4 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Litter Box
Do you pay attention to your cats bathroom habits?
Cats are incredibly stoic creatures, and naturally, they seem to communicate in an entirely different language. As humans, we must rely on their unique behaviors and subtle cues for context in understanding how they interact with and engage in their fascinating world. By paying close attention to your cat’s particular habits, you can uncover their likes and dislikes, which ultimately helps strengthen your bond and enhances their overall happiness. Using these helpful cues can really assist you in finding the PURRFECT litter box that fits your furry friend's specific needs, ensuring they are not only happy but also comfortable, which in turn will bring joy and satisfaction to you as a devoted pet owner too!
Consider these 4 important factors when choosing the next litter box for your fancy feline friend.
The Cats Preference
Like hoomans, cats come in a delightful array of shapes, sizes, and quirky personalities—each possessing their own unique vibe that can truly light up even the gloomiest of rooms! What one cat prefers for their cozy bathroom sanctuary may be quite different from what their furry roommates might enjoy. You wouldn’t expect your sibling to have the same tastes as you, would you? So why on earth should your ten dozen fabulous cats conform to a one-size-fits-all approach? If given some thoughtful choices, your discerning feline friends are likely to develop a delightful preference for one litter box over another. This little tidbit of information will definitely help you keep their wildest bathroom dreams fulfilled and their happiness levels soaring!
So, try out a few different types of litter boxes for a couple of months. 1 open top, 1 closed top, one hidden in a plant and the list goes on there are some really neat litter box furniture options out there.
Size of the Box
Do you have a Maine Coon kitten prancing around your home? Maine Coon cats are not only known for their distinctively muscular build and strikingly large size, but also for their incredibly fluffy, luxurious coat and impressively bushy tail that often resembles a fluffy feather duster! Among that notable large size, you will also discover big paws that can gently thump against the floor, and a longer head featuring a square muzzle that showcases their charming expressions. Did you know that even Maine Coon mixed kittens can grow and thrive to reach weights of up to 20 pounds?
In the United States, a staggering 33% of house cats were reported to be obese, while another 26% were identified as overweight, leading to the concerning statistic that over half — a whopping 59% — of cats in the US are grappling with weight issues, putting them at an increased risk for various health complications. While larger cat breeds may be a rarity, it’s a shocking reality that over fifty percent of feline friends in the US are packing on more pounds than they should.
The go-to covered litter boxes available boast dimensions of 19.5 x 15.25 x 17 inches, which, for a fun mental exercise, is roughly the size of half a large storage bin (hello, visual aids!). Many cat parents swear by these covered contraptions, convinced they’re masters at masking litter box odors (spoiler alert: research is on a different wavelength). But when it comes to our furry overlords, do they really prefer the privacy of a covered box?
In general, the bigger the cat, the more space they'll need to comfortably turn and navigate their litter box. Imagine being crammed in a tiny porta potty, trying to spin around without smashing your elbow against the wall. Now, picture doing that every single day in your own home. In a study conducted in 2014, felines weighing over 13 pounds showed a preference for uncovered litter boxes compared to their lighter counterparts.
Other Cats
As our feline companions area both prey and predator, they must continually stay sharp for surprise ambushes. This vigilance extends even to their bathroom breaks, where they remain on constant alert for any lurking threats. If they’re using a covered litter box, however, they can’t keep an eye out for any predators creeping in from above, below, or around the house. But you might be wondering, “They’re indoor cats, so why the fuss about predators, Roxanne?”
Great Question! Cats remain a bit wild at heart. Genetic studies reveal that the DNA of our beloved domestic cats is nearly identical to that of their ancient ancestor, Felis silvestris lybica. This connection indicates that the instinctual behaviors and actions of these ancestral felines are still alive and well in today’s furry lap companions. So, whether they’re chasing a feather or eyeing that elusive sunbeam, your kitty is channeling its wild side!
In homes with multiple cats, younger cats often need extra playtime, and sometimes these feline roommates can turn into frenemies. Young kittens have an insatiable urge to play, and if there's an older cat in the mix, the dynamics can get tricky. A covered litter box might seem like a cozy retreat for the larger cat, but it can quickly turn into a surprise ambush zone, with the sneaky kitten lurking inside and pouncing at the most unexpected moment!. Other times you may see one cat might picking on another by obstructing vital resources like litter boxes, food, water, and even those comfy human laps, showcasing their territorial prowess.
When choosing your next litter box, it’s important to thoughtfully consider the intricate relationship dynamics of your lively multi-cat household. This can make a significant difference in keeping the peace and ensuring that all your furry friends feel comfortable and secure while doing their business.
Frequency of Scooping
The part we as devoted cat owners tend to not enjoy, and let's be honest, sometimes even dread, is definitely the task of scooping the litter. HOWEVER, despite its less-than-glamorous nature, it is absolutely vital to your cat’s overall health and well-being to keep up with this important duty. Why, you ask?
1 - do you like stepping into bathrooms with a toilet full of poop? Didn’t think so.
2 - It helps you track the consistency, color, smell and overall health of your cats urine and stools
3 - it keeps the peace within your cats bathroom habits to ensure they maintain using the litter box (avoid behavior problems)
Recent research indicates that homes utilizing covered litter boxes are significantly less likely to be scooped on a daily basis. It’s a classic case of "out of sight, out of mind," isn’t it? This situation can result in cats shunning the litter box altogether and instead, relieving themselves elsewhere when the box becomes too dirty. This phenomenon was even documented in a study carried out in Italy.
The more frequently you scoop the litter, the more often your beloved cat will consistently feel encouraged to use the litter box without any hesitation. It is highly recommended to scoop the litter box at least twice a day to ensure a clean and pleasant space for your furry friend! Keeping their area tidy will not only promote good habits but also show your cat just how much you care.
References
Delgado, Mikel Maria.. (2024, December 11). What does the science say about cats and covered litter boxes? - The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. https://avsab.org/what-does-the-science-say-about-cats-and-covered-litter-boxes/
The origins of cats. (n.d.). International Cat Care. https://icatcare.org/articles/the-origins-of-cats#:~:text=Genetic%20analysis%20shows%20that%20the,rise%20to%20our%20domestic%20cats.
Grimm, D. (2014). The genes that turned wildcats into kitty cats Genetic changes could reveal how dogs, humans, and other animals became tame over time. American Association for the Advancement of Science. https://www.science.org/content/article/genes-turned-wildcats-kitty-cats
