How to set up your cat's litter box

Cat litter box setup seems pretty straightforward, right? You buy a box, throw some kitty litter in there, and keep it as far away from the kitchen as possible, yeah? Actually, there’s a bit more to it than that. As sensitive, territorial creatures, cats are as particular about where they do their business as many humans are. The right litter box setup could create a happier home environment for your kitty and even a healthier living space for you, too.

Today we dig up the truth on what you need to consider when picking a place for your cat’s litter box, how to decide on the type of box and litter they need, and understand a bit more about the im-paw-tance of cat litter box setups. 

Tips for setting up your cat’s litter box

Keep it away from their food and water

Stating the obvious, we know, but it’s a staple rule for cat care 101. First off, keeping their litter box (their literal toilet) away from their food and water is a basic hygiene practice. You don’t want the two areas to mix. Second, it goes against a kitty’s instincts to eat where they poop. For some animals, this isn’t much of an issue, but for our feline friends, it’s a big no-no. They will not eat or drink if their bowls are too close to their litter box.

If you have limited living space, we appreciate this may be easier said than done. But, even keeping the litter box in one room and their food and water in another will make them much happier.

Easy access and comfortable location

Although cats don’t require a locked bathroom stall to do their thing, they do still need easy access. Make sure their litter box is on the ground level and not blocked in by clutter or household objects. If they have a medical condition that limits their mobility, look to find a litter box that has low sides, find one that comes with steps, or even make your own mini stairs with books or blocks of wood.

While privacy isn’t a huge priority for kitties, they do like to feel safe on their bathroom breaks. Place their tray in a corner to reduce stress and make them feel more comfortable - if they can face away from the wall and into the rest of the room, it’ll offer them more security.

Decide on a type of litter

This will be part doing what’s best for your cat, part personal preference. Going all in on the eco-friendly litter is the most important thing for some. Others may decide to start with a scented litter that’s clay-based because their kitten is new to the litter box experience. Decide where your priorities lie and what you believe your cat is likely to prefer. 

Choose a suitable litter box

Again, this very much depends on whether your cat is happier in a completely covered space, your budget restrictions, and what you think is necessary. If you can afford a self-cleaning litter box, great! If you think your cat would prefer an extra sense of security, perhaps a covered litter box. Always start with the most basic and build up to something snazzier like an automatic litter box once you know what your cat is comfortable with.

Invest in a litter box mat

They’re not expensive and they can save you a lot of time when it comes to cleaning up. Cats are generally hygienic animals, but gosh oh golly do they like chuck that litter here, there, and everywhere. As an instinct, cats dig a hole for their leavings and bury the evidence - while doing this they aren’t concerned with who needs to hoover. A litter box mat can be great for catching those fly-away litter bits and make for a much more pleasant living space.

Keep their litter box clean

Cats need their litter boxes emptied at least once a day. In fact, in multi-cat households, it’s recommended to clean them out twice daily. Why? Well, cats will not use a dirty litter box. Yep, that’s right, if you’re not meeting their standards you might be in for a rather nasty protest somewhere else… 

How many cat litter boxes do I need?

One litter box per cat at minimum. Cats like to do their business in their own territory, meaning in multi-cat households each kitty will have their own designated litter tray that will have their scent on it, marking it as their own. Seems pretty reasonable!

In single-cat households, the number of cat litter boxes will depend on the amount of space you have, whether they’re indoor cats, and whether they have any medical conditions. For example, an elderly indoor cat with joint issues in a spacious apartment might need a few litter boxes around the place - they may struggle to move about and need to use the bathroom more frequently, so this will definitely help them out. But, if you have an active outdoor cat who’s home about half the time, just one box will be enough.

The importance of your cat’s litter box setup

Creating the right litter box environment for your cat will give them a better quality of life. Feeling safe when they’re at their most vulnerable reduces their stress, makes them more settled and at home, and prevents unwanted toilet accidents around the house. Treat their litter box as if it were a human bathroom - they’re a necessity.

Do you have any of your own cat litter box setup tips and tricks? Share the love and knowledge on our Community Forum with other pet parents and pet sitters. Connect with other like-minded feline fanatics through cat chat. Or, if you’re in need of a pet sitter, check out all the cat sitters currently available near you - find the perfect sitter for your precious pet today.