The house-trained cat – that's what matters when it comes to litter boxes

Cat litter boxes come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, with or without lids and flaps. Every cat has its own preferences. A lid offers more privacy, better masks odors, and prevents litter from being scratched out. However, some cats feel confined by it. A litter box without a lid is also easier to get used to. For very young and old cats, the rim should not be too high so that they can get in easily. Every litter box should be at least one and a half times as long as the cat.

If you have several cats in your household, the rule of thumb is to provide one more litter box than you have cats. Firstly, it gets crowded when several cats need to use it at the same time. Secondly, each cat leaves its own scent mark. Many cats will no longer use a litter box with unfamiliar smells.

There are also dozens of different types of cat litter. Clumping litter makes it easier to remove used areas and is more economical. However, some cats, especially smaller kittens, do not like the clumps. Cats are sensitive to smells, so choose an unscented cat litter. You will quickly find out which litter your cat likes best. Then stick with this choice if possible. It helps a newly arrived kitten if you use the same litter as in its previous home for the time being. You can then gradually mix in other types of litter later on.

Choose a quiet, well-ventilated but draft-free place for the litter box that is always easily accessible to your cat. However, do not place it near their sleeping area or food and water bowls. Cats do not do their business where they eat, drink, or sleep. In a larger house or if you have several floors, it makes sense to provide several litter boxes. Make sure not to place them directly next to each other.

When you bring a cat into your home, show it the litter box right away. Most young kittens have already learned how to use it from their mother. Place your kitten on the litter box after it sleeps, eats, plays, or when it starts sniffing around and assumes a urinating position. Praise it immediately when it does its business properly. Do not clean the litter box immediately after the first use. This will allow your cat to associate this place and the smell with its toilet. If your cat chooses a different place to do its business, place the litter box in that exact spot. If this happens frequently, make an appointment with your veterinarian, as there may be a health issue.

Cats are very clean animals and will not use a dirty litter box. Scoop out the used areas daily. The scoop should match the litter to make cleaning easier. Self-cleaning litter boxes clean themselves automatically after each use. The waste must either be disposed of in the household waste or, in the case of biodegradable litter, flushed down the toilet.

Once a week, you should empty the litter box completely and clean it with a litter box cleaner or mild soap. Make sure that the cleaning product is not heavily perfumed.

Pregnant women should have cat litter boxes cleaned by someone else. Cats can be carriers of toxoplasma (see relevant article). This can be transmitted to humans and pose a risk to unborn children.