Where to Place Litter Box If Cats Refuse to Use It?

1. Is a Cat Born to Use a Litter Box?

Newcomers to cat ownership often wonder whether their feline friends will naturally use a litter box, and how to train them if necessary. The good news is that cats are almost instinctively equipped to use a litter box.

Cats typically don't require much training to instinctively use a litter box and litter. If training is needed, it's just a matter of a few simple considerations:

Place the litter box near where your cat sleeps, in a quiet and secluded area. Opt for a small, open, and uncovered box. Fill it with unscented or lightly scented, natural cat litter, avoiding any artificially fragranced options.

When your kitten sniffs the box, gently pick it up and place it inside, offering praise. Reward your cat with a treat when it successfully uses the litter box. Keep the box clean and avoid associating negative experiences with it, such as medicating or scolding your cat when it approaches or uses the box.

2. Does a Cat Care About Where the Litter Box Is Placed?

Some cats are particular about the location of their litter box, and placing it in the wrong spot might lead them to avoid it. However, others may not mind. The answer lies in each cat's personal preference.

If your cat stops using the litter box after a relocation, it might be due to the new location not being to its liking. Reasons could include the area not being quiet and private enough, or having to pass by a dog bed on the way to the box.

Cats instinctively seek a secluded, quiet place with an escape route for their bathroom needs, as this is a vulnerable moment for them. A litter box near a noisy appliance or in a busy area might not provide the sense of security they need.

3. Why Would a Cat Suddenly Stop Using the Litter Box?

If a cat that has always used the litter box suddenly stops, there's likely an underlying issue. Possible causes include illness, a dirty litter box, or the box being too small for the cat's growth.

Beyond the obvious reasons of a dirty box or a toosmall box, a sudden change in behavior could indicate health issues such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cystitis, arthritis, or pain from injuries.

If your cat is acting out of the ordinary and using the litter box outside of it, consider these health concerns and consult a veterinarian promptly.

4. Why Would a Cat Eat Litter?

Other than very young kittens exploring their environment, cats should not eat litter. If a cat is eating litter, it could be due to anemia or inadequate nutrition.

Symptoms of anemia in cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, and pale gums. If your cat is eating litter and you can rule out hunger, it's a sign to seek veterinary attention, as anemia could be the cause.

Eating too much litter can cause blockages in the digestive system, which may require surgery.

5. Do Cats Prefer Private Litter Boxes?

Some believe that covered litter boxes offer more security and privacy for cats. However, this varies from cat to cat. Generally, cats seem to prefer open litter boxes, which allow them to observe their surroundings while using it and make it easier for owners to notice when it needs cleaning.

Covered boxes have their benefits for owners, primarily in reducing odors. But for cats, the open design is often preferred.

6. Do You Need to Change Litter Regularly?

Litter boxes are designed to contain waste, and urine can clump depending on the type of litter used. Some people think they only need to remove the clumps and add new litter, but this is a misconception.

Over time, even the unused litter can absorb odors and become less clean. It's important to empty and replace the entire litter box every 23 weeks to maintain cleanliness.

7. Do Cats Like Scented Litter?

No, cats do not prefer scented litter, especially artificial fragrances. While these scents may mask odors for humans, they can be overpowering for cats with a keen sense of smell.

Cats also dislike deodorizers or air fresheners near the litter box. The best way to manage odors is through regular cleaning, as responsible "pooperscoopers" would expect.

8. Can Multiple Cats Share One Litter Box?

Just like humans, cats may not appreciate sharing a bathroom. Each cat should have its own litter box to avoid conflicts and the smell of other cats' waste.

Ensure that litter boxes are placed in different locations to prevent "crosscontamination" and maintain privacy. Be mindful of the dust issue with certain types of litter, especially those that are prone to breaking down and releasing dust, which can be harmful to both cats and their owners.

Alternative litters like paper or wood shavings, which do not produce dust, can be a good option to consider.