Cat’s are very sensitive to change in their environment. Something as simple as moving their litter box can upset a cat and cause it to toilet elsewhere in your home. Sudden changes can also change behavior in your feline friend. However, it is possible to move the litter box to another spot. It would be best if you took it slowly.
How to move your cat’s litter box
If the original location of the litter box is not convenient, you can move it. Moving it suddenly could cause your pet to become stressed or anxious and to toilet somewhere else in your home. However, to reduce any stress or anxiety for your cat, you should begin making small changes slowly. There are a couple of methods that you could try.
The first method is moving the litter tray a couple of inches closer to the new location every day. This option will take time and works well if you want to move it to a different place in the same area or the same room.
Alternatively, you could get a second temporary litterbox and place it in the desired location. You can then allow your cat time to get used to the new location while still accessing the old litterbox. This has the added advantage of seeing if your cat is happy to use the litterbox in the desired location and reducing the chances of unwanted toileting elsewhere in your home.
Where’s the best place for a cat litter box?
Litter boxes are not the most pleasant of things to have around your house. Some people in your household might object to the litter box in a central communal area, so it can be tricky to keep the cats and humans in your life happy. Giving the litter box location some thought beforehand is a must.
Some people make a common mistake by putting the litter box in an out-of-the-way corner not easily accessible to the cat. Or in a room not much used by humans or the cat. These are a sure-fire way to get your cat not to use the litter box.
Just like people, cats can be fussy about their toileting. Here are some points to consider before you choose the location of your cat’s litter box.
- Cat’s can feel vulnerable when they are toileting. Private areas are best.
- Choose somewhere they can leave quickly if they get spooked.
- Choose an area that is warm, quiet, and well-lit. Nightlights are a good idea near the litter box.
- The location should be somewhere that the cat is familiar with. There is no point in putting the litter tray in a room that the cat never goes into.
- Cat’s like to be near their humans. Find an area near your main living space if possible.
- The area should be easily accessible to your cat. You don’t want the door to the room with the litter box being closed accidentally stopping your cat from getting access.
- Keep the litter box away from their food and water bowls.
If your cat is elderly and cannot move around freely, you may need to put the litter box close to or in the area where your cat spends most of its time.
Multi-cat homes
If you have more than one cat, you may need to get more than one litter tray, as some cats do not like sharing the litter box. The litter boxes should not be sat next to each other but should be scattered throughout your house.
If this is the case, they should be placed in an area where they can see any approaching cats and exit quickly in a different direction if necessary, somewhere like a hallway or on a stairway landing.
How many litter boxes do I need?
Some cat behaviorists say that you should have two litter boxes per cat. Some cats don’t like to urinate and defecate in the same litter box. If you only have one cat, you may still need two litter boxes. This will be dependent on your cat.
Amazon and Chewy have a wide variety of cat litter boxes to choose from.
Moving your cat litter box outside
If you have an indoor cat, it’s not a good idea to move the litter box outside. Cats will only toilet somewhere they feel safe. Not just that, you risk your cat getting lost or running away.
If you have a cat that goes outside, then as long as you put the litter box somewhere secure, it will be fine. However, it would be best if you considered the risk of uninvited predators lured by the smell of the litter box.
Can my cat smell its litter Box?
Cats have an acute sense of smell, approximately 14 times better than humans. A cat uses its sense of smell first. This is its primary sense.
They can smell their litter boxes. If your cat is lost, it is suggested that you put their litter box outside, and they will follow its scent back home. A cat will smell where it defecates and use the same area every time.
My cat isn’t using its litter box
If you find that your cat is pooping outside its litter box, you may need to try several things to find out why. Cats are very fussy when it comes to toileting, and there are several things you should think about to find out why.
- Have you moved the litter box? If you have, then it may not like the new location.
- Are you using a different type of litter? If you have changed the type of litter, it may not like the new smell or texture.
- Have you cleaned the litter box? Cats don’t like dirty litter boxes; you need to clean the litter box regularly.
- Is your litter box too small? It may be time to invest in a bigger litter box.
- Is your cat only pooping outside the box but urinating in it? You will need two litter boxes. Some cats like to urinate in one box and defecate in another.
- Is your cat unwell? If this is frequently happening and nothing else has changed, it is time for a trip to the vet. It may be a medical reason that your cat is not using the litter box.
Looking after cats can be tricky, but they are worth it. A happy cat will bring years of love and joy to your life. Yes, cats can be sensitive, but their sensitivity is one of the things that make them endearing and great pets to have in our homes.
I hope that you have found this article helpful.
Before you go, you may find these articles interesting:
Leave a Reply