When the weather is very cold or wet your cat may not want to go outside, or there may be a cat in the vicinity that prevents your cat from feeling safe enough to go to the toilet outside, so providing a litter tray will ensure they always have an option. Do I need to have a Litter Tray indoors if my cat goes outside?Įven if your cat normally goes to the toilet outdoors it is still a good idea to provide them with an indoor litter tray just in case (e.g. This behaviour tends to occur naturally when they are tiny kittens and, if a litter tray is nearby, they will instinctively use it. It can also be described as a “litter box”.Ĭats generally don’t need to be trained to use a litter tray, as their natural instincts are to go to the toilet in a material where they can dig and bury. ![]() What is a Litter Tray?Ī litter tray is a term used to describe a receptacle or container with a loose granular material known as cat litter inside, that cats will use as a toilet. ![]() the area where they eat, sleep and play). Most cats prefer to go to the toilet in secluded or private locations at the edge of their ‘core territory’ (i.e. If you notice your cat doing something different to this it may be a sign that something is wrong, so it’s best to check with your vet. Cats typically squat to urinate and adopt a slightly raised squat to defecate. It is a natural instinct for cats to dig and bury when they go to the toilet, which usually starts at 7 weeks of age, although some cats will leave it exposed. Avoid litters with sharp or very hard consistency for older cats or those with sensitive paws.The average cat will go to the toilet 3-5 times a day. Many cats prefer sand or soil litter which is similar to what they would use in the wild. Aromatic or dusty litters, litter deodorizers, and box liners are also unpopular with many cats. Many litters contain perfumed crystals or other scents which can cause asthma in cats – and in people! Others, such as cedar or pine, can have a scent that also bothers human and feline asthmatics. Soft, unscented clumping litters are preferred by most cats and these litters are easier for caregivers to clean. Many cats do not like box liners or covers, but a shy cat may prefer a covered box. For older cats that need a low entry, you can cut down the side, but please remember to check for any sharp edges. Suitable alternatives to a store bought litter box can include concrete mixing trays or storage containers. The litter box needs to be large enough to allow your cat to enter, turn around, scratch, and eliminate. Litter boxes should be 1 ½ times the length of your cat from the nose to the base of the tail. In general, bigger is better and many litter boxes are too small. If you have an older cat, place a litter box on the level where they spend the most time, as it may not be easy for them to go up and down stairs each time they need to use the box. In a multi-level home, place a litter box on each level. If your cat is toileting away from the litter box, place an additional litter box at a new site (temporarily or permanently) to get your cat to use a box again. In multi-cat households, having litter boxes in separate locations also allows a more timid cat can get to a litter box without passing by or getting blocked by a bully cat. Cats view litter boxes that are close to each other as one large litter box. Place litter boxes in multiple locations that are out of view from other litter boxes and are easily accessible. Also avoid placing food and water close to the litter box. Avoid busy areas of the home and locations where your cat could be cornered in, blocked off, or unable to flee. Cats usually prefer quiet, private places when they need to eliminate. Look at the floor plan of your home to figure out the best place for the litter box. So, you would need 3 boxes if there are 2 cats in your home. The general rule of thumb is to have one litter box for each cat, plus one additional extra box. Here are some tips for designing the optimal litter box for your kitty: How Many Litter Boxes Should I Have? ![]() When you are deciding on litter boxes for your cat, think about location, size, type of litter, litter box management, and the number of litter boxes needed for your household.
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