Top Tips for Cat Litter Box Success

Whether you've just adopted a cat, welcomed a foster into your home, or have been living with your feline companion for years, a well-designed litter box setup can make a big difference for setting your cat up for success.

Many litter box issues can be avoided before they start. Therefore, we asked Underdog's Cat Behavior Volunteer, Holly, to share her top tips for helping cats feel comfortable and confident using their litter box.

Follow the N+1 Rule

If you have one cat, you should have two litter boxes. Two cats? Holly recommends three boxes.

Many cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another, so having an extra box provides cats with this option to ensure they are most comfortable.

Location Matters

Litter boxes should be placed in a quiet area of the home, preferably in a location where the cat has a 360 degree view of the room.

Just like people prefer privacy when using the bathroom, cats also prefer to know if they’re about to be interrupted midway through box usage.

Keep It Unscented

Cats have an exceptionally skilled nose!

Any degree of intense scent can turn them off from using the box. Choosing unscented litter can help make the space more inviting.

Open and Accessible Is Best

An uncovered box is often the best choice, but offering clear visibility is almost as good. 

If your kitty is more of an enthusiastic litter excavator and tends to kick litter, it may make sense to add a shield to prevent mess. However, try to choose one that is clear plastic so he can still see outside of the box as much as possible.

Size and Comfort Matter

The litter box should be large enough for your cat to easily and comfortably turn around in.

This is especially important for senior cats who tend to have stiff joints, or any cats with mobility concerns.

Get the Texture Right

Texture is as important as box type. Most cats prefer a fine clay substrate, though some cats can be trained to use a thin layer of pellets.

Aim for approximately 2 to 3 inches of litter depth, as deeper litter can sometimes make maneuvering difficult.

Clean Smart

Regular cleaning is important, but the products you use matter too.

Holly recommends enzymatic cleaners for deep cleaning litter boxes and tackling accidents outside the box. Some good examples of enzymatic cleaners include Anti-Icky-Poo, Urine-Off, EcoStrong, and OdoBan. 

Avoid heavily scented products like Angry Orange, especially near the litter box, as they can discourage usage.

The Foundation of Good Litter Box Habits

A well-designed litter box setup helps cats feel safe and comfortable.

While every cat is different, paying attention to location, box setup, litter type, and cleaning products can go a long way toward encouraging good habits that last!