Question: What kinds of litter box do I need?
Answer: The number of litter boxes is just as important as the kind you should get. If you have only one small cat, one litter box may do. However, with multiple cats, the rule of thumb is one plus one, e.g. one litter box per cat, plus one extra. I'd suggest if you decide to vary on this formula, to err on the high side. As an example, for our four full-grown cats, we have six litter boxes, all of which need scooping twice daily.
Kinds of Boxes
For most households, plain plastic litter boxes work well. I've even seen cat owners use Rubbermaid boxes, because of their durability and ease of cleaning. Some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a litter box:
- Make sure the box is neither too large nor too small for your cat. Kittens or frail, older cats may have a hard time climbing into a tall box. Select one with either shorter sides, or carve an opening into a taller box to enable access and egress for these cats.
- Some cats prefer the privacy of a covered box, while others fear being "trapped." Unfortunately, there is no real way to determine these preferences prior to purchase, so it may be a case of trial and error.
- You may need to buy a special box to accommodate the "high sprayer." These are usually taller male cats, but sometimes females also exhibit this tendency. A covered box may be the appropriate choice in this case.
There are many other kinds of litter boxes, which will be covered in a subsequent FAQ. Refer to the Litter Box FAQ Index for more information.
