As veterinarians, we get a lot of questions about cats and litter box behaviors. Some of the most frequently asked questions, and their answers, are below.

How do I teach my new kitten or cat to use the litter box?

If you are adopting a new feline friend, there is a good chance he or she will already be litter trained. Kittens learn to use a litter box from their mothers starting around four weeks of age, and that behavior will often stick with your new cat from house to house, once the cat knows where the litter box is located.

If your kitty does not come pre-trained, you will need to teach your new pet where the litter box is located in your home and be vigilant about looking for your cat’s cues about potty time. If you see your kitty skulking around hidden corners or piles of life, that may be a sign your cat needs to go, and you should simply pick up your cat and set him or her in the litter box.

Start your litter box training in the location where the box will be kept, and don’t move it unless you absolutely must. Cat’s don’t like change much.

What is the best type of litter to use for my new cat or kitten?

If you are adopting a cat or kitten, its always best to ask what type of litter he or she is used to, and begin with the same brand. Research shows that most cats prefer unscented clumping litter that is the texture of beach sand.

If you need to switch brands when bringing home a new cat, do so by slowly mixing the new brand of litter into the old. Increase the ratio slowly over a few weeks, as switching suddenly can cause your cat to refuse the litter box.

Could it be a health problem?

A veterinarian should see cats that suddenly start urinating small amounts outside of the litter box. Often, there is an underlying medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection, that is causing this behavior (see below).

Likewise, if you see you cat attempting to urinate but nothing is coming out, or if they are crying out while trying to urinate they could have a urinary blockage. It usually happens to male cats (but could happen to a female), and it is life threatening. If you see that behavior you must seek veterinary care immediately.

Why did my cat suddenly stop using her litter box?

Cats prefer a clean environment. For a cat to stop using the litter box, there is an underlying problem that needs to be solved, which can often be found in the home.  The first step is to look inside the home environment. Common causes of behavioral related litter box problems include:

  • Changing litter
  • Adding perfumed additives to the litter area to mask odors
  • Placing the litter box in a high traffic area
  • Placing the litter box too close to the food and water bowl
  • Unsanitary litter conditions
  • Children or another pet bothering the cat while in the litter box

If there doesn’t appear to be an environmental reason for your pet’s behavior, then it’s time to see your veterinarian to rule out health issues, which can include:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Intestinal parasites

How many litter boxes should I have?

The general rule of thumb is one litter box per-cat, plus one. So a one-cat household should have two boxes, a two-cat household should have three boxes, and so on.

What is the best way to get rid of litter box smells?

Perfumed litters offend most cats. Rather than try to mask the smell of the litter box, keep it clean. Use clumping litter and scoop the litter box one or more times per day. Most cats will tolerate a thin layer of baking soda along the bottom of the box. This helps to neutralize any urine that makes it past the litter.

While there is no single solution that works for every litter box scenario, the answers to these commonly asked questions should help you start to think like a cat. Sadly, litter box issues are the number one reasons cat owners give up their pets to shelters. Don’t give up on your kitty. If bad litter box behavior starts suddenly, work with your cat and your veterinarian to sort out the root cause of the problem, and call for an appointment to rule out any health problems that could be to blame.