How do I get my cat to use the litter box? 5 tips!

It’s important to put a lot of thought into your litter box purchase. The wrong choice may result in your cat not being house trained, something we would like to prevent from happening!

What litter box is the best choice?

When choosing a litter box, you should keep 5 things in mind:

• 1. What size litter box do you need?
• 2. What model litter box do you need?
• 3. What litter do you choose?
• 4. What’s the best spot for your litter box?
• 5. How many litter boxes do you need?

An aversion to litter boxes and everything associated with it is a serious problem in cats. It often leads to your cat not using the litter box and relieving himself inside the house.

The right size litter box

The general rule is: the bigger, the better. A cat needs enough room to be able to display natural behaviour when peeing or pooing. Cats like to dig. They like to dig a little hole to squat over, turn around and take their time sniffing their hard work. After which, they like to bury the evidence. No litter box is too big; most boxes are even too small. Fortunately, a litter box that is too small isn’t a problem for most cats! But is your cat not using the litter box, changing the size may be the first step to improvement!

The litter box model

Is the entry too high for your kitten or cat with arthritis? Do you get one with a lid or without? A lid may be nice to keep the smells inside the box. But keep in mind that cats are really clean animals and don’t like sitting in the smell of poo. A lid is fine, but you will need to scoop the poo and pee out regularly. At a minimum twice a day, but preferably every time your cat uses the box. This may seem a little over the top, but is your cat peeing or pooing inside? Check the state of the litter box and how often you clean in. You don’t like peeing in an unflushed loo, either. The lid should be high enough for your cat to be able to squat. Especially for cats with back pain taking off the lid may help.

What is the right litter?

That’s a good question. Are you getting a kitten? It’s smart to choose the same litter the breeder uses, because your kitten is familiar with it. It’ll help your kitten understand that he should use the litter box. In the best case scenario, your kitten’s breeder will let him get used to different types of litter. This way you can find which one your kitten prefers. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. It’s important your cat finds the litter nice to dig in. Try a different type of litter when he doesn’t. Don’t use scented litter. The scent is for the owner’s benefit and most cats don’t like it, especially not in a litter box with lid. Most cats like clumping litter. Clumping litter makes cleaning the litter box easier as well. Don’t use too little litter. Cats like digging and burying their poo in a thick layer of litter.

The right spot for the litter box

The box should be placed in a quiet spot, preferable not near a door. Placing the box near an outside door should be avoided, as neighbourhood cats may come by and visit. Next to the washing machine or dryer isn’t ideal either. It’s okay when you only run the washing machine once a week, but if you use it daily it may be another reason for your cat not to use the litter box. Cats needs peace and quiet to do their business, without feeling like they need to keep watch.

Don’t place the box near their food or water. You don’t like eating on the loo and neither does your cat.

How many litter boxes do you need?

Within one household the general rule is that you need as many boxes as there are cats + 1. Not one litter box for two cats. Not even one litter box for one cat. The different litter boxes also shouldn’t be placed next to each other. Preferably place the litter boxes all over the house. Don’t hide away all the litter boxes in the attic, either; easy access is important.

If you keep the above points in mind when choosing a litter box, many problems with cats peeing inside the house should be prevented.

Also visit our blog posts “Help! My cat pees in the house! Now what?” and “Litter training for cats”.

Do you have any questions? Contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.