Litter Box Questions Answered

Q. How many litter boxes do I need?

A. It’s recommended to have 1 to 2 litter boxes per cat in the household. Generally you should have at least one box per cat plus one extra box.

Q. Covered or uncovered?

A. Most cats prefer uncovered boxes so the smells are not trapped inside. Older cats may also prefer a box with lower sides as arthritis can make taller sides difficult to manage.

Q. What kind of litter should I use?

A. There are numerous types of litter available. Clay clumping litter is easier to deal with when living with multiple cats, whereas the non-clumping litter is a bit more time consuming. Studies have shown that cats prefer the clay clumping litter over other types. However, you can always let your cat decide by setting up several boxes side by side with different types of litter. Your cat will make his preferences known by using his preferred litter more often than the others.

Q. How much litter should I put in the box?

A. Refill litter as the level goes down—amount and frequency may vary but please top off at least two to three times per week. Most cats like a litter depth between 2-4 inches.

Q. How often do I need to clean my cat’s litter box?

A. We recommend cleaning the box at least twice per day, especially when living with multiple cats since litter boxes can fill up quickly. When scooping out used litter for the urine balls and feces ensure you go right to the bottom and the edge with the litter scooper.

Q. What about deep cleaning?

A. Once to twice monthly the litter should be completely changed out. The boxes themselves should receive a thorough cleaning of diluted bleach (1 capful of bleach to each litter box and then filled with hot water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes). Then rinse, dry well, and refill with clean litter.

by Heather Bundschuh