Everything about the litter box

A litter box is a must in every cat household. The choice is enormous. Which one do you choose and where do you put it?

What types of litter boxes are there?

There are litter boxes with or without a hood, with flap doors and with air filters. And what about self-cleaning litter boxes? The range is enormous. How do you know which litter box is right for your cat?

The guideline: a good litter box is one and a half times the length of your cat. If it has a hood, your cat must be able to stand and turn around easily inside. For your own convenience, choose a model that is easy to clean. If you have a kitten or an elderly cat, make sure the entry is low.

How often do I need to clean the litter box?

Your cat won't use her litter box if it is dirty. So if you use clumping cat litter, remove the waste every day. This prevents bad odours.

Not using clumping litter? Then clean the box thoroughly once a week.

What types of cat litter are there?

There are two types of cat litter: mineral granules and non-mineral granules. The latter are made from organic material, such as wood and paper waste. The mineral variant is made from clay. With mineral granules you can choose between clumping and non-clumping litter. Clumping granules stick together when wet and are easy to scoop out. Non-clumping granules absorb moisture but do not clump together.

Ask yourself 3 questions to decide which granules are best for you:

1. Are you willing to scoop clumps daily? → Clumping granules.

2. Where is the litter box? In a living space, clumping granules are better for odour control.

3. How intensively is the box used? With intensive use, clumping granules are more economical and you have less trouble with odours.

How do I get my cat used to the litter box?

Your cat needs time to get used to a new litter box. Place her with the box in a small room. Does your litter box have a hood? Remove it temporarily; cats don't like entering an unfamiliar enclosed space. Once your cat is used to it, put the hood back on.

Can't your cat find the litter box yet? Help her by lifting her up and placing her in the box.

How do I prevent bad odours around the litter box?

A litter box in the home doesn't have to cause bad smells at all. Regularly scoop out the waste and keep it clean. Ask for advice in your pet shop for the right choice of cat litter.

What is the best place for the litter box?

Place the litter box in a quiet spot that is easily accessible for your cat. A place where your cat can sit in peace without feeling rushed. Never place the litter box next to food and water bowls or a sleeping area. The cat is a very clean animal and doesn't want to contaminate those places.

Can two cats use the same litter box?

Cats need their own litter box; they prefer not to share. Provide 1 litter box per cat + 1. If you have two cats, place three litter boxes. In some cases two cats may use the same litter box, for example if they are close friends. But even then an extra box is handy for times when they both need to go at the same time.

What if my cat suddenly starts going outside the litter box?

Sometimes a cat urinates outside her litter box. If this happens once, she simply had an accident and there's nothing wrong. If this happens regularly, something is wrong. Look into the cause. It may be related to one or more of the following:

• You don't clean the litter box often enough.
• You have moved the litter box.
• You have changed the layout of the room.
• There is tension in the household.
• Your cat isn't getting enough attention.
• Your cat has had a negative experience with the litter box.

These are factors you can address directly. If you don't think this is the reason, or your cat is still unsettled despite your adjustments, take her to the vet to investigate possible medical causes.