Cats. They are exceptional and regal with a hint of pride in them. Some cats can be seriously difficult to deal with. They could be the epitome of all things mischievous, while others are surprisingly sweet.
However, for those owners who get the (not so) best of both worlds when they adopt a bunch of cats together, it can get difficult. Territorial issues, fights, and the power struggle to be the alpha of the house can all be tough for a cat owner to deal with.
Luckily for you, we’re here to help you out with one aspect of having a multiple-cat home, the litter box issue! We’ll be giving you some tips about how you can make this process go smoothly for everybody in the house.
Research and Reviews
Before we dive into the neat tips, it’s important to know about the litter box you’ll be getting.
Thanks to the development of technology and to those who want to make our lives better by creating amazing everyday items, there are now litter boxes that are self-cleaning!
There are Eco-friendly litter boxes, self-cleaning litter boxes, odor-neutralizing boxes, and so many other different types of litter boxes out there. Before you go to buy one, decide what type of litter box you’re looking for.
You need to keep in mind the size, design, height, and style of the litter box. Do your research and make sure you read up on the customer reviews. Once you’re absolutely sure of the kind you want, then it’s simply a matter of going out and buying one.
More than One
Now, to the neat tips we mentioned earlier. Multiple litter boxes. You may be wondering why you’ll need multiple litter boxes. Let’s say you have three cats now in your household. The logical move would be to get three litter boxes, right?
Wrong! You should always get an extra litter box just in case the other boxes are dirty. Otherwise, your cats will resort to doing their business elsewhere in the house.
It’s known among cat owners that every cat needs their own litter box because cats, in general, don’t like to share. They will never share the same litter box, unlike dogs, which are pack animals.
The process of waste-elimination to a cat is much more personal. So, get each of your feline friends their own litter box, plus one extra always!
Scatter the Litter Boxes
Another great tip for you is to scatter or spread the litter boxes out in different places in your home. This way, your cats will always have a place to go any time of the day.
If you live in a two-story house, then you can spread them out on both stories. Your cats will be able to use them whenever. However, you need to monitor your cats during litter time.
Cats are territorial and can get aggressive toward other cats. They could block the litter box entry, and this will become a problem for the others. They will have no choice but to do their business somewhere else.
That’s why spreading the boxes around the house will make things easier for all your cats.
Easy Accessibility and Smart Placing
Now that we’ve discussed why you need to spread out your litter boxes, let’s talk about accessibility and where you should place them.
It’s very important for your cats to have access to their litter boxes. For example, if you keep the litter box in your closet or bathroom, you need to keep the doors open.
Also, don’t keep them in areas where there will be high-traffic. Nobody likes to keep coming across a litter box or accidentally walking in on your cat doing their business.
That being said, never keep a litter box near a washing machine or a heater. This can cause mold to grow and spread the smell of the litter box all over your house. Instead, place them somewhere cool. That way, the odor will be contained, the box will stay clean, and your cat will be comfortable as well.
Keep Them Away from Strong Smells and Sounds
It’s no secret that cats are super sensitive to smells and sounds. That’s all the more reason to place your litter boxes away from places where you eat or cook food. You should also keep the box away from where your cats eat and drink.
As for sounds, the laundry room might seem suitable to you, but the noise from your washing machine or dryer might scare your cat or make them feel distressed.
Find a quiet space that’s free of smells and sounds, and let your cat do their business in peace.
Deep-Cleaning Litter Boxes
Deep-cleaning them every month will go a long way in helping to reduce that disturbing smell of the litter boxes everybody recognizes the minute they walk into a cat home.
Give the litter boxes a power wash using either soap, vinegar, or bleach to get the toughest of stains and smells out of the boxes. Before you clean, you need to remove all litter and liners, if you use them. Clean anything that’s related to the litter box as well.
Let’s face it, you can’t keep following your cats around and cleaning the litter up the minute they are done. Just make sure your cats have other litter boxes they can go to when one or two are full.
Otherwise, your cats will find other places to relieve themselves, and you won’t even know before the smell starts to get intense.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’d like to stress the fact that providing your cats with enough litter boxes will be helpful for you too. Your furniture and carpets will be saved, and your kittens will feel safe and not be forced to do their business somewhere else.
The most important reward is that your cats will be encouraged to be on their best behavior. Giving young Thor (I can’t be the only one who wants to name their pets after famous mythological and fictional characters!) his right to relieve himself in peace is your responsibility.
