Litter box location is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of cat parenthood. A well-placed litter box not only ensures your cat's comfort but also helps maintain a clean and odor-free environment in your home. In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing the right location for your cat's litter box and provide useful tips to help you make an informed decision.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. The information in this article is based on consultation with a cat behaviorist, veterinarian, and extensive online research.
Tip: If you’re a new kitten parent, check out how to litter train a kitten.
Litter Box Location Cheat Sheet
An ideal litter box location should have the following (bolded points are the most important):
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It's okay if your home can't accommodate all of these factors, as long as most of them are met. Prioritize accessibility and quiet over all else.
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Importance of Choosing the Right Location for Your Cat's Litter Box
The placement of your cat's litter box plays a significant role in their willingness to use it. Peeing/pooping is a vulnerable moment, so cats seek out safe and peaceful areas for their bathroom activities. A poorly placed litter box may cause your cat to misuse it or avoid it altogether, leading to accidents around the house. Once your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box, it can be difficult to correct that behavior due to scent marking. This is why choosing a good litter box location is important when you first bring your cat home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Location
When deciding where to place your cat's litter box, several factors should be taken into account to ensure your cat's comfort and your own convenience.
Accessibility
The litter box should be easily accessible for your cat at all times. It should be in a room with no door or a door that is kept open. If your home has multiple floors, put a litter box on every floor. Choose a location that is separate from the busiest areas of the home but still close to where your cat likes to spend time. Avoid placing the litter box in areas where your cat may feel trapped or cornered, as this can cause stress and reluctance to use the box (especially in multi-cat households). Also consider the design of the litter box itself when shopping for a senior- or kitten-friendly litter box: a low entryway is always best.
Ventilation
Good airflow is essential to prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors. Avoid placing the litter box in enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation, such as closets or cabinets. Instead, opt for open spaces where air can circulate freely. Similarly, cats generally prefer open top litter boxes over covered litter boxes because of the better ventilation.
@tuftandpaw talk to any cat behaviorist and theyll tell you the same thing: most cats dont like enclosed litter boxes ❌ (bear in mind, we say MOST here - all cats are different so some may not be as bothered!). For most of our feline family members, going to the bathroom puts them in a very vulnerable state. An open litter box provides them with a view of their surroundings. Plus, it helps a ton when it comes to proper airflow and light. Think about it, how do you feel every time you have to use a portapotty 🤢 Lots of humans prefer closed litter boxes to contain the smell, but long as you clean the litter box daily (as you should be doing anyways) then odor really shouldnt be an issue. #catlitterboxcleaning #catlitterbox #enclosedlitterbox #litterbox #catlitterbox #bestcatlitterbox #litterboxforcatstiktokfinds #catbehavior #catcaretips ♬ Curiosity - Danilo Stankovic
Visibility
Cats like to have a clear view of their surroundings when doing their business to ensure no predators or other cats are sneaking up on them. Try to give them a complete view of the room from their litter box. If you have multiple cats, ensure each litter box has more than one escape route. This risk of ambush is also why we don’t recommend covered litter boxes or placing the litter box in a tight corner.
Temperature & Humidity
Cat litter generally has the best odor control in cool and dry conditions. If possible, avoid placing the litter box in hot and humid areas like the bathroom to keep the litter box smelling tolerable. Humans and cats alike will appreciate it.
Lighting
It goes without saying that cats like to see where they’re going to the bathroom. Make sure the litter box is in a well-lit space and avoid placing it in dark, dingy rooms.
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Choose Low-Traffic Areas
Cats prefer a calm and quiet environment when using their litter box. Avoid placing it in areas with high foot traffic or frequent loud noises. This will help your cat feel more at ease and reduce the chances of them being startled or interrupted during their bathroom routine. Don’t put the litter box next to the washing machine, dishwasher, or any other noisy device.
Ease of Cleaning
This point is for both human convenience and cat comfort. As a cat parent, you’ll be the one cleaning the litter box and sweeping up scattered litter particles, so you want to make that job as easy as possible. Place the litter box somewhere visible and easily accessible for you so you won’t forget about it (or ignore it). Keep a lidded trash can nearby for litter waste and make sure you have a scoop and broom within arm’s reach (bonus points if they're built into the litter box). If you have the option, place the litter box on smooth floors instead of carpet.
Tip: Our recommendations for the best low-tracking litter boxes and best low-tracking litters will help you keep your living space sparkling clean.
@tuftandpaw Introducing the Cubby litter box 👋 Constructed from durable, odor-resistant plastic that's made to last (it won't absorb the smell of urine!) High walls help keep messes where they should be – INSIDE the litter box. Plus, they're semi-transparent so your cat to comfortably watch their surroundings while doing their business. #modernlitterbox #cubbylitterbox #litterboxsetup #catlitterbox #catproducts #catparentsoftiktok #LitterBox #LitterBoxTips #newlitterbox ♬ original sound - Ian Asher
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While understanding the key considerations for litter box placement is crucial, it's equally important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder your cat's usage.
Placing the Litter Box Near Food and Water
Cats have a natural instinct to keep their eating and bathroom areas separate. Avoid placing the litter box near their food and water bowls as this can make them uncomfortable and may lead to them avoiding the litter box altogether. You wouldn’t want to eat dinner in the bathroom either.
The same principle applies to their sleeping areas. Keep your cat’s litter box away from their bed, cat tree, and other favorite snoozing spots.
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Choosing a Noisy Location
Cats are sensitive to noise, and loud sounds can startle them while they’re using the litter box. Avoid placing the litter box in areas with loud appliances or machinery, such as laundry rooms or near HVAC systems.
Ignoring Your Cat's Preferences
Every cat is unique and may have individual preferences when it comes to their litter box location. Observe your cat's behavior and take note of any preferred areas they may naturally gravitate towards. If you notice a particular spot where your cat frequently eliminates, it may be an indication that they prefer that location. Accommodate their preferences whenever possible to encourage regular use of the litter box.
Not Enough Litter Boxes
If you have multiple cats, it's crucial to provide an adequate number of litter boxes in your home. The general guideline is to have one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. This ensures that each cat has access to a litter box without competition or territorial disputes. Distribute the litter boxes throughout your home in different locations to provide options for your cats, rather than placing them all in the same room.
Moving the Litter Box Frequently
Cats are creatures of habit, so any disruption to their litter box routines can cause stress and undesirable behaviors. Only move the litter box if you have to. Avoid moving the litter box when there are other changes happening with their litter routine or elsewhere in the house (e.g. trying a new litter, renovating the kitchen).
Conclusion
Choosing the right location for your cat's litter box is important for their comfort, hygiene, and overall well-being, but it also plays a huge role in building positive bathroom habits and limiting your stress as a cat parent. By following our tips here and avoiding common mistakes, you can set every mammal in your household up for success. Prioritize accessibility and quiet, and the rest will follow. Good luck!
FAQs
Can I place the litter box in the kitchen or dining area?
It is generally not recommended to place the litter box in areas where you prepare or consume food. If you have a small apartment, do what you gotta do, but otherwise choose a quiet spot away from food-related activities.
Can I keep the litter box in a closet?
It's generally not recommended to keep the litter box in a closet, as it may lack proper ventilation and airflow. Additionally, the confined space may make your cat feel trapped or uncomfortable. Choose an open area that allows your cat to access the litter box easily and see the surrounding room.
How often should I clean the litter box?
It's important to clean the litter box regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent odors. Scoop the litter box at least once a day to remove solid waste, and completely change the litter and clean the box on at least a monthly basis.
How can I stop my cat from tracking litter?
Consider using a high-sided litter box and low tracking litter to limit tracking, or get a litter mat to catch particles outside of the box. Regularly sweep or vacuum the area, and place the litter box away from the central parts of your home.
What if my cat is peeing/pooping outside the litter box?
If your cat is consistently avoiding the litter box or eliminating outside of it, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. Consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions and consider potential behavioral factors. It may be necessary to reassess the litter box placement and make adjustments to meet your cat's needs.
