The litter box is essential for cats, even if yours has access to the outside, it is vital that he can have one for the times he is inside. But where to put the cat litter? In this article I explain everything to put it in the ideal place.
Where to put the cat litter: The criteria to respect
The location of the cat’s litter box must meet several criteria for it to want to do its business there, these correspond to its natural needs which are inscribed in its genome and which it can never change. here is everything you need to respect to be sure that yours uses it:
In a clean place
Cleanliness is very present in cats, they also spend several hours washing themselves a day and will refuse a dirty place, with odors that they do not like, so avoid odorous places such as the kitchen for example and prefer asceticized places that won’t bother him.
The floor and the litter must also be clean so that he can do his business there. Everything must be clean in the cat’s environment, the litter box is no exception to the rule.
It is also for this reason that the litter must be changed very regularly so that it continues to do its business there.
To clean it, choose products suitable for cats, because household products can cause problems, as cats have a very sensitive sense of smell.
Separated from food and water
If the cat’s corner must be separated from the rest, do not bring water and food too close to its litter box because it will find this mixture dirty and will refuse either to eat there or to do its business there, so make sure that there is enough space between the two to make sure that I poop there.
If you live in a hot area then the distance may need to be widened as odors will spread more easily.
A distance of 2 meters is recommended so that she stays in her personal corner without mixing everything up.
In an accessible place
Cats love height, but to make their needs a place where they can come and go will be preferable for them by ease and if he is old, he will not be able to access certain parts of the house easily anyway, as much to facilitate him task.
To perfect this point you can even avoid the floors, if your cat is old I recommend it to avoid straining his joints on the stairs.
An open place
Cats, even in the domestic state, retain their natural instincts and will always want to relieve themselves in a place where they can easily leave, because they cannot defend themselves there when they relieve themselves.
Forget the restricted places where they will not dare to go to relieve themselves. Indeed, in the natural state, a predator could arise and his instinct will tell him not to relieve himself there.
For example, putting the litter box in a closet or in a box will not suit him even if he likes these places to play.
A ventilated place
Cats have a sensitive sense of smell and are very clean, rejecting all forms of dirt, so be careful to leave them in a sufficiently ventilated place. A ventilated place will also be less hot in summer and therefore less fragrant.
If you have a terrace or a veranda, you can even put the litter outside, which will be more pleasant for you as for him, on the condition of ensuring his safety (I come to this just after).
A place of its own
If you have several animals, the corners must be separated to avoid any war of territory, a cat by litter is essential and a sufficient separation also so that it does its needs there without complaining.
Every corner should be personal for cats that don’t function like dogs and are very territorial, and even more so when they are uncastrated or when a newcomer comes into the house, whether human or animal.
Which piece to choose for the litter box?
There is no ideal room but some that are more suitable, here is the point room by room to give you an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the rooms in your home:
The bathroom
Cool, non-smelling and uncrowded, the bathroom is a good location if left open. He will feel good there and the smell will not bother like in other rooms. A litter box with a lid will be essential on the other hand because of the vapors which take place in the room, which can annoy your cat if he does not want to feel locked up.
A corner of the hallway
The corridor has the advantage of being odorless and quieter than the other rooms, it may be a good solution but be careful all the same if there is a lot of traffic because in this case he will not like to go there its needs.
Room
This isn’t ideal for you here because of the smell, but if you want him to be closer to him, then it’s vital to put baking soda in his litter to contain the smells and that it doesn’t bother you.
The living room
Clearly, this is a bad idea, because there is commotion and the smell could quickly disturb you. Unless your living room is very large, I do not recommend that you put litter there because it is the least suitable place, a place of life and the cat’s litter are not compatible.
Toilet
Bizarre you might say, but know that some cats defecate directly in the toilet after a period of adaptation. The toilets have many advantages, the only disadvantage and their narrowness which will not necessarily suit you or the feline. You can even train your cat to go to the toilet.
The garage
The garage is cool, noiseless and very quiet, but if you choose to do so, be very careful of cars and make the place 100% safe for him to avoid a drama.
The attic
The attic is not recommended because it is high up and the smell of old can bother it, and when it gets older, it will be more and more difficult to access it. The attic can possibly be useful if it is warm and your cat can access it.
The kitchen
The kitchen is clearly not the ideal room, it’s up to you, but in terms of hygiene, it is the most problematic room in terms of smell, because your cat may hate cooking smells such as citrus fruits. that he hates.
Outside
The outside, if it is safe, so away from roads and potential dogs will allow your cat to defecate in a natural setting, the safety aspect will however have to be considered according to the dangers surrounding the outside. .
On the balcony or terrace
Here is a perfect place provided that everything is secure to prevent him from falling, especially if he is young because he has less control of his body and danger. put on protective nets if necessary to prevent any fall.
The most common questions
When it comes to the location of the litter box, certain questions often come up, here are the questions to the most frequent of them:
What will happen if the litter box is misplaced?
If the litter box is not in a suitable place for your cat, then he will snub and relieve himself elsewhere, such as in the plants, if he is an outdoor cat, he will go outside to relieve himself. It will then be necessary to teach him the use of the litter box without punishing him but by redirecting him and rewarding him when he does his business there.
Is the dirtiness of the cat necessarily due to the litter?
Not necessarily, even if the litter box is clean, well placed and comfortable for the cat, certain diseases can cause it to urinate and relieve itself elsewhere, and you will then have to make sure to take it to the veterinarian because it may incontinent.
Transit and kidney diseases are the most common and often affect older cats. If the urine is of a color close to blood or if he urinates little but regularly or seems to be in pain, it is probably about an illness of this type which must lead to the veterinarian.
Do some cats refuse the litter box regardless of location?
Cats all use the litter box easily, but those who are mannered may have more difficulty, the same for badly weaned cats who will have behavioral problems.
Where to put the cat litter: The final word
Cat litter should be carefully placed to match your cat’s nature and natural needs. By following the basic rules, you are sure to know how to place it correctly.