce the chances of elimination outside the box (Neilson, 2004).
For example, if you have three cats, you'll need a minimum of four litter boxes. Place litter boxes in accessible locations, away from high-traffic areas and away from areas where the cat might feel trapped. If you live in a multistory residence, you may need to provide a litter box on each level.
Even with their great eyesight, a softly lit space makes it easier for cats to navigate the home, find their litter box, and reduces the chance of accidents. Reduce anxiety. Cats rely greatly on their night vision, but being in total darkness can lead to anxiety.
Can multiple cats share one litter box? They can, but it usually causes stress and accidents. You should have one more box than you do cats.
Cat litter box training tips and tricks. You don't need to show the cat where the litter box is. They will find it on their own and will most likely use it when you are not in the room, when it's quiet, or when you're sleeping.
What are the signals that your cats need more litter boxes or a bigger litter box?