Location, Location, Location!
We are continuing our popular article series about where to put the products that our cats use every day. We previously shared where to put cat food and water bowls, and that article continues to be a big hit with readers! Now, we’re tackling another important topic: where to put your cats' litter boxes.
Along with scooping litter daily, placing the litter box in a comfortable location from your cats' perspective is key to their health and happiness, as well as for preventing accidents.
But before we dive into where to put the litter box, let’s first talk about what should ALWAYS be beneath it: a litter mat! I learned this lesson the hard way when my dear Bella had a UTI that caused her to have an accident just outside her litter box. She had used her litter box perfectly for over a decade, and it only took one accident to damage the floor.
This is the cat litter mat we now use under every box. It’s waterproof, machine washable, soft on kitty paws, and made in the USA to ensure safety and quality!
Here are the best locations for cat litter boxes...
Calm, Quiet Locations
Going potty is a private and vulnerable experience for cats. Cats prefer a quiet, peaceful, low-traffic place to use their litter box.
Choose a location that minimizes noise and distractions to help your cats feel secure and stress-free.
Away from Food & Water
Cats are clean animals, and they like to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom in three separate locations. A litter box placed next to cat food and water can cause litter box aversion. Also, litter can contaminate food and water if some is kicked into their bowls.
Ideally, place the litter box in a different room from your cats’ bowls. (By the way, these are our favorite cat bowls.) If space does not allow, try to place the litter box at least a few feet away.
Near Where Your Cat Hangs Out
Cats need to have easy access to their litter box, especially in multi-level homes. If you have multiple floors, it’s important to place a litter box on each floor. This ensures that your cats don't have to search for a box in case of an emergency. It also guarantees that if one box is in use or there’s unusual activity in that location, there’s another option.
Place litter boxes a short walking distance from where your cats like to sleep, catch sunrays, or hang out.
Open Spaces
If you have another cat or pet at home, place the litter box in an open space where your cat has a full view while entering and exiting. Avoid locations where a cat could get cornered or pounced on when leaving their box.
Choose a place where cats can exit from multiple directions, so they feel safe using the litter box.
Away from Other Litter Boxes
Litter boxes should be spaced apart. When litter boxes are all in a row, cats view them as one litter box rather than multiple options. That area can become guarded by a dominant cat, which can lead to litter box aversion.
So, place litter boxes in separate locations.
Well-Ventilated Areas
Poor ventilation can cause odors to linger and make the area unpleasant for both you and your cats.
Make sure the litter box is in a location where air circulates.
Litter Box Locations to Avoid
- High-traffic locations
- Consistently loud locations
- Locations where sudden noises can startle (for example, by the washer or dryer, doorbell, etc.)
- Next to cat bowls
- Far from where your cats hang out
- Down multiple flights of steps (for example, the basement as the only litter box location)
- Areas where cats can get locked out due to closed doors
- Confined spaces where cats can feel threatened
- Congested spaces without good ventilation
How to Transition Locations
If you've realized that a cat litter box should be in a different place, don't remove it just yet! Sudden changes can confuse your cats and may lead to accidents.
Instead, keep at least one litter box in a familiar location that your cats use often, and at the same time, set up the new location. Introduce your cats to the new spot by gently showing them.
Monitor their behavior and wait until your cats are consistently using the litter box in the new location. Once they’ve fully adjusted, you can safely remove the litter box from the less-than-ideal location.
My Personal Experience as a Cat Mom
Living in an Apartment
I did not have much space, so I placed a litter box in my bathroom, which was a quiet location.
Living in a House
I placed litter boxes on both floors. One litter box is in my dining room, a quiet room that is rarely used. When I do use that room with guests, I move the litter box a couple feet away to the adjacent hallway.
Another litter box is upstairs in an office. Lastly, since Nelly is a kitten, I keep a litter box in the guest bathroom, so when I leave the house and want her to be safely confined, she has a box.
Special Circumstances
When my dear Bella was alive, as her heart disease progressed, I placed a litter box in my bedroom since she liked to hang out there. While I don’t like having a litter box in my bedroom regularly, I did anything to make things easier for her during her final months.
My Favorite Litter Box Accessories
These are the products I use for my cats:
- Litter Mat
- Compostable Litter Bags
- Unscented, Clay Litter
By carefully considering the placement of your cats' litter boxes, you can create a comfortable and hygienic environment for both you and your cats. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring their happiness and health!
