Click here to download PDFHelpful Hints for Preventing Litter Box Problems
Choosing an appropriate litter and box:
• Have as many litter boxes as cats in the house, plus one.
• Most cats prefer unscented, finer textured litter.
• Young kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides.
• Overweight and large cats need bigger boxes.
• Most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and allows a 360-degree view of their surroundings.
Choosing a good litter box location:
• Most cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible 24 hours a day.
• Do not locate the litter box up or down stairs, if your cat has trouble climbing.
• Place the boxes in different areas of the house.
Keeping the box clean:
• If you use clumping litter, remove feces and clumps daily and add clean litter as needed.
• A liner may help keep the box cleaner, but many cats don’t like them.
• To clean the box scrub it with a gentle detergent, dry it, and refill with clean litter. Litter should be changed often enough so that it looks and smells dry and clean. The more cats using the litter box, the more often this will need to be done. On average, once every 2-4 weeks for clumping, weekly for clay and other types of litter.
• Replace old boxes every 6 months unless liners are used.