Litter Box Etiquette
for Humans
Cats don't need to be trained to use
a litter box - they just do it. But understanding why they
prefer to eliminate in a litter box will help their human
owners not to make any mistakes in having and maintaining
the "cat box".
It is a cat's basic instinct (even big cats) to eliminate
away from their food and sleeping area and to bury the waste
in order to hide their position from other animals and protect
their nests and young. This is the opposite instinct from "spraying" which
a cat, typically a male cat, will do in order to mark his
territory and warm away other cats. Here are a few things
to consider about the litter box:
-
 Don't
place a litter box close to food or water.
-
Some cats do not like covered litter boxes. Not only
does the odor tend to stay within the box if it is
not kept scrupulously clean but large cats are often
not able to achieve a comfortable position for elimination.
-
Being meticulous creatures, cats are reluctant to stand
on/in half wet or soaking wet litter. If you are
unable to clean the box often enough consider getting
another box.
-
The litter box should only have about a half inch of
inch of litter and it should be changed frequently.
Cats and especially kittens do not like sinking into
a soggy mound of smelly litter. Putting a small amount
of litter into the pan saves litter and also means
it is easier for you to change.
-
Don't line the bottom of the litter pan with newspaper
or use plastic liners. Newspaper smells and those
plastic liners form wrinkles for urine and feces
to hide. The plastic liners also tear easily.
-
If your cat soils a hard surface, it might be a sign
that he prefers that type of surface. You might try
putting litter on only half the bottom of the litter
pan. You should never change brands of litter once
you find one that is well liked.
-
Clumping litter should be avoided especially with kittens.
This type of litter creates more dust, which settles
on the kitten, is ingested when the kitten washes
itself and then clump inside the kitten's stomach.
-
Longhaired cats and declawed cats are especially sensitive
to unclean, deep and smelly litter. A declawed cat'
paws are more sensitive to litter in general. Please
read our stand on declawing.
-
Do not use harsh or odiferous sprays around the litter
box. Cats frequently shy away from chemicals designed
to mask odors. Masking bad odors with pleasant ones
may be pleasant to you but not to your cat.
-
Lack of privacy can also cause problems. Interruption
by children and sometimes other pets, such as a dog
and loud household noises must be avoided. A quiet
location for the litter box is a necessity.
-
Urinating outside the litter box is frequently the
first sign of a bladder or kidney problem and if
the problem persists the cat should be checked out
by your veterinarian.
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