Litter Box Tips
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• Most cats prefer a fine-grained, unscented litter substrate (e.g., clumping litter)
• Boxes should be scooped 1-2 times daily.
• Clumping litter should be completely changed at least weekly and more often if more than
one cat uses it. Clay litter should be changed a minimum of every other day (more frequently if
multiple cats are using it). Wash litter box in warm, soapy water and dry well before adding new
litter.
• The ideal number of boxes is one per cat, plus one. Litter boxes should be placed in at least
2 different locations, and preferably more if it is a multiple cat household. Locations should be
private and have easy access. Boxes should not be placed next to noisy appliances.
• Prevent blocking litter box exit or entry of one cat by another. Have at least two ways for
cats to enter and exit the box.
• Never trap or corner a cat in its litter box to give it medication or perform other procedures
that the cat may dislike.
• Many cats prefer a litter depth of approximately 1.5 inches; however, preferences vary.
• Cats prefer litter boxes that are at least 1.5 times the length of their bodies. Many
commercial litter boxes are too small for larger cats. Sweater storage boxes, cement mixing
tubs, and small dog litter pans (for dogs up to 35 pounds) make excellent cat litter boxes.
Helpful Facts Regarding Urination and Defecation:
• The average cat urinates twice daily (+/- 2), and defecates once (and up to 3-4 times in
outdoor cats) daily.
• Some cats sniff and cover their eliminations; others don’t. Both are considered normal
behavior.
• Eliminating outside the box often signals an underlying medical condition. The
earlier the problem is corrected, the better the chance for the cat to return to the litter
box. Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
• Boxes should be scooped 1-2 times daily.
• Clumping litter should be completely changed at least weekly and more often if more than
one cat uses it. Clay litter should be changed a minimum of every other day (more frequently if
multiple cats are using it). Wash litter box in warm, soapy water and dry well before adding new
litter.
• The ideal number of boxes is one per cat, plus one. Litter boxes should be placed in at least
2 different locations, and preferably more if it is a multiple cat household. Locations should be
private and have easy access. Boxes should not be placed next to noisy appliances.
• Prevent blocking litter box exit or entry of one cat by another. Have at least two ways for
cats to enter and exit the box.
• Never trap or corner a cat in its litter box to give it medication or perform other procedures
that the cat may dislike.
• Many cats prefer a litter depth of approximately 1.5 inches; however, preferences vary.
• Cats prefer litter boxes that are at least 1.5 times the length of their bodies. Many
commercial litter boxes are too small for larger cats. Sweater storage boxes, cement mixing
tubs, and small dog litter pans (for dogs up to 35 pounds) make excellent cat litter boxes.
Helpful Facts Regarding Urination and Defecation:
• The average cat urinates twice daily (+/- 2), and defecates once (and up to 3-4 times in
outdoor cats) daily.
• Some cats sniff and cover their eliminations; others don’t. Both are considered normal
behavior.
• Eliminating outside the box often signals an underlying medical condition. The
earlier the problem is corrected, the better the chance for the cat to return to the litter
box. Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
| Litter Box Care to Prevent or Treat Elimination Problems From the American Association of Feline Practitioners |