Cats and proper litter box training go hand in paw. It can be an easy relationship if your cat's litter box needs come first. Litter boxes are a must-have for all cats, yet litter box issues are the biggest concern among cat parents and one of the main reasons cats are surrendered to shelters.
There are many factors that can result in litter box fussiness, from health conditions like urinary tract infections to your litter box not being scooped regularly. Even the size of the cat litter tray or cat litter quality can be a huge issue.
Health Issues
If your usually well-mannered cat starts avoiding his litter tray, a visit to the vet is a must. Feline lower urinary tract infections can happen at any age, and the pain that comes with this may result in litter box avoidance, even if your cat has always used the litter box. Other health issues that can affect litter box use include the following:
- Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
- Urinary stones or crystals
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Osteoarthritis
Cat Litter Box Size
"Litter box size and whether the box is open or covered may also be important to some cats," says the American Animal Hospital Association. (AAHA).
When it comes down to litter box size, the AAHA recommends that the litter box be one and a half times a cat’s nose-to-tail length. The litter box edges should also not be too high for a small kitten or senior cat to be able to climb in and out easily.
One Litter Box Per Cat
The best way to go is to have one litter tray per cat and one litter box on each floor of your home. Having a few litter boxes in low-traffic areas throughout your home only helps matters. This needs to be in a quiet area of your home that is easily accessible to your cat.
Covered and Uncovered Litter Boxes
Always offer a choice when it comes down to covered and uncovered litter boxes. Some cats will only use uncovered boxes. Another good option is a large storage box.
Cats are finicky when it comes down to the size of their litter box, environmental stressors, cleanliness, and litter type. Offer a few types of cat litter boxes for a cat to choose from so that he has options.
Cat Litter
Cats are particularly fussy about the type of cat litter used. If you're looking for a high-quality cat litter that's best for your cat, consider options that include low-dust and unscented first.
If you're switching cat litter, take it slow and combine the new litter with the old, especially if the textures are very different. Alternatively, you can also offer new cat litter in various cat litter trays to see which your cat prefers.
Cat Litter Box Supplies
Besides purchasing high-quality cat litter and correctly sized litter boxes, you'll want to opt for cat litter scoopers and cat litter sifters for optimal litter box hygiene. Cat litter mats and baking soda are also must-haves, and the end result is a clean, odor-free home. If you're a multi-cat household, then allow for numerous cat litter trays, preferably steel litter trays that are a lot more hygienic.
High-value treats are also a must-have if you're still in kitty training mode. If your kitty skips the litter box, then herding him back and rewarding him with treats reinforces that only good things happen in the litter box.
Cat Litter for UTIs
If your cat tends to get health issues like UTIs, silica gel litter is best for its ability to determine your cat's urine pH. You'll be able to see color changes immediately, which would indicate a urinary tract problem.
Plant-based sustainable cat litters are crafted from fresh plants and features a natural fresh aroma. Other things to consider when choosing a cat litter include:
- Dust-free cat litter
- Tofu or soy cat litter
- AirTight technology for combatting bacterial and ammonia odors.
Cats With Litter Box Avoidance
If your cat suddenly stops using the litterbox, the first step is to visit your veterinarian to make sure that there are no health issues. Consider other litter box problems like dirty or smelly litter boxes, high-traffic placement near young children or a dog's bedding, and even ambushing behavior from other cats or dogs in the household. Ask yourself these questions if your cat is avoiding the litter box:
- How much odor control does your cat litter offer?
- How clean is the tray, and is it odor-free?
- Are dust levels low? Is your cat sneezing or coughing while using it?
- Does your cat's paws track cat litter around the house? If so, are other pets in the house ambushing your cat?
- If using a not-so-expensive clumping clay cat litter, consider stepping up and opting for silica sand-based or plant-based. Silica binds all moisture and doesn't allow for odors. It also is not beneficial for pathogens and parasites and doesn't track much.
Senior Kittie Litter Boxes
Along with a correctly sized litter box that's clean and offers comfortable access with a lower entrance and sides, opt for a softer cat litter that's gentler on senior paws.
Cat litter that's less likely to stick on the genital area is also beneficial for senior cats with mobility issues who may also have grooming difficulties.
Positioning The Litter Box Correctly
"Don't place boxes next to loud appliances, food, and water dishes, busy locations, or in cramped corners," advises the AAHA. Watch which litter boxes your cat most prefers using and how relaxed he is when using them.
Watching your cat's pee schedule and watching body language is key to preventing litter box aversions. If your cat is anxious while using his litter box, try moving the litter box to another area of your home.
Keep Cat Litter Boxes Clean
Cats require the same amount of care as dogs. Sure, they sleep a lot, but cats need clean litter boxes, high-quality cat litter, and the right amount of social interaction. They need diligent attention to their everyday needs- including the need to have their cat litter boxes cleaned at least twice a day.
No matter how busy you are, clean litter boxes are key to preventing litter box issues. You need to clean out litter boxes at least twice a day with a sturdy scooper or cat litter sifter. Ideally, you should:
- Throw out all the cat litter, use a vinegar solution or mild detergent to wash out your cat litter box, and rinse it very well.
- Avoid heavily scented detergents.
- Toss out old cat litter boxes and replace them with new ones.
- Use a non-clumping, fine, granular litter that's odor-free unless your cat prefers wheat grass, pine pellets, paper, or soft wood plant-based cat litter.
Cat litter boxes should always be kept clean. Clean litter boxes allow for happy and healthy cats. While inappropriate elimination can cause a great deal of concern, it can be prevented by minimizing environmental stressors in your home, especially near your cat's litter tray.
Remember, the number of litter boxes in your home should equal the number of cats plus one. As usual, always bring your cat to the vet for any health concerns as soon as they come about.
