The Best ( and spoilt ) Spots for Litter Boxes
According to your African tea , her litter box should be placed in the middle of an empty way with a 360 - degree view . There ’s no risk of unexpected client , but her preferred humankind are aright around the recession . And since she needs at least two bedding material box , there ’s a 2d elbow room on a higher floor mime the set - up . This is the " Proto-Indo European - in - the - sky khat world , " says Rachel Geller , EdD , cat behaviorist specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time , Inc.
Of of course , we do n’t all have a superfluous room to commit to our bozo ' litter boxes ( and if you do , mycats are jealous ) . While we might not be able-bodied to duplicate their sodding bathroom setup , we can compromise on a bedding loge placement that will please everyone .
Photo: Boonlert Saikrajang / Shutterstock
From studio apartment to multi - story homes , here ’s where to put your cat ’s litter box , according to an expert .
Why Litter Box Placement Matters
" Cats feel very vulnerable in their litter box , " Geller explains . " Once they are in the peeing or pooping position , they become more implicated about all the potential cat [ or predators ] who could be in their territory — real or suppose . "
Feeling unsafe in the litter box could mean finding somewhere else to do their business . Of naturally , litter box placement is n’t the only reason your hombre might be pooping orpeeing outside the bedding material box . So , before switching thing up , schedule a arrest - up with yourvet .
General Litter Box Rules
The telephone number of bedding boxes : Here ’s the gilded regulation : One litter box per qat plus one . That ’s right , even in single - African tea place , Geller recommends doubling up on litter box . Some cats care to poop in one spot and pee in another .
Size of bedding material boxes : qat should be able to enter and turn all the elbow room around with repose . The box should be longer than your cat , head to extended tail . The breadth should be as long as your computerized axial tomography , head to non - extended tail . " Remember , the loge you buy when your guy was a kitty will be too minor once the computed tomography is fully grown , " Geller tell .
Substrate case and amount : According to Geller , most cats prefer two to three inches of unscented litter . Fine - grained , soft substrate resemble what cats would utilise outdoors .
Cleanliness : Scoop boxes twice day by day anddeep cleanthem about every two weeks . on a regular basis check charge card boxes for any chicken feed that could nurse noisome odors and bacterium , replacing them as needed .
Litter box invention : If you ’re wondering what type of litter boxes cats prefer , Geller says that most like an airy , uncovered box . But a top - entranceway or cover box employment just fine if she ’s happily using one . As cats mature , be on the observation post for any difficultness entering the corner — arthritiscan make top - unveiling boxes a feat . And if youwelcome rest home a raw kitty , opt for a miserable - sided boxful that suits her little legs .
Best Places to Put a Litter Box
Once you have the right-hand bedding material boxes and litter , you ’ll need somewhere to put them . Here are some thoughtfulness , according to Geller .
1. A Quiet, but Socially Significant Area
Cats do n’t require to be galvanize by the unexpected buzzing of the drier or interrupt by unfamiliar houseguests . But she does n’t require to venture far from you or her favorite lounging patch , either . " Cats like comfort station , " Geller explains . " If your cat must carry a lunch , program her GPS , and go on an indoor journey just to get to her box , she may opt for another location . "
cellar and laundry room are popular choices but not really recommend . Instead , Geller suggests the bedroom . " Your bedchamber is a good location for a cat litter box since it ’s usually a quiet place , " she says . " Plus , your cat can smell out a familiar aroma — your scent . " However , a 24/7 open - threshold insurance policy is a must , and think twice if you ’re a clean tie likely to be woken up by the sound of a catburying their stern .
2. Private, but With a View
" When choose a location for the litter box , think about opportunity for a secure escape and a location that put up ample visual warning time to see any invaders or opponents , " Geller says . A room with multiple heart-to-heart doors ( AKA flight routes ) is preferred . If the box can be placed on the opposite side of the room as the entryways , even better .
3. Not Too Close to the Wall
Geller pronounce partake a bathroom is great but tuck a litter box under a swallow hole or in a quoin is n’t ideal — tight spaces obstruct the opinion and airwave circulation . " For some cat , sliding the box seat a few inches away from the wall might increase the security level enough , " she tell .
4. Away From Food and Water
Would you want to eat in the privy ? Neither does your bozo . It ’s tied to survival instincts , Geller says . " They want to pee or poop aside from their food to keep predators from finding them . "
What About Apartments and Small Spaces?
Geller specializes in theadoption of catsand the prevention of their surrender and forsaking . That means she ’s dedicated to finding creative ways to happily coexist with big cat . If you have questions about where to place a litter box in a small blank , Geller has the answers .
" Sometimes small apartments have uneven nooks and space that are n’t useful , " she articulate . Turn the space into a cat nook with a non - damage tension rod and a drapery . " The curtain obscure the litter box but assure your cat will never be lock out of the space . " way dividers can also be used in place of curtains .
If you have two shallow bookcases , Geller tell that can be the utter solution to litter box woe . " Place the bookshelves a few feet apart and utilise a tenseness rod to advert a drape between them , " she excuse . By pulling the bookshelf a foot or two away from the rampart , you ’ll add up extra depth and supply your cat with a private , confidential entranceway .
Geller ’s last cerebration : Not all cats share the same indigence and predilection . Whenever in doubt , heed to your qat , though it may take some trial and erroneous belief .
