Litterbox Rules

Keep the litterbox clean. 

Use a litterbox that is at least one and one-half times the length of the cat from its nose to the base of its tail.

Avoid covered litterboxes.  If a cover must be used and there are multiple cats in the house, cut a second entrance into the box.

Avoid having the litterbox in a noisy, drafty, high-traffic area. 

Provide at least dim light during the night.

If the cat is very young, old, or disabled, cut a low entrance into the box.

If the cat does not dig in the litterbox and cover its excrement, simultaneously offer two or more kinds of litter in separate litterboxes and keep a log of the cat’s preferences. A number of different litters may need to be tried.

If there is a suspected history of learned aversion t the box, offer the cat a new litterbox in a new location. 

If there are multiple cats in the household provide as many litterboxes at there are cats, plus one more. 

Place the litterboxes in multiple sites. 

If there is a social conflict between any of the cats, address the conflict. 

If the cat has long hair, trim the excess hair between the toes and around the perineum.

If anxiety is suspected, give the cat a break and offer anxiolytic medications.