If you have a cat in your home, you know the joy, love, and entertainment they add to your life. From warm snuggles with purrs to chasing the laser light, cats are an endless source of fun. However, one aspect of caring for a cat that isn't particularly enjoyable is the litter box. Many pet owners struggle to figure out where to place the container to be safe and convenient for the cat. Finding a box that doesn't disrupt the flow of your home's decor also poses a challenge.
Safety Is Always the Priority
Potty time is a time of vulnerability for your cat. As a result, cats want a place that feels safe to do their business. Look for a location in your home that is separate from the busy areas yet still easy for the cat to reach. This placement is essential for very young or older cats who may have trouble getting to, entering, or exiting the litter box.
The Trixie XL Wooden Cat House & Litter Box - White is a good choice that provides your cat a feeling of safety and privacy. This attractive box meshes well with your furniture, and you can choose which side to put the entry on to make it better suit your space. It fits most standard-size boxes, and you can easily open the door for cleaning.
Ambiance Matters
While putting the litter box in the basement, attic, or other rarely visited space may be tempting, make sure the environment is comfortable for your cat. If the area for the box is too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, or has an unpleasant smell, your cat may avoid it. Some pet owners find that the extra bathroom or a closet in a spare bedroom are better choices. An enclosed balcony makes an ideal home for the litter box for other homes. If you have a place that seems suitable for the box, but it's very dark, a night light can make the space more welcoming.
Observing your cat's behavior can give you some ideas on where to place the litter box. Your cat will avoid areas of the house that make it uncomfortable, indicating that you don't want to put the litter box there. For example, if your cat avoids the laundry room because it doesn't like the noise of the washer and dryer, you don't want to put the litter box in that space. If your kitty seems to love a quiet corner of your sunroom, that might be a good spot for the receptacle.
Silence Is Golden
Because noise can scare your cat while using the litter box, look for a quiet place away from noisy appliances like televisions, washers, and dryers, for example. Loud noises may create a negative association in your cat's mind, causing it to avoid using the litter box. A cat door, such as the PetSafe 4 Way Locking Cat & Dog Door, is an excellent way to create a quiet space for your kitty. You can close the door to the room where the box sets to keep out dogs and children, but your cat can still safely and easily come and go through the flap.
Curb the Mess Outside the Box
It's essential to keep the litter box scooped with fresh litter inside. However, it's also necessary to control the debris that winds up on the floor outside the box. A pile of pebbles may lead the kitty to think it's okay to go potty there. Choose a container with unique features that help you keep the litter inside. The Richell PAW TRAX Top Entry Cat Litter Box - White does an excellent job of controlling tracking because it uses gravity to keep the gravel inside the box. Make sure the litter box's location has plenty of room for you to scoop up the litter on the floor easily.
The Space Between
If you have more than one cat, you probably already know that conventional wisdom says you need one box for each cat plus one more, just in case. Make sure that every floor of your home has its own box and that no two boxes are sitting next to each other. If one cat seems to behave as if it owns all the boxes, adding more space between them may help.
Stay Put
Once you have a location that's working well for your cat, try not to change it. Cats have trouble adjusting to new places and can feel very stressed. If you can't avoid moving the box, do so gradually, moving it a few feet at a time toward the new location. Monitor your cat's litter box visits for any signs of confusion during and after the move.
Keep Away From the Food
You want to keep the litter box away from where you feed and water your cat for sanitary reasons. After all, no one wants to eat their meals in the bathroom. Having the box too close to the food bowl may result in the cat doing its business in the wrong place or refusing to eat or drink.
Maintaining the litter box may not be your favorite part of pet parenting, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. Try to think like a cat and choose a location where your pet can feel safe and comfortable. Once you know where the box will reside, you can select an external look that coordinates with your decor.
