Litter box issues 101
I have tried everything. I am at my wits’ end, my cat is peeing outside the box. I get at least 10 emails asking for help with litter box issues per week. Nothing can break the human-cat bond faster than litter box issues. You may be more forgiving and understanding when your 12-year-old vintage biscuit maker is peeing outside the box. Or your 15-year-old cat is showing signs of dementia and seems to have forgotten where the box lives. The newly adopted cat or kitten from the shelter usually does not get the understanding and help they need.
1. Have a vet rule out any underlying medical conditions
A clean bill of health includes urine analysis (UA) and bloodwork (CBC) considering the age of the cat. A radiograph of the abdominal region can serve as an additional tool to help determine if the cat is suffering from any blockage.
2. Litter box situation
A good rule of thumb how many boxes you need is the number of cats in your home plus one. For example, if you have four cats, spread five boxes around the house.
Two boxes close to each other count as one. No cheating here, please! We know that spot in the dark basement is the perfect exile for the boxes. But trust me, taking a shortcut here is not the way to go.
Cats are not good at math; they won’t be able to count the boxes. But forcing your cat to use the same box for business #1 and business #2 is often the reason for litter box issues.
3. Litter boxes
I recommend XL large boxes. One and a half times the length of the cat, and one times the width of the cat. Smaller boxes are only convenient for the cat owner. Cat owners don’t like the size of airplane toilets. Your cats like to have some room to move and dig as well.
A word about obstacle and top entry boxes: Many cats don’t like them. Imagine you have to jump up, and then down into the abyss to do your business. Mom’s bed is soft and way more comfortable. Don’t blame the cat for peeing on your bed if your cat is required to run an obstacle course.
4. Litter
I could write a book about cat litter. The choice is overwhelming, and cat owners – myself included – can get confused. My recommendation is to offer your cat/s a litter buffet. Take notes on which box contains which brand of litter. Is the box containing a certain type of litter used more frequently? I have a notebook where I write down every month which litter is in which box. My cats prefer clumping clay litter. I know this because I took notes for about 2 years. My cats don’t like pellet litter, and I don’t like silicate litter. In the end, the litter choice comes down to the answer to the three questions:
#1 What litter do your cats prefer?
#2 What litter do you prefer? (tracking, dustiness)
#3 What litter fits your budget? (many house brands and refill options are excellent choices)
Dustiness, price, scent, and tracking are important factors. With the overall choices, I am confident that you will find a litter that meets all criteria.
5. Cleanliness
Many cats are VERY particular about a clean box. If you want to avoid any issues, scooping twice daily will be your best investment. Make sure you dump the litter at least once per month and scrub the box.
6. Cleaning after accidents
Toss everything that you cannot wash or clean. Use an enzymatic cleaner. Make sure your home does not have any traces of cat urine anywhere.
Has your vet given your cat a clean bill of health?
Are you following tips 2-6?
If you are still facing elimination or defecation outside the box it is time to contact a cat behavior consultant. A systematic approach will be your best chance at finding the root cause.