This month Dr. Jacqui writes about Helping Your Cat Love its Litterbox

Cats who love their litterboxes are less likely to seek out inappropriate elimination spots in the house. The following tips will help your cat love its litterbox and help prevent against house-soiling:

Size of litterbox:

Cats prefer bigger bathrooms.

• When cats were offered three different litterbox sizes (small, medium and large), they used the bigger boxes more frequently.
  • The preference for a larger litterbox is probably because the larger area allows the cat to perform all associated elimination behaviors (e.g. digging/covering) more comfortably.
• Purchase the largest litterbox or consider using a large plastic storage container as a litterbox.
  • Find a box that is at least 2 times the length of your cat.
• Remember to make sure your litterbox grows with your kitten—if you started with a small litterbox for your small kitten, upgrade to a larger litterbox as your cat grows.

Style of box:

• Covered vs. uncovered litterboxes
  • Individual preferences may exist with some cats preferring the privacy of a covered box and others preferring uncovered boxes.
  • Studies have not shown any correlation between the box style and likelihood of inappropriate elimination.
  • It is hypothesized that uncovered boxes may be preferred by cats because they are less likely to trap odor and provide more freedom for movement in the box.
  • To figure out what box style your cat prefers, offer a covered and uncovered box next to each other. Note which style they use more frequently and retain the box style that your cat prefers.
• Automatic scooping boxes
  • There are litterboxes that automatically scoop waste and deposit it in a receptacle that requires periodic emptying.
  • For some cats and owners these boxes are a good option but some cats appear to be frightened of the noise associated with the scooping mechanism.
  • The boxes tend to be somewhat cumbersome to clean and the odor in the receptacle may discourage some cats from returning to the litterbox.

Location of box:

• Boxes should be easily accessible but not in heavily trafficked zones
  • Special considerations should be made for young, geriatric and infirm cats—these cats may need boxes in very accessible locations.
  • Avoid placing litterboxes next to noisy appliances and/or turn off the buzzer functions on those appliances (e.g. washing machines, dryers).
• If there are multiple cats in the home, there should be multiple litterboxes in different locations throughout the house.

Litter:

• In general, cats prefer clay-based clumping litters over other types of litter. These litters resemble sand and the liquid waste (urine) creates a solid ball clump that can be scooped from the box, thus helping to minimize the urine odor.
• Use a litter with a good odor controlling ingredient such as carbon. Fresh Step® litter products contain a patented carbon odor controlling technology that helps keep the litterbox smelling fresh and clean.
• The depth of litter should be 2–3 inches in the box so that the cats can engage in normal digging/covering behaviors.

Cleaning:

• Litterboxes should be scooped daily to remove the waste clumps.
• Periodically the litterboxes should be completely changed; dumping out the old litter, washing the box with liquid soap and water and filling with new litter. The frequency of complete litterbox changes will depend upon the type of litter used and the box usage. A standard rule of thumb is to do weekly box washing/change for non-clumping litters and monthly box washing/change for clumping litters. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat litter.
• Anytime you notice a persistent, unpleasant litterbox odor, steps should be taken to remedy the situation to ensure a positive litterbox experience for your cat.