Bathroom Business💩📥
One of the great things about cats is that they don't require potty training. Their instinctual behavior includes relieving themselves in soft, loose material and burying their waste. Even young kittens inherently know what to do without any guidance. Your role is simply to provide a suitable litterbox for their needs.
Where should you place the litterbox?
The litterbox should be situated in a location that offers the cat a degree of privacy while remaining easily accessible. While you might prefer placing it in the basement, your cat may find this area unsuitable. A young kitten might struggle with stairs, or the basement floor could be too cold for comfort. Moreover, basements often house noisy appliances like the furnace, washer, and dryer. If your cat gets startled by these noises while using the litterbox, they may hesitate to return to that spot for elimination.
What type of litterbox should you use?
Most cats prefer a standard plastic litterbox. If you have a kitten, ensure the sides are low enough for easy access. Some cats prefer larger litterboxes, which can be accommodated with a sweater box (the kind placed under beds). Covered litterboxes can present issues for some cats as they can trap odors. A covered box that isn't cleaned frequently can become unpleasant for most cats. Cats generally dislike plastic box liners due to their unusual scent and the possibility of their claws getting caught while burying waste.
What kind of litter should you use?
Typically, cats prefer fine-grained, soft substrates for elimination, such as clumping litters or dust-free, small-grained clay litters. Cats often dislike pellet-type litters or scented varieties. To determine your cat's preference, offer them a choice of two or three litterboxes with different litter types. Once you find the type they like, stick with it. Keep the litter depth around 2-3 inches; cats prefer not to sink into their toilet.
How many litterboxes should you have?
If you have multiple cats, it's essential to have multiple litterboxes located in different parts of the house. A general guideline is to have one litterbox per cat plus an additional one. Avoid placing all the litterboxes in the same room, as this creates a single toilet area rather than several.
How often should you clean the litterbox?
Consistent cleanliness is vital for most cats. Remove feces and clumped urine daily, and completely change the litter at least once a week. Avoid using strongly scented cleaning products to wash the box; the residual smell may deter your cat. Dish soap and water suffice for regular cleaning.
What if your cat stops using the litterbox?
If your cat ceases to use the litterbox, the first step is a visit to the veterinarian. Medical conditions can be a leading cause of improper elimination. If no medical issue is found, consider behavioral factors. Have you recently switched litter brands? Changed the box's location? Are you cleaning it often enough? Did something startle your cat while they were using the litterbox? Is there tension among your family cats? Numerous reasons could lead to a cat avoiding the litterbox. Investigate to determine the cause.
