Preventing and solving litter box problems (2024)

Pick the right litter box location

• Place the litter box in a semi-private area, away from lots of traffic.
• Keep kittens in a small room with a litter box for a few days until they use it consistently.
• Avoid placing the box next to your cat's food or water, or near loud noises (washing machines, etc.) that may be startling or scary.
• Avoid corners and tight areas like closets where your cat might feel trapped.

Select your litter carefully

Use plain, unscented clumping litter. Once you have found a litter that seems to please your cat, don’t switch.

Keep the litter box clean

Solid waste and clumps should be scooped out daily. Empty the entire box and wash it with warm water at least once a month.We don’t like to use dirty toilets — neither do cats!

Make the litter box accessible

• Start with a small box for a kitten purchase a deeper, larger box as your cat grows.
• Baby kittens and senior cats should have boxes with low sides that they can easily hop over.
• Avoid using covered litter boxes. Many cats are reluctant to use them.

Have one box per cat, plus one

A household with three cats should contain four litter boxes.Many cats will refuse to go in a box that already contains waste.

Give your cat attention

Cats are often stressed by change, including big changes like moving, grief, and new pets, and smaller changes like rearranged furniture, a litter box moved a few feet, and new household cleaners. Give your cat extra attention, playtime, care, and reassurance in times of stress to help with his adjustment.