Litter Box Etiquette

Getting the litter box setup right is one of the most important things you can do for a happy, healthy apartment cat. A poorly placed or poorly maintained box is one of the top reasons cats start eliminating outside it — leading to frustration for both of you.

The golden rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Even with a single cat in a small apartment, having two boxes in different locations dramatically reduces litter box aversion.

Avoid tucking the box in a noisy corner near the washing machine or in a spot your cat must pass through a busy hallway to reach. Cats need to feel safe while using the box — exposed or startled cats will find quieter spots elsewhere.

Choose unscented clumping litter and scoop daily. Cats have an extraordinarily sensitive sense of smell — a box that smells fine to you may be intolerable to them. Do a full litter change every 2–3 weeks to keep things fresh.

For small apartments, consider a top-entry box, which contains scatter and odor better than open boxes. If accidents suddenly start, see your vet first — urinary issues are common and can be mistaken for behavioral problems.