In the wild, cats prefer to eliminate in sand or soil. When humans brought cats indoors as pets, they created the litter box, trying to simulate natural elimination conditions. While most cats don’t mind the box, cats can develop highly specific preferences, fear or pain-related aversions, or generalized stress, and they will eliminate in other places around the home. Our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team understands why cats behave the way they do, so we provide a few tips and tricks to lay the groundwork for litter box success.

#1: Provide larger litter boxes than you think your cat needs

Most cat litter boxes on the market are too small or too shallow. Your cat should be able to move around comfortably in their box and have litter a few inches deep to bury feces. This is especially true for a larger-than-average cat breed, such as a Maine Coon. Try a large plastic storage container with one or more entry doors cut into the sides. Most cats prefer an uncovered box unless they are shy or secretive, so use your best judgment about a lid.

#2: Choose a soft, unscented cat litter

Cats typically prefer the closest thing to sand or soil for their litter, so avoid heavily scented, overly dusty, or hard materials, which can irritate their airways and paws, respectively, and use a soft, clumping litter. If you’re switching from another brand or trying to resolve a box aversion, offer several litter types in boxes next to the original to learn your cat’s preference.

#3: Ensure you have enough litter boxes for each cat

The rule of thumb for litter boxes is to provide one box per cat, plus one more. If you have a multi-level home, you should place at least one box on each level, no matter the number of cats. This helps reduce competition and bullying at the boxes and ensures cats don’t have to travel long distances or use a staircase each time they go to their box. Take care when placing each box—cats prefer quiet, relatively low-traffic areas not far from their main living space. Avoid corners, which can make a cat feel trapped, and loud appliances, which can startle them.

#4: Keep cat litter boxes sparkling clean

Cats are naturally tidy creatures who will boycott soiled litter boxes—would you use an unflushed toilet? This means you must scoop the box at least once per day, and preferably several times daily. Every week, completely empty the box, wash with a mild soap and water, and fill with fresh litter. Do not use harsh cleaners, which can leave behind irritating scents.

#5: Focus on minimizing your cat’s stress level

Cats who urinate or defecate outside the litter box are often suffering from anxiety or stress. They may have had a stressful litter box experience, such as harassment by another pet, or they feel stressed in general. Ensure you meet all their basic needs, including a predictable routine, positive human interactions, daily play, and easy access to food, water, and a safe resting area without competition from other cats.

#6: Know the difference between cat house soiling and marking

Cats may also urinate outside the litter box to mark their territory. This behavior is uncommon in spayed and neutered cats, although can take place if your feline feels threatened by another household cat or a strange cat outside. Deter outdoor cats from getting too close with upside-down plastic carpet mats placed near windows or motion-activated sprinklers. For inter-cat tensions, seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviorist.

#7: Visit the veterinarian for persistent house soiling

Accidents outside the litter box are often because of a medical problem, such as bladder inflammation (i.e., cystitis), bladder infection, bladder stones, arthritis, or anxiety. Our veterinary team knows the questions to ask to help rule out or treat a medical issue or to figure out and solve the underlying issue.

Following our litter box house rules can help you lay the groundwork for consistent litter box use or troubleshoot house soiling problems in your home. If your cat persistently avoids using the litter box, despite your best efforts, schedule a visit with our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team for a complete medical and behavioral evaluation.