Litter Box FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

This litter box FAQ (frequently asked questions) covers some of the more common topics visitors tend to have questions on, or those that I've seen asked frequently on the web.

1. What kind of litter box should I get?

   Generally, for a healthy adult cat, the larger the box the better. A large, uncovered, plastic box with clay litter is typically the best. Some people simply use plastic buckets you can buy in a hardware store. For kittens, though, a much smaller box with lower sides is required for easy in and out. For elderly cats who may be less mobile, or temporarily or permanently disabled cats, a low box is required as well. Make it easy on your cat.

2. Where in the house should I place the cat litter box?

   The litter box should be placed in a low traffic, low noise area of the house that your cat tends to frequent. It should generally be placed on a hard, stable floor or carpet and your cat should have clear access to it, along with multiple escape routes. No one should be able to sneak up on your cat while she's doing her business.

3. I've heard that you're supposed to have a certain number of litter boxes per cat. Is this true?

   For multi-cat households, follow the one plus one rule. One cat box for every cat in the house, plus one. This ensures that there will always be a free box available for use. None of my cats have ever exceeded 15 lbs. in weight, and Priscilla has always been under 10 lbs. I have been able to get away with using just two boxes for three cats by cleaning them often (several times a day). For larger cats, or where there is a history of litter box problems, this may not be possible. For a single cat, you may be fine with just one litter box. If, however, your cat develops a litter box problem, you may need to increase that to two. No matter how many cats or boxes, you need to keep them extremely clean.

4. I've heard that hooded boxes are bad. Is this true?

   I have used hooded boxes myself, but I have also kept my boxes extremely clean. The bottom line here is that your cat's nose is extremely sensitive. The covered box is designed to keep the smells from reaching human noses, which are far less sensitive and normally much further away from the box than your cat's nose. If your cat turns her highly sensitive nose up at a hooded litter box, then either expect problems with inappropriate elimination, or get a different type of box.

5. There are so many types of litter. What kind of litter should I use?

   Most experts will recommend unscented clumping clay litter. Its texture is similar to the grainy, loose, sand-like texture that most cats crave, and it allows them to fully and easily bury their feces. Although, some cats will leave theirs on top just to play king of the box.

6. I've heard that you can toilet train your cat. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

   Yes, you can train some cats to use the toilet instead of a litter box. I have never tried this, and have no personal experience with it. Judging by the chatter about it on the Internet I would say it is not as easy as some have claimed. The only proponents of this idea that I've seen are people who've actually been able to successfully toilet train their cats. The benefits to the cat owner are obvious. The largest purchases that cat owners will make are food and cat litter. For the average cat owner, the amount of money spent on these two items will amount to hundreds of USD. Once your cat is trained, there is no litter to buy. There's also no box to clean, so it saves a tremendous amount of time and effort. Those opposed to the idea say that there are a number of negatives. For one, it is very difficult for even a young healthy cat to balance themselves on the toilet as the surface and structure do not make it easy. For another, if your cat becomes injured, disabled, or less mobile due to age, jumping up and balancing on the toilet may be impossible. Other considerations include the position of the toilet seat, and the fact that the bathroom door has to remain open at all times.

7. What about those automatic cat litter boxes. Are they any good?

   There are a number of different automatic cat litter boxes on the market. In general, they have improved over time, and there have been some very innovative designs. There are designs, such as the Litter Maid, that use regular litter and a raking type cleaning action, all the way to the Cat Genie, which uses permanent granules and actually washes itself. Some of them have been prone to certain failures, and they all have their drawbacks. People have accused others of spoiling their cats, but these devices are actually for the benefit of the cat owner, not the cat. You'll have to see which ones, if any, fit your needs.