One of the most common behaviour issues in cats is peeing outside the litter box, and sadly it is also one of the main reasons people surrender their cats to shelters. In almost all cases, there is an underlying cause. This might be stress, a medical problem, the type of litter or litter box being used, or even the way the box is placed in the home. The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented or resolved with the right set-up. So let’s take a closer look at what a perfect litter box looks like from a cat’s perspective.
The perfect litter box is:
Clean
We do not like to sit on a dirty toilet, and the same goes for cats. They are naturally clean animals and have a stronger sense of smell than we do, so keeping the litter box fresh is important. A clean box also helps prevent odours and encourages your cat to keep using it. Scoop the litter at least once a day, preferably twice. Depending on the type of litter and the number of cats in your home, replace all the litter every one to three weeks. Clean the litter box with soap and water and rinse it well before refilling, as strong cleaners can leave behind scents that some cats dislike.
Filling
Crystals, pellets, clumping litter, non-clumping litter, the choices for filling a litter tray are endless. Most cats prefer soft, unscented, clumping litter. Scented litter can overwhelm a cat’s highly developed sense of smell. Clumping litter also makes it easier to remove all faeces and urine properly, which helps keep the box smelling fresher for longer. It is important to ensure that all urine is removed, which is more difficult with non-clumping litter.
For kittens, it is advised to use non-clumping litter because they may try to eat it. Many cats have a clear preference for a certain type of litter, so some experimentation may be needed to find what your cat likes. It can help to introduce new litter slowly by mixing it with the old one. Avoid using liners in the litter box. Urine can get trapped underneath, and some cats dislike the sound it makes.
Location
Most people prefer to place the litter box out of sight, often in a room that is rarely used. It is important, however, that the box stays easy for your cat to access. If it feels too hidden or awkward to reach, your cat may avoid it. A box that is easy to reach helps build good litter habits and reduces stress. Do not place all the litter boxes in one area. Spread them around the home, which is especially helpful in multi-cat households. This prevents cats from blocking each other and gives everyone their own comfortable option.
Choose calm, quiet spots where your cat can relax, away from children, dogs and sudden noises. Avoid placing boxes near appliances that make loud sounds. Keep litter boxes away from food and water bowls, as cats do not like to eliminate close to where they eat and drink.
Size/Shape
Litter boxes come in all sizes and shapes, and some are even automated. They might look great to us, but our cats do not always agree. Make sure the litter box is big enough for your cat, as nobody likes to feel cramped when doing their business. The box should be roughly one and a half times the length of your cat. Lids and flaps can help keep smells in for us, but many cats dislike going into a space where the smell is trapped. A closed box can also make a cat feel cornered because it removes the option to escape quickly.Automated litter boxes can be convenient for humans, but the noise and moving parts may frighten some cats. This can lead to hesitation or even refusal to use the litter box.
Amount
Cats usually do not mind sharing toys or a cat tree, but sharing a litter box is a different story. It is generally advised to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. For example, if you have two cats, you should have at least three litter boxes. This gives each cat enough choice and avoids tension or competition around the boxes. By giving each cat access to their own space, you can help prevent or resolve issues with peeing or pooping outside the litter box, and create a calmer environment for everyone.
Conclusion
The perfect litter box is simple and plain. For most cats, the ideal set-up is an open box filled with unscented, clumping litter, placed in a quiet area with easy access and cleaned regularly. Complicated or enclosed boxes may look appealing to us, but many cats find them uncomfortable or stressful. Because of this, a poorly placed or unsuitable litter box can be a reason behind peeing or pooping outside the box. If your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box, and there is no underlying medical issue, adjusting the litter box set-up might be all that is needed.
Important note: if your cat suddenly starts peeing and pooping outside the litter box, always rule out medical problems first, such as a bladder infection or urine crystals.
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