Town Lake Animal Center: Prevention of Litter Box Problems

Adoption Animal Protection & Control Receiving Lost & Found Pet Registration Partner Organizations In the Community How You Can Help Info on Managing Pets Operations Report		Print Version - 1 Page PDF Cats don’t need to be taught how to use a litter box. They will go in the most attractive spot in the house. So it is your job to provide a litter box that is more attractive than your furniture or your carpet. You may need to experiment to find out what type of litter box your cat likes, so you may want to give your cat a couple different types of boxes.
The Location Pick a spot that is attractive to you and your cat. Don’t put it in the remote corners of your home or next to anything noisy (the dryer!). Many cats don’t like to feel "trapped" in the box, so the back of the closet might not be a good idea. Have a box on every floor for the kitten or older cat. The Litter Most cats prefer sand or "clumping" litter. Most cats do not like scented litter, deodorant litters, or litter additives. Once you find a litter your cat uses, keep using it. Each cat will have a preference about the depth of the litter. Experiment. If your cat used to live outside, start with a mix of soil and litter. The Box The larger the better, especially if the cat is eliminating right outside of the box. Hooded boxes trap in odor and many cats do not like them. Have low-sided boxes for kittens and older cats. Scoop it every day. Wash it once in a while with soap and water (no ammonia products!). The Other Cats, the Dog, the Children Have one box for every cat in the house. If the cats in the house are not getting along, be sure to have the box in an open area with lots of escape potential. If the dog bothers the cat in the box, put up a baby gate or cat door. Don’t let the children approach the cat in the litter box, even if they get along well.