Litterboxes for Multiple Cats
Larger boxes, more boxes, multiple entrances
and frequent cleaning help keep problems away
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Litterbox problems can be greatly
multipled or (almost) totally avoided when you go from a one cat household to a
multi-cat household. Here are some tips and ideas to lean toward the
avoidance of litterbox problems.
At least one litterbox per cat
If you are adopting two kittens or two cats who know each other and are used to
sharing the litterbox, you may only need one large box. However, the rule
of thumb to prevent problems is to have at least one box per cat.
Depending on how well your cats get along, how large your house
is and how old and mobile the cats are, you may need to place litterboxes
throughout your house instead of bunching them in the laundry room, basement or
bathroom. If your cats do not get along with each other, they will not
want to use the litterbox in the other's presence. Having the boxes in two
different rooms helps prevent a spat.
If your house is large, on multiple levels or your cats are
older and less mobile, it's important to have litterboxes on each floor.
If you find that a box is not being used at all, you can simply eliminate it in
the future or move it to another location.
A big litterbox or something that resembles a litterbox
There is no rule that says you must buy a box made to be a litterbox. For
some households, even the largest litterboxes or pans are too small or not
sturdy enough. What you are looking for is a rigid, flat-bottomed,
waterproof, plastic box that is large enough for a cat to turn around in with
room to spare. If your cat flicks the litter around, you can try a box
with slightly taller sides.
If you find that multiple cats are using the same box then you
will want a box large enough so that you still only have to scoop once a day.
Since you will be filling a large box with several pounds of litter, you will
need one that is sturdy enough not to crack or bend when you go to clean it out
once a week.
Uncovered boxes with at least two entrances or exits
In order to avoid spats over the litterbox, it's best to start off with boxes
that are uncovered and have at least two ways to enter and exit. This way
one cat can't corner another cat, cause a spat and have one or both cats avoid
the box out of fear.
Covered boxes have a single entrance and often have doors that
hide the occupant. They greatly increase the chances of an unfortunate
encounter.
If you wish to hide the litterbox from sight, consider
installing a sturdy screen, one that has no chance of falling over, or a curtain
in front of the box. If the room is large enough, you can place a shelf or
other piece of furniture in front of the box making sure that, in all cases,
there are at least two entrances/exits.
Maintaining the litterbox, accessories and weekly cleaning
With multiple cats you will find yourself scooping more so it makes sense to
have a small covered trashcan lined with a plastic bag and a sturdy scoop next
to each litterbox. Having a large box of small plastic trash bags next to
each box makes daily scooping much less of a hassle.
Aside from frequent scooping, a well-used box needs a weekly
cleaning with a diluted bleach solution. Empty the boxes in turn,
squirt or pour the bleach solution and let stand for a few minutes, rinse, let
dry and refill with litter. Aside from a cat fight in or around the box, a
dirty box is the most common cause of litterbox rejection.
With a few precautions, a multiple cat household can be
litterbox accident free.
Related Articles:
Litterboxes 101
Litterbox for Kittens
Litterbox Placement and Maintenance
Litterbox Problems With Cats
Litterboxes and strays
Plants as litterboxes
Cats Marking Your Vents
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