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Litter Box Locations: Hide or Take Pride?

Guest Blogger:
Daniel “DQ” Quagliozzi

Daniel 'DQ' Quagliozzi

When cat parents are in peril, they look to the behavior consultant that breaks the mold. Daniel “DQ” Quagliozzi is the behavior consultant behind Go, Cat, Go, San Francisco’s leading in-home resource for cat behavior advice. With over a decade of experience working for the San Francisco SPCA as a specialist in cat behavior, intake and adoption, Daniel brings a breadth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to his clients, sharing what he has learned on the front lines of animal welfare. DQ is partnering with World’s Best Cat Litter™ to spread the word about the litter box solution that harnesses the concentrated power of corn to deliver a cleaner litter box with less litter.

As a consultant that troubleshoots litter box avoidance problems in your home, I often see well-intentioned cat guardians making choices for their cats that are based solely on their own preferences and not so much in the best interest of their finicky friends. It seems some folks just don’t want to live with certain cat accommodations creeping into their personal space. Some guardians even find out the hard way that their decision to tuck litter boxes away in backrooms, garages, under stairs, in cabinets or hidden in a designer “camouflaged” litter box set up, may ultimately back fire from the back end of their cat. I totally get it. It’s not your bag to see or clean litter boxes, but isn’t it ironic that the very thing you are trying to hide is now happening on your living room couch?

It might be time to make some territorial compromises to restore the balance. Some cats just prefer to eliminate in places with more “social value”. Yup, you guessed it. I’m talking about your living room, bedroom and basically anywhere you like to hang out. Bummer …yea, I know, but we can make this work for both of you. This is going to require a trip to your “Discomfort Zone”. You know this place. It’s where you have drawn the line between your stuff and the cat’s stuff. Let’s blur that line a little, shall we?

So what DO cats want when it comes to litter box options? Here are some litter box basics that will help your cat pee with glee!

1. How Many Boxes?

Cats need to have options when they choose territories to eliminate in. You should have one box per cat in your home, plus one extra to break the tie. Give each cat at least two places to choose from. Avoid placing boxes next to each other if you can and spread the territory out to avoid conflicts between cats competing for resources.

2. Size Matters.

Cats prefer a box that they can enter, pivot around a few times and make a choice. Ideally, the litter box should be the length of your cat’s body plus ½ more space. This gives the cat ample space to move, choose a place to do their business and then depart when the dirty deeds are done. If your cat’s whole body fills the box like fresh baked bread rising in a baking pan, it may be time to upgrade to a larger box.

3. Covered or Uncovered.

Most cats prefer an open box to eliminate in, but guardians often opt for covered boxes to manage the smell and mess associated with litter box usage. This can limit a cat’s line of sight, restrict their headroom and movement inside the box and make entering and exiting a reason to panic or leave abruptly. Not to mention, they are hot boxed in a smelly place. Not cool. An uncovered box or large storage bin with high sides will keep the mess contained just as well.

When using covered boxes, always make sure the entry/exit door faces outward (not facing a wall or barrier) and choose a box with max headroom. Avoid door flaps that have to be pushed with the cat’s head and body. Keep it simple.

4. Litter Lessons.

Making the right litter choice is a crucial part of keeping your cat’s dirtiest decisions inside the box. A quick clumping, flushable and super-soft litter like World’s Best Cat litter™ is ideal for fast and efficient removal of urine clumps, allowing the litter box  to be a comfortable/viable option, all the time and every time. You will also get about 30 days of usage out of one bag!

Avoid clay litter that keeps urine trapped and lingering, and makes you have to change the entire box often.

Scoop the box twice a day and adjust the litter depth to your cat’s preference. Some cats prefer less litter than others do, but keeping your depth between one and three inches is ideal for most.

5. Out of Sight. Out of Mind.

Cats are less likely to retreat back to an isolated location to eliminate. Move hidden or tucked away boxes into open spaces, common rooms and any room that you and your cats spend time together in.  Select an area or areas of your home or apartment that have clear vantage points and ambush-free zones.

Do not place boxes in busy hallways, hard to reach corners or underneath tables or cabinets if they seem hesitant to enter or exit. If you opt for a stylishly camouflaged box to go with your décor, remember that the tips above still apply.

2 responses to “Litter Box Locations: Hide or Take Pride?”

  1. Carol Rivers says:

    I currently have several cats #some fosters and I have been using World’s Best Cat Litter exclusively for years. I foster kittens and have never had a problem litter box training them. I buy the 28 lb bags and while it is heavy I have ordered it on amazon till they for some reason refused to sell it to me .no one can tell me why so now I have to go to Petco or Pet smart to buy it.

  2. Veronica Pond says:

    I live in a small two bedroom townhouse (where the one litter pan was in the only bathroom And never a problem with location or litter). Literally no room for multiple litter pans if I chose to add another cat. But because I volunteer with the Humane Society, I couldn’t resist their “marked down” adoption fee in August. I brought home a one year old I had worked with. At first the second litter pan went in the second bedroom/office already filled with cat toys as well. But I have since had to move it out on the landing not really doing a good job of blocking the by fold door (the stacking washer/dryer is there, and I don’t want him in there possibly getting stuck), since the little one will do his business in the box, then frantically “clean” his paws after by hard wiping them on the door. I use clay litter with no problems. I scoop often (have to; the little one’s poop really smells!), and rinse the boxes (with mild dish soap and a brush) twice a week. Both cats (the other one being eight) are doing very well with this set up. My only complaint is the little one poops often and the odor is horrendous!