Cats
Just like humans, cats like somewhere clean and comfortable to go to the toilet. This visual guide explains litter tray best practice. Learn how to give your cat the perfect litter tray experience!
Location is everything: cats prefer to pass their waste where they feel safe and then bury it. They should be able to access their litter tray without having to pass other cats or things that make them anxious like a noisy washing machine. Place trays in quiet locations, away from high traffic areas and their bed, food and water bowls.
It is a good idea to provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra if possible. Offer a choice of styles such as covered and uncovered but ensure they’re big enough.
Cats don’t like using dirty or soiled trays so make sure the litter tray is cleaned at least once a day.
Cats learn to associate toileting with the material used when they were a kitten and generally still prefer to use a fine grain litter. If they were only exposed to one type as a kitten, they are less likely to want to use a different litter consistency as an adult.
Scoop out any solid waste daily and replace the litter completely each week.
Even if your cat toilets outside, it’s a good idea to keep a litter tray indoors for those moments when they’re caught short!
Being creatures of habit, once a cat has a preferred toileting site, he will continue to use it unless something causes him to become averse to it. A lack of privacy and problems with access or cleanliness will cause him to look for another place.
If your cat stops using their litter tray, first get them checked out by a vet. When given the all clear, try a sand-sized litter, clean trays out twice a day and remove any odorisers and litter tray liners.
For more information, read our recent post on litter trays written by feline behaviourist Nicky Trevorrow.
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Cats
Your cat’s perfect loo
Just like humans, cats like somewhere clean and comfortable to go to the toilet. This visual guide explains litter tray best practice. Learn how to give your cat the perfect litter tray experience!
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| To enlarge, click on the image |
It is a good idea to provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra if possible. Offer a choice of styles such as covered and uncovered but ensure they’re big enough.
Cats don’t like using dirty or soiled trays so make sure the litter tray is cleaned at least once a day.
Cats learn to associate toileting with the material used when they were a kitten and generally still prefer to use a fine grain litter. If they were only exposed to one type as a kitten, they are less likely to want to use a different litter consistency as an adult.
Scoop out any solid waste daily and replace the litter completely each week.
Even if your cat toilets outside, it’s a good idea to keep a litter tray indoors for those moments when they’re caught short!
Being creatures of habit, once a cat has a preferred toileting site, he will continue to use it unless something causes him to become averse to it. A lack of privacy and problems with access or cleanliness will cause him to look for another place.
If your cat stops using their litter tray, first get them checked out by a vet. When given the all clear, try a sand-sized litter, clean trays out twice a day and remove any odorisers and litter tray liners.
For more information, read our recent post on litter trays written by feline behaviourist Nicky Trevorrow.
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- ‘why Is My Cat Scared Of My Partner?’ And Other Behaviour Faqs
Do you have a question about your cat’s health or behaviour? Join our regular Facebook Q&As with feline experts, taking your live questions. Last week Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow answered queries, some of which are highlighted below. Question:...
- ‘why Is My Cat Urinating So Often?’ And Other Veterinary Faqs
Does your cat suffer with urinary problems? Our recent veterinary Q&A on Facebook focused on urinary problems such as cystitis and kidney disease. CP vet, Vanessa Howie answered supporters’ questions on this topic, which are summarised below: Question:...
- Behaviour Focus: Drinking Water
In the first of our new weekly behaviour focus posts, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains what to do if your cat isn't drinking from their water bowl. Why do my cats drink out of the toilet/pond/other inappropriate place rather...
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This post has been written by Tristan Goodway-Sims who is undertaking a volunteer placement for a Duke of Edinburgh award Honey’s kittens are now six weeks old and the time has flown by. As the kittens have increasingly been awake and a lot more active,...
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In our most recent live Facebook Q&A session, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow answered a range of questions about cat behaviour. It’s important that if you notice any change in your cat’s behaviour, you get them checked by a...