All About Cat Litter!

Did you know that cat litter was not developed until 1947? Prior to that time, cats always eliminated outdoors in either sand or dirt. Since then many cat litters have been developed and marketed to humans, primarily answering the desires of humans.

When you are deciding on litter boxes for your cat, consider location, size, type of litter, litter box management, and the number of litter boxes needed for your household.

Here are some tips for designing the optimal litter box for your kitty.

Number of boxes needed:

The general rule of thumb is to have one litter box for each cat, plus one additional extra box. So, you would need 3 boxes if there are 2 cats in your home.

Location:

• Avoid placing food and water close to the litter box.
• Cats usually prefer quiet, private places when they need to eliminate. Avoid busy areas of the home and locations where your cat could be cornered in, blocked off, or unable to flee.
• Place litter boxes in multiple locations that out of view from other litter boxes and are easily accessible. This way a more timid cat can get to a litter box without passing by or getting blocked by a bully cat.
• Keep the litter boxes apart in different locations because your cat views boxes close to each other as one large litter box.
• If your cat is toileting away from the litter box, place an additional litter box at the new site (temporarily or permanently) to get your cat to use a box again.
• In a multi-level home, place a litter box on each level. If you have an older cat, place a litter box on the level where they spend the most time, as it may not be easy for them to go up and down stairs each time they need to use the box.

Size:

• In general, bigger is better and many commercial litter boxes are too small.
• Litter boxes should be 1½ times the length of your cat from the nose to the base of the tail.
• The litter box needs to be large enough to allow your cat to enter, turn around, scratch, and eliminate.
• Suitable alternatives can include concrete mixing trays or storage containers.
• Older cats need a low entry, so you can cut down the side but inspect for any sharp edges.
• Many cats do not like box liners or covers, but a shy cat may prefer a covered box.

Type of Litter:

• Soft, unscented clumping litters are preferred by most cats and these litters are easier for caregivers to clean.
• Many cats prefer sand or soil litter as they would use in the wild.
• Aromatic or dusty litters, litter deodorizers, and box liners are unpopular with many cats.
• Many litters contain perfumed crystals or other scents which can cause asthma in cats and in people! Others, such as cedar or pine, can have scent that also bothers human and feline asthmatics.
• Avoid litters with sharp or very hard consistency for older cats or those with sensitive paws.

Managing the Litter Box:

• Remove waste at a minimum of once per day and add litter as needed.
• Wash the litter box every 1-4 weeks using soap and hot water only. Avoid using strong chemicals or any ammonia-based products.
• A box with non-clumping litter should be changed completely every week.

Written by Dr. Amanda Glew