Keep the litter box as far from your bed as you can, so that you and your cat have some space. This also reduces the risk of tripping over the litter box in the dark. Of course, you should avoid putting the litter box in a place that would block the bedroom door.
The best places for litter boxes are usually quiet, easy-to-reach corners that offer privacy, de Jong says. “Check out where your cat spends the most time,” de Jong says. “If your cat never goes up to that weird attic room, don't put the litter box up there.”
Keep the litter box as far away from your bed as possible – if possible, behind a protective screen or plant.
You may have even heard that your cat can smell their dirty litter a mile away. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that a cat can smell their litter box from that far away. More realistically, they might be able to smell it up to a few hundred feet away (depending on wind and weather conditions) and often a lot less.
If you live in a spacious home, you may be able to place the litter box in a seldom-used bathroom or guest bedroom. However, if you live in a small space, you may want to consider placing your litter box in the living room or bathroom, provided it is far enough away from other activity areas.
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.
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.
Because cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, it is important to avoid moving the litter box unless absolutely necessary.
Place litter boxes in separate, socially important areas.
Litter boxes should not be in a dark corner in the basement, garage, or hidden. If your cat is marking outside the litter box, it's important to put the boxes places where they're marking.
4. Amount of light: Contrary to belief, cats do need some light to see. Try placing a night light near their litter box and turning it on in the evenings so they feel safe and can navigate to their box easily.
Should I keep my cat in at night? Cats Protection recommends that you keep your cat in at night to keep them safe. Increased risks during night time include: Road traffic injuries and fatalities.
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.
If the litter box sits on a smooth, slick or cold surface, put a small throw rug underneath the litter box. A rug will also help trap loose bits of litter and keep them from being tracked elsewhere.
But cats are born with the instinct to dig and cover their waste. Theoretically, she says, if you place an appropriate litter box in a room, a cat or kitten will use it. Stray cats transitioning from outdoor to indoor life also know what to do, but they might insist on using your houseplants rather than the litter box.
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.
How often should I clean my cat's litter box? Scoop waste daily. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use.
Dirty litter boxes can cause your cat health problems! Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business,” said By Dr.
Boxes can become scratched and worn over time from cats clawing around to bury their waste. These scratches are great hubs for bacteria to hide and build up over time, which can cause odors.
Litter boxes can cause overexposure to ammonia causing headaches or pneumonia. This one also isn't totally poop-related, but it is poop-adjacent. Litter boxes that aren't cleaned regularly enough can contain buildups of urine and feces, resulting in dangerous ammonia fumes.
Pairs Make Happier Pet Owners
Because two cats tend to live happier and healthier, there's less chance of bad or destructive behavior, which means less damage to furniture and belongings, and happier pet owners. But the best reason of all to adopt a bonded pair: double the affection.
Your cat needs privacy when using the litter box, just as you would like when you use the bathroom. Place your cat's box in a quiet location, away from noisy washing machines or dryers that could frighten your cat while in the box. The box should also be in a location where your cat can use it undisturbed.