Choosing the Right Litter Box for Your Cat

Basic or blinged out?

Get your pick of the litter box

After choosing the perfect pet, your next step is to grab the accessories and supplies your furry friend will need to be happy in your home. You’ll need to grab the healthiest food, cutest toys, Fresh Step® kitty litter, and the first litter box you can find. But, is having the litter box last on your list a big mistake?
Sure, litter boxes may all appear to be the same, but just like human toilets, they are not all created equal. And some will naturally appeal to your kitty more than others. If the litter box isn’t to their liking, Kittycat may even skip the litter box altogether and simply decide your bed or your white sofa is now her bathroom. Obviously way less than ideal. In fact, litter box avoidance is the #1 reason cats are returned to shelters. We don’t want that to happen to ANY cat. To avoid this from happening, consider these tips when picking your next litter box.

Rethinking the “One Cat, One Litter Box” Rule

Cats like to have options, so instead of considering one litter box per cat, think of having at least one more litter box than you do cats.¹ For example, if you have 4 cats, you should have 5 litter boxes, 5 cats means 6 litter boxes, and so on. This way, each cat feels like he has his own litter box, and there are extra communal litter boxes, too.

You’re gonna need a bigger box

This may seem like a no brainer, but the bigger your cat is, the bigger her litter box needs to be. After all, she has to fit into the box, and is going to spend some time attending to important business in there. You want to make sure that your cat is going to feel comfortable in there and will want to visit it again and again without using another place that she shouldn’t. Your cat should have ample space to climb in, dig around in the litter, daydream and climb out of the box. Measure your cat from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail and make sure the box is about the length and a half of that.² Do the same with the width of her body also to make sure the height of the box is correct too. Make sure to leave her the latest issue of Cat Fancy, too. Just kidding — or are we?

Covered or uncovered?

Whether to get an open litter box or a litter box with a lid is often a big debate. However, your cat probably wants you to get an uncovered box. Why? Having no cover helps your cat feel safe while they go to the bathroom since it allows him to see all around, including possible threats and an easy escape route if need be. Hey, it’s in their nature.

To clean or to self-clean?

Robotic and self-cleaning litter boxes are becoming increasingly popular among cat owners looking for convenience. These high-tech options help automate daily scooping, though some cats may need time to adjust to the movement and noise. To keep them running smoothly, it’s important to use the right litter — clumping, low-dust and lightweight litters work best. Fresh Step litter is compatible with automatic litter boxes, with tight clumps for easy tray cleaning.

No matter what type of litter box you choose, regular monitoring is key to keeping an eye on your cat’s urinary health. If you’re using an automatic litter box, be sure to check the waste compartment regularly to spot any changes. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your cat’s needs and your lifestyle.

Let’s get back to basics

Now that you’ve chosen the right box, it’s time to get into Litter 101. You’ll learn everything you need to know to make sure your kitty has a fresh, clean box she’ll love.