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.”
Training a cat to use a litter box in a new location can be a challenge, but it is possible. With patience and gentleness, your cat can learn to move its bathroom habits to a new site and both you and your pet will be more comfortable.
If you do need to move their box, one idea is to move it gradually ( a little at a time each day) so that they don't get confused and will know where to find it. The bathroom is one of the best places to keep your cat's litter box. Messes will be easier to clean up on the tile or hardwood floor than on carpet.
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.
There's no hard and fast rule about the distance between a feeding area and a litter tray, but it's best to be aware that the two shouldn't interfere with one another. Your cat does not want to be dealing with the scent of its toilet while it enjoys its food.
Many cats and kittens will instinctively use a litter box without needing to be taught, because of their instincts to expel bodily waste in dirt or sand. Therefore, with a new kitten, owners usually need to simply show the kitten where the litter box is located, and how to get in and out.
Since cats tend to be territorial, most often each cat will claim her preferred litter box and other cats will seldom use it.
Cats like top-entry litter boxes. When it comes to litter boxes, cats don't all share the same preferences. Kittens and older cats may appreciate a front-entry litter box that they can easily walk into. Cats with big personalities may enjoy proudly doing their business out in the open.
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. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder.
Keep Cat Bowls Away from the Litter Box
You don't like to eat in the bathroom and neither do cats! Food and litter boxes should be kept a considerable distance apart. The main reason is to avoid cross contamination that may occur when cats cover up after themselves.
“Cats will sometimes jump into the litter boxes and often use them while, and right after, their people have scooped them,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant. “Cats love clean litter boxes, ones that are freshly scooped and don't smell of excrement.
The rule of thumb is one litter box for each cat plus one additional box, or one litter box for each social group plus one additional box, if the number of social groups is known.
You can place a litter box in the kitchen but it shouldn't be your first choice due to the potential for increased risk of food contamination, especially from toxoplasmosis. However, preventing cats from jumping on counters and careful placement within the kitchen can reduce the risk.
Typically, it's gross to have your cat's toilet in the same place you prepare your food. For some kitchen arrangements, however, it can work. In the closet with clothes. Unless you are fastidious about litter box cleanliness, your clothes will start to smell like dirty cat litter.
Baking soda
Adding baking soda in your litter box, by pouring a layer on the bottom of the box every time you change the litter, can be a simple way to fight the smell. As the cat uses the box, he will move the litter and the baking soda will destroy some of the odor. Baking soda is non-toxic and won't harm your cat.
Smelly kitty litter is one of the most annoying parts of being a cat owner. Not only does cat pee smell noxious, but the stench can spread all over your house, making it hard or embarrassing to invite guests over. That's why we all want to make sure that our cat litter boxes smell as little as possible.
Cleaning the area thoroughly with vinegar first and then applying an enzyme treatment will break down and evaporate the uric acid and your home will be free of cat odors. Vinegar and enzyme cleaners work on all surfaces: hardwood floors, carpets, mattresses.
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.
Cats just feel better after relieving themselves. Cats are “flaunting” their grown-up independence, because they don't need mommy to clean them up anymore. Cats want to call attention to their accomplishment.
If you or your partner have asthma or allergies, your cat shouldn't be allowed in the bedroom at all. Ideally, you should make your bedroom off limits from day one. Kitty will be less likely to scratch on the door and cry to be let in if she doesn't think of your room as part of her territory.
Water bowls should also not be placed anywhere near her litter box. This could make her uncomfortable and cause her to stop eating, drinking, and using her litter box. She may not even like having her food and water bowls near each other. Some cats are really particular about drinking water.
A warm place, next to a radiator or in the sun, is usually ideal. Some cats also prefer to sleep high up; don't hesitate to place their bed on a piece of furniture where they will feel safe.
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.