Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues.
Feline health experts and behaviorists recommend one litter box per cat plus one litter box extra. So the general formula is n+1, where n is the number of cats. If you have two cats, you should have 2+1 = 3 boxes. Similarly, if you have three cats, you need at least four litter boxes in the house.
For a multiple cat household, we recommend selecting a litter box that has more than 400 square inches of litter surface area. To find this number, all you need to do is multiply the interior width by the interior length.
Spread Out Your Litter Boxes
When it comes to multiple cats' litter boxes, it's best to place several litter boxes around your home so that they are always accessible. If you have a multi-level home, consider putting one litter box on each floor. This way, your cats will have easy access.
If multiple cats are using the same litter box, chances are one of them could get sick from the excess waste in the box if it isn't cleaned and managed well. So while having multiple litter boxes lying around your home may seem like more of a hassle to clean, it's the more sanitary option.
There is also the chance that a choosy cat might prefer one type of litter box (covered/uncovered), a specific litter, or even one placement over another. By providing two litter boxes you can easily identify your cat's preferences and save yourself both from potential discomfort.
Most cats prefer an open litter box. Most cat owners prefer a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes may trap odors and make the human environment smell better but for those reasons they may not be as desirable for the cat. If boxes are not cleaned regularly, the odor may be aversive to them.
After months of testing, our overall favorite is Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter, which clumps well, absorbs scents even better, and won't spread dust everywhere. We've found it to be especially effective in multi-cat households.
Each cat in your home should have its own litter box plus one extra. For a household with three cats, for example, experts suggest that you have four litter boxes. This assures that each cat has its own place to go and an extra one if all of the litter boxes are dirty or otherwise disagreeable—you know how cats are.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
Conclusion. Cats can share a litter box but that should be a choice they make. Forcing them to share could result in aggressive behaviour and litter box aversion. The best thing you can do is to give each cat its own litter tray.
That's why veterinarians advocate getting n+1 litter boxes per cat. In other words, if you have n=3 cats, you need to have n+ 1, or four litter boxes.
However, Cats Can Share Water Bowls
There also is usually a lot more water, enough for everyone. Although, cats can drink from the same water bowls throughout the day, have at least 2 bowls of fresh water out in a multi-cat household. Place water bowls in different rooms and on different floors in your home.
Basements and laundry rooms are popular choices but not actually recommended. Instead, Geller suggests the bedroom. "Your bedroom is a good location for a cat litter box since it's usually a quiet place," she says.
As a cat foster mom, I recommend that new adopters have at least 1.5 litter boxes per cat. So if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes; two cats, three litter boxes. Some cats just don't like sharing litter boxes, and this ratio lets each cat claim his own.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Vets often say that unscented clumping litter is best: “I always recommend unscented, clumping cat litter,” says Jim D. Carlson.
Whatever litter you use, to avoid spreading Toxoplasma and other dangerous organisms, never dump it outside. Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump.
How often should you scoop a litter box? For best odor control, you should scoop the box twice a day. If you're busy or you just forget, you can probably go with a daily single scoop. You don't want clumps and lumps to sit undisturbed for longer than a day though.
Virtually all cats like clean litter boxes, so scoop and change your cat's litter at least once a day. Rinse the litter box out completely with baking soda or unscented soap once a week. The majority of cats prefer large boxes that they can enter easily.
In addition to daily scooping, it is important to regularly change the litter box (twice weekly for non-clumping litter, monthly for clumping litter) and to wash it with soap and water.
For the time being, make it off-limits to the other cat. Keep your outside-the-box cat there for a few days (up to a couple weeks) with frequent visits from you until you see the routine use of the litterbox. Then open the door and allow the cats to reacquaint on their own time, but don't force them.
If you have more than one cat, make sure you have a water bowl for each of them, even if they tend to share. Better yet, leave water bowls and several points throughout your house, so your cat always has somewhere quiet to drink wherever they are.
So, it is possible for a neutered male and spayed female to live together in peace. In the case of both sexes, cats are much more likely to get on well with another cat if they are raised together from a very young age. This is more important than the sex of the cat.