Pam’s Litter Box Reminders

 

Here’s a quick checklist with some of the important things to remember when setting up and maintaining your cat’s litter box. Remember, it’s about what’s best for the cat and there are a few things on this list you may not have realized could make a difference in the success or failure of the litter box.

 THE RIGHT LITTER BOX FOR YOUR CAT

• Size should be 1.5 times the length of the cat from tip of the nose to base of tail
• Boxes should be uncovered to prevent a cat from being ambushed while in there
• Use large plastic storage containers as litter boxes for bigger cats
• Kittens need low-sided boxes initially

 

THE RIGHT LITTER

• Cats generally prefer a soft, sandy texture
• Use unscented litter
• Maintain a 2-3″ level
• Don’t use plastic liners or litter additives
• Don’t make abrupt changes in litter brands or types

 

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NUMBER AND LOCATION OF LITTER BOXES

• You should have the same number of boxes as cats plus an extra box for good measure
• In a multicat household, locate a box in each cat’s preferred area
• Don’t line litter boxes up in one room
• Boxes should be out in the open and not wedged in corners or closets
• Place box in an area opposite room entrance to give cat maximum visual vantage
• Multi-level homes need boxes on each floor
• Don’t place litter boxes near food or water bowls

 

LITTER BOX MAINTENANCE

• Scoop litter at least twice a day
• With scoopable litter, thoroughly wash box at least once a month
• With non-clumping litter, thoroughly wash box at least every 4-5 days
• Replace worn or scratched boxes as often as needed
• As you scoop, top off litter to maintain consistent levels
• Do not use plug-in air fresheners or fragrance sprays near the litter box

 

MONITORING OF LITTER BOX

• Twice-daily scooping allows you to monitor what is or isn’t happening in the box
• Watch for changes in appearance, odor and amount of cat’s urine clumps and fecal deposits
• Changes in litter box habits or elimination deposits need to be brought to the attention of your veterinarian
• Don’t use electronic or self-cleaning boxes because you lose the ability to monitor
• Never punish for elimination outside of the box

 

ADJUSTMENTS TO LITTER BOX SET-UP

• Make needed adjustments to box set-up as your cat ages or mobility decreases
• In a multicat home, make sure each cat feels safe when in the litter box
• Customize the litter box set-up to fit the needs and preferences of each cat
• Pay attention to what your cat may be communicating about the litter box set-up

DON’T TAKE SHORTCUTS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CAT’S LITTER BOX

• Don’t neglect litter box maintenance because a dirty box is stressful to a cat
• Don’t resort to electronic or self-cleaning boxes as a way out of daily scooping
• Don’t hide litter boxes in areas so remote that you’ll forget to maintain them
• Even if using scoopable litter, you still have to completely empty and wash the box regularly
• Cats who are allowed outdoors still need indoor litter boxes
• Don’t toilet-train your cat

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more specific information on dealing with litter box set-up or litter box issues, refer to the books by best-selling author, Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at book stores everywhere and online. You can also purchase books through our website.

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