Setting up and maintaining your cat’s litter box might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important parts of feline care. A well-thought-out litter box setup ensures your cat’s comfort and keeps your home clean and odour-free. From choosing the right type of box to keeping it clean, every detail matters. (There’s also a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right type of litter for your cat.) The best part? With a little planning and some expert insight, you can make this essential element of cat care simple and stress-free for both you and your feline bestie.
It will come as no surprise that as with everything else, cats have preferences when it comes to litter boxes. Options range from basic trays to high-tech models, but as Zana Ellis, manager of learning and development at Pet Valu explained, it’s about finding what works for your specific home and cats(s). “There’s no right or wrong type of litter box,” she said. “It’s about what your kitty needs and prefers.” Here are some common options:
Basic open trays: Affordable and simple, these give your cat easy access but may lack privacy.
Covered boxes: These provide more privacy and contain odours but might make some cats feel trapped. Ellis added, “If you have multiple cats, avoid covered boxes at first, as one cat may ambush another, creating stress.”
Top-entry boxes: Great for reducing litter tracking but less accessible for kittens or older cats.
Self-cleaning boxes: Ideal for busy pet parents who want to simplify maintenance. These boxes automatically scoop waste, keeping the litter box consistently clean and more inviting for finicky cats.
The size of the box also matters. Make sure it’s big enough for your cat to move comfortably, especially for larger breeds, recommends Ellis.
Where you put your litter box can affect whether your cat uses it consistently. Tammy Clairmont, brand manager at Pet Valu, says the golden rule is: “Always have one litter box per cat, plus an extra one.” She also advised spreading them out. “In multi-level homes, place boxes on each floor so your cat doesn’t have to go far,” she shared. Privacy is another crucial factor. “Cats like quiet, low-traffic areas,” Clairmont explained. “Just like us, they don’t want an audience when doing their business.” Ellis added that keeping litter boxes away from food and water bowls is essential. “It’s a hygiene thing, and cats naturally prefer their eating area to be separate from their bathroom area.” Finally, when you’re introducing a new litter box or making changes to your cat’s litter setup, take it slow. Cats can be sensitive to change, so gradual adjustments help them adapt, said Clairmont.
A clean litter box is a happy litter box. Clairmont stressed the importance of daily scooping to keep the area fresh and inviting. She explained, “Cats like things clean and fresh, so you should fully change the litter every two to three weeks or as needed.” This is also a good time to wash the box with warm water and ensure it’s completely dry before refilling. Both Clairmont and Ellis recommended replacing plastic litter boxes and scoops every year for hygiene reasons. “Think about how much odour can accumulate over time,” Clairmont said. “A fresh start every year makes a big difference.” As for the rest of your home — no one likes stepping on stray litter. To minimize tracking, Clairmont suggested using cat litter mats. “These catch any litter that might stick to your cat’s paws, preventing it from being spread throughout your home,” she explained.
The scoop on cat litter care: how to choose the right litter for your cat and household
Here's how to find the best cat litter for your feline friend. From clumping clay to eco-friendly options, learn how to keep your cat happy and your home fresh.
