Litter & Toileting
Sudden litter box avoidance, how many boxes you need, litter type and how often to change it. Start with health, then fix the setup — most litter problems are physical, not behavioral.
A cat that suddenly stops using the litter box is not being spiteful, and the first call is usually to the vet rather than to a behaviourist. Painful urination, a urinary blockage, arthritis that makes climbing into a high-sided box difficult, or a digestive upset can all look like a litter box problem from the outside. If your cat strains, cries, produces small amounts frequently, or is male and cannot pass urine at all, treat it as urgent — a blocked cat deteriorates quickly.
If health is ruled out, work through the practical details in order. Boxes should be large enough for the cat to turn around, uncovered or with a low entry, and scooped at least once a day. The old guideline of one box per cat plus one exists for a reason: cats dislike sharing, and a single box in a busy laundry room is a common culprit. Place boxes away from food and water, in quiet spots with more than one escape route, and never move them abruptly.
Litter itself is personal, though cats generally prefer unscented, fine-grained clumping litter about an inch and a half deep. Scented litters and liners are for owners, not cats. How often to change depends on the type: clumping litter usually needs full replacement every two to four weeks alongside daily scooping, while non-clumping needs more frequent, sometimes weekly, changes, with the box washed with mild soap in between. Throwing litter over the edge has easy fixes: a high-sided box, a mat underneath, or simply less litter in the tray.
Adult
How do I litter train an adult cat?
Litter training an adult cat is less about teaching a new skill and more about removing the reasons she avoids the box, so expect it to take weeks rather than days and plan for patience.
The full answer →Why has my cat suddenly stopped using the litter box?
A sudden refusal to use the litter box is most often a sign of an underlying medical problem, so the first step is a vet visit rather than assuming it is purely behavioural.
The full answer →How often should I change cat litter?
Scoop solid waste at least once a day - twice is better - and completely change clumping litter every two to four weeks for a single cat.
The full answer →What is the best cat litter for my cat?
There is no single best cat litter - the right choice depends on your cat's preferences, your budget, and how much upkeep you want - but most cats prefer an unscented, fine-grained clumping litter.
The full answer →How many litter boxes do I need for my cat?
The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat plus one extra, so a single cat should have two boxes and two cats should have three.
The full answer →Why does my cat kick litter all over the floor?
Cats fling litter out of the box as part of their natural digging and burying behavior, but a box that is too small, litter that is too shallow, or sides that are too high can make the mess far worse.
The full answer →