Finding the right litter box for your cat is not easy. Our feline friends can be incredibly picky, and they can refuse even the most expensive of litter boxes, if they are not the right one. The wrong litter box can lead to illness such as urinary tract infection, or even cause hostilities in a multiple cat household.
Since our furry friends cannot simply tell us their preferences, creating the perfect space to do their business requires a lot of patience, observation, trial, and error. In addition, litter boxes need to change with time as your cats get older, encounter disabilities or develop new preferences.
While it might sound like a stressful experience, it does not have to be. Through the years, cat parents have been working to find the right litter box for their cats. In this guide, we will walk you through what we have learned so that you can find the perfect litter box for your cat.
Qualities of the Perfect Litter Box for Your Cat
- The right number of litter boxes.
- The best entryway to the litter box.
- The appropriate size for your cat.
Now, let’s go through each step, so you can better identify the qualities of the perfect little box for your furry friend.
1. The right number of litter boxes.
While some cats will be happy to share a litter box, many of them will not. If you have more than one cat in your household, you should always have one more litter box than the number of cats. For example, if you have two cats, it is recommended that you should have three litter boxes.
Besides a place to defecate, litter boxes are also places where cats go to get some privacy. Common in smaller households with multiple pets, even if they like each other, cats will still crave some time alone. Litter boxes also act like a safe space that they can run to when they are stressed.
Having multiple little boxes can also help you manage cleanliness. In general, cats dislike stepping on dirty litter and are prone to doing their business in inappropriate places if the conditions in their litter box are not optimal for them. To avoid your cats damaging furniture or making a mess, maintaining multiple litter boxes give them enough options when the first doesn’t pass their standards.
Additionally, having enough litter boxes ensure that there is always an available litter box for everyone. Since cats are territorial, many of them will claim a litter box that other cats will seldom use for themselves. Having more litter boxes than the number of cats can limit the points of tension when bully cats prevent other cats from relieving themselves.
2. The best entryway to the litter box.
There are three types of litter box openings that you can choose from – open, enclosed top-open and enclosed front-open. When selecting the right litter box opening, you must consider your cat’s age and physical ability.
Open
Best for senior cats and cats with special needs, who will have a hard time jumping to a litter box with a top entryway and kittens who are too small to push open litter box doors, fully opened litter boxes are the most acceptable out of all the types on this list.
However, while an open litter box is the most convenient kind of litter box for your cat, it is not necessarily the most convenient for you. Fully opened litter boxes are the most prone to residual litter on the floor, so you will likely need to invest in a litter trapper mat that will catch litter upon their exit.
Additionally, open litter boxes have no enclosure, exposing the used litter to open air. Due to the openness, this type of litter box can easily be a nuisance to everyone in the household if not maintained.
Top Opening
Best for able-bodied adult cats, cat litter boxes with top openings give cats the privacy they need to be alone or do their business. This design will likely have a larger capacity for litter inside compared to a fully enclosed litter box of the same size. With more litter, your cats can dig deeper and hide their urine or feces better.
With an open-top design, air can still circulate well, making it less stuffy for when your cats are doing their business.
Many open-top, enclosed litter boxes have drains that help remove litter trapped between their paws or fur after use. Regarding maintenance, this design is the easiest for you to keep the area surrounding your cat’s litter box clean. You will no longer have to worry about trailing litter after your cat has done its business.
Fully-Enclosed Front Opening
Best for regular adult cats, fully enclosed litter boxes provide the most privacy out of all the litter boxes. This design is perfect for cats that like to use their litter box for needs other than the toilet.
Unfortunately, the caveat with fully enclosed litter boxes is that cats will be more particular about the scent inside. Since it is fully enclosed, it will likely hold the stench of their dirty business longer. Thus, this litter box design may require more constantly cleaning than the other two options.
While not as messy as completely open litter boxes, they are not as effective as the open-top design in keeping residual litter at bay. Though many fully enclosed litter boxes with litter trapping features, they are almost always not enough. You will likely still need to augment it with a litter mat to avoid a mess. However, the enclosed design makes it perfect for homes that do not want to smell bad.
Size of the Litter Boxes
Lastly, one of the primary considerations that will determine if the litter box is right for your cat is the size. There should be enough space for them to move and avoid any excrement from previous use.
Measure Your Cat to Find the Ideal Litter Box Length & Width
A general rule of thumb is that the litter box should be as long as your cat. Measure your cat from nose to the tip of its extended tail. Also, the width of the litter box should be as long as its nose to butt.
The Best Litter Box Height Will Depend on Design
In terms of height, it depends on if you get a closed or open design. However, three sides should always be tall enough to block any litter from being pushed out while they are trying to do their business. If it is an open-top design, make sure that it is not too high that your cat will have difficulty jumping on it.
To assure their comfort, always get a litter box bigger than what you think they need. When purchasing for a multiple cat household, use your largest cat for reference.
Creating the Perfect Litter Box Conditions for Your Cat
There is no real one-size, fits all when it comes to litter boxes. The right litter box depends for your furry friend will depend on their age, size, mobility, and personal preference.
While it may not be easy to find the right litter box right away, the right litter box can help keep your cat happy and healthy.