Q: I’m getting a kitten. What kind of litter box should I get?

 A: Making the right litter box choice is more than just appearance. It plays an important role in cat behavior and house-soiling prevention.

Size Matters

• Choose a larger box. Cats prefer a spacious area for digging and covering.
• Ensure the box can comfortably accommodate your cat’s size, ideally 1 1/2 times the length of the cat from nose to base of the tail.
• Cats should be able to turn around in the box without touching the sides.

Litter Depth and Type:

• Cats have a natural digging behavior.
• Two to three inches of litter allows them to cover efficiently.
• Non-scented, clay, clumping litter is often best.
• Some cats may not like crystals, pellets, or wood shaving-type litter.

Types of Litter Boxes

• Self-cleaning boxes can be convenient but might scare some cats.
• Hooded boxes provide privacy, but make sure there is proper air circulation.
• Open boxes are generally more accepted but provide less privacy.

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How Many Boxes?

• Follow the golden rule: number of cats + 1.
• In multi-cat households, put boxes in various locations to give options and to prevent territorial disputes.

Location is Key

• Choose a quiet, low-traffic area.
• Have a minimum of one box per level of the house.
• Keep the box away from feeding zones.
• Ensure easy access and escape routes.

Maintenance

• Traditional boxes require manual cleaning.
• Choose a box that is easy to clean.
• Daily scooping keeps the box fresh and encourages usage.
• The box should be emptied and washed weekly with non-scented dish detergent.
• Litter should be replaced as needed.
• Avoid using litter box liners because some cats do not like the feel or smell.

Special Considerations

• For cats that tend to kick litter out, use high-sided boxes and consider placing a litter-trapping mat under the box.
• Elderly or arthritic cats might benefit from ramps or lower sides.
• Some cats might be sensitive to certain box materials or odors.

Every cat is unique. It might take trial and error to find the perfect fit.