By Dr. I Elizabeth Borgmann

In my mind, there is only one downside to owning cats……the litter box! Nobody likes litter boxes. Nobody likes to clean litter boxes. Nobody likes the odour associated with litter boxes. And even more so….nobody likes accidents outside of the litter box. (And yes, kittens are particularly stinky until they mature.)

So how do you make it as likely as possible that your cat will use the litter box? Believe it or not there is research into just this area. We know what most cats like.
First of all, size matters. Think about it! If you had to use a toddler’s training potty instead of a regular toilet would this cause stress for you? A litter box that is too small stresses cats. They want to be able to turn around, to dig and to squat. The box needs to be large enough! Ironically, the small litter boxes with covers sell the most. As humans, we want to keep the litter box small. Cats want a larger litter box. (Storage bins are a great economical alternative to commercial litter boxes.)

No odour is a must. Do not use a scented litter.

The type of litter is important. Cats like fine litter that is easy to dig in. This is why clumping litter is often preferred by cats. Using a fine litter that is about 1 ½ to 2 inches deep is the preference for most cats. If you are stuck and have a stubborn cat, you can even resort to potting soil.

No odour is a must. Do not use a scented litter. Many cats do not like the perfumes. They also don’t like stinky litter boxes so scoop as often as is necessary to ensure there is no urine or fecal odour. The frequency you have to scoop will vary with the number or boxes, cats and litter type but is often twice daily. Most litter boxes need to be washed out weekly. If you can smell the litter box after scooping, it’s time to wash it with a mild detergent.

Location, location, location. This applies to litter boxes as well as to real estate! Cats are very vulnerable when they are voiding. Make sure the site is safe and secure! Offer privacy (low traffic area). If possible, ensure there are 2 exits. Some cats will trap another cat in a litter box. If there are two exits, you will have fewer litter box accidents in the multi-cat household. This is one reason to avoid covered litter boxes if possible. Make sure they won’t be startled by loud noises (like the washing machine or dryer).

Remember, cats are fastidiously clean! If they are not using the litter box, they are communicating with you that there is an issue at hand.

Basic cat math: box number equals cat +1. You need one more box than you have cats. For example, if you have 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes. If you have 5 cats, you need 6 litter boxes. But here is the key point….they can’t all be in the same location! Side by side boxes will not get used simultaneously. So having side by side litter boxes is the same as having one litter box. If you have 5 cats, you need 6 litter boxes in different locations (preferably, different rooms….hope your house is big!).

Sometimes, you have to be creative. When you get a new cat, try a smorgasbord of litter box types, sizes, and litters to find out what your cat likes. I know it sounds like a hassle but it beats replacing the carpet!

What happens if after all this, your cat(s) still urinate and defecate outside of the litter box? It could be stress. It could be medical. This is where you need your vet’s help!

When your cat refuses to use the litter box and you have tried all of the above, there may be a very good reason for what is happening. Remember, cats are fastidiously clean! If they are not using the litter box, they are communicating with you that there is an issue at hand.

What might that issue be? Stress, anxiety, sexual state and territorial issues may be at stake. Or your cat may have crystals, a urinary tract infection or interstitial cystitis. Your cat could also have inflammatory bowel disease. A thorough history, physical exam and laboratory testing will be necessary to get to the answers! Starting out with good litter box habits can help you come to an answer more quickly.

So, to summarize: large box; fine litter; 1 ½ to 2 inches deep; very clean; location choices; and each location is quiet and safe. That’s not asking much, is it?

Dr. I Elizabeth Borgmann

Dr. Borgmann has been practicing in the Fraser Valley for over 8 years and can be reached at the Whatcom Road Veterinary Clinic