The Litter Box

“O! my offense is rank,

It smells to heaven.”

– Shakespeare

GENERAL RULE:  Think inside the box.  If you don’t, your cat won’t!

 IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS:

 There are a number of factors that help define a successful and continuing experience with litter boxes.  Here are some of them:

•  Type of Litter– Cats prefer litter that is not too coarse.  The newer, scoopable or clumping type of litters get “two paws up” in most reviews.  It can be more expensive, but it lasts longer and has a finer and softer feel to the paws.  Also, most cats prefer unscented litter.  In fact, they also don’t like air fresheners nearby … even though you might.  Try a thin layer of baking soda under the litter instead.
• How Much Litter to Use - About two inches is sufficient.  Too much litter becomes an excuse for not cleaning regularly and that will create problems.
• Consistency – Once your cat accepts the litter you are using, don’t mess with success.  Don’t be tempted with a different type of litter that is on sale.  You will only have to try to “sell it” to your cat and that could void any savings you made.
• Cleaning Schedule – One box and many cats = daily cleaning.  One box, one cat, clay litter = twice a week (or more).  One box, one cat, scoopable litter = once a week.  More cats = more often.  Simple.
• Location IS Important – Your cat wants some privacy, but also wants convenience.  If your cat has trouble going up and down stairs (too old or infirm), or is new to the house, it may not make it in time.  If you put the litter box close to a furnace or washer that turns on and frightens your cat, it may not want to use the box again.  If the litter box is too confined (in a tight space) that doesn’t allow “turn around and scratch” room, it becomes a bother to the cat.
• Temperature – Out of necessity, our ancestors went outside to an “out house” to do their business.  After indoor plumbing was invented, that all changed.  A cold cement floor or back porch or unheated garage is, to most modern cats, simply unacceptable.
• How Many Litter Boxes – Common sense dictates the answer.  If you have four cats and one litter box you may have a problem.  Having a three-story house and one litter box in the basement may result in “accidents.”  Think about the last time you had to stand in line for a long time.  Also, think about how clean the restroom was after everyone used it.  The answer to this quandary will become evident with time and experience.
• Covered vs. Uncovered Litter Boxes – “Out of sight, out of mind” may work for you, but what about your cat?  The unfortunate consequence of using a covered litter box is not easily seeing when it needs to be cleaned.  Also, a covered box provides less “wiggle room” for the cat to maneuver.
• Liners for the Box – Plastic liners are fine, but may be pulled out of place if not anchored down.  They are also easily and frequently torn by claws.

 LITTER TRAINING:

 Cats do not need schooling in what to do in a litter box.  They simply need to be shown and sometimes reminded where the box is located.  Instinct will take over unless there are other things (noise, cold, access) that interfere.  Hint #1:  If your cat used to do its business out of doors and isn’t sure about the litter box, mix some potting soil in with the litter for the “preferred” texture they remember. Hint #2:  If your cat prefers slick surfaces upon which to eliminate, put a very thin layer of litter at one end of the box.

 PUNISHMENT:

 Do not punish your cat if it fails to use the litter box.  There may be medical reasons for the cat not using the box and should be discussed with your vet.  The most likely reason that the cat is not using the litter box is that the cat has either been frightened or the quality of the cat’s “bathroom” environment has deteriorated.  If the litter box area smells a little to you, it smells a lot to your cat!

 SUMMARY:

 Aside from choosing the type of litter and the type of box to use, common sense dictates most successes or failures.  Keep the box clean on a reasonable schedule to your cat, not to you.  Make sure the box is easily accessible.  If you have more than one cat, consider more than one box.  A frightening experience in the litter box area can cause the cat to avoid the box in that location. Training should not be necessary. Be consistent in the choice of litter and cleaning.  Changes in behavior may have medical implications.  Don’t punish your cat – we all make mistakes.  If there is someone to blame, chances are, it is not the cat.

Revised 1.03.08

jep