Cleanliness in cats is learned early, however, cleanliness issues are often noted by cat owners. Here are some tips to prevent accidents outside the litter box and help for litter training!
Cats are naturally very clean and usually adopt the litter box without difficulty, but some tips can help ensure proper usage and minimize accidents.
Choose a litter that suits your cat’s preferences (clumping, plant-based, silica, etc.). It is recommended to keep the same type of litter as the one used by your breeder, at least during the first few weeks of integration. Changing the type of litter could lead to cleanliness issues with your cat, so make sure not to rush any changes or add products to attract your cat to the litter box, like this one*.
Place the litter box in a calm and accessible area. It’s essential to provide your cats with the privacy they need to use the litter box peacefully. However, it's also important to place the litter box in a location where you'll frequently pass by, so you’re reminded to clean it. If the boxes are placed in areas that no one frequents, there’s a higher risk of forgetting to clean them, which could lead to accidents outside the litter box.
Regularly clean the litter box to avoid unpleasant odors and encourage use. Aim to scoop the waste twice a day. Remember, you wouldn’t want to use a toilet that's already overused... it’s the same for your cat! Daily waste removal isn't the only cleaning required; you should also replace the litter and clean the box every 3 weeks or so.
Ensure you have an adequate number of litter boxes for your feline household. Here’s a simple rule to follow if you're unsure how many litter boxes you need:
Total number of litter boxes in the house = Number of cats in the house + 1
Don’t place all the litter boxes in the same spot. It’s essential to have at least two locations for the boxes, so if one of your cats prevents another from using a litter box, the other can visit the second location.
Avoid placing litter boxes next to their food. No one likes to eat near a toilet bowl, and your cat feels the same! This isn’t just about odors or ambiance for them, but also an instinctive lesson they’ve learned from their natural environment. Cats understand that eliminating near their food or water source could contaminate it and make them sick.
Make sure you have a litter box suitable for the size of your cat. Maine Coons are very large cats, and large cats need large boxes! There are many options available in pet stores. Even using storage bins can be an easy and effective solution for litter boxes. The important thing is that the cat can stand comfortably inside the box at an angle. If the box is too small, your cat may struggle to aim properly.
Remove the lids from litter boxes. While no one likes living in the smell of our pets' waste, the invention of the covered litter box has become popular in pet stores. This box quickly became a favorite among pet owners as it hides the contents, preventing people from seeing their cat's uncleaned waste. While this may seem like a good idea for us, this "improvement" often causes a lot of discomfort for cats. Imagine the smell inside, similar to the portable toilets we, humans, hate to use. Remember that a cat’s sense of smell is far more developed than ours, making the experience of a closed litter box far from pleasant for them. Also, most of these boxes aren't designed for Maine Coons—they're often too small, making the litter box experience unpleasant.
Invest in high-quality litter. The choice of litter should not be based solely on cost. It’s better to choose a dust-free litter, as it reduces the risk of respiratory issues in your cat. It's also important to select a litter that allows for efficient scooping to prevent leaving waste visible to your cat. If you’re unsure which litter to choose, we recommend opting for clumping litter, as it makes it much easier to scoop up urine. Remember, the quality of the litter you choose will help reduce odors and prevent litter from being tracked outside the box.
Here is the litter we use in our cattery*:
Buy the necessary accessories to make your life easier.Investing in accessories that make cleaning your cat’s litter box easier and more pleasant will help you more than you might expect in your daily routine. Consider including the following in your litter area:
- A scoop adapted to your type of litter
- A mat that traps litter
- A disposable bag dispenser and/or trash bin
- A broom and dustpan
- A small handheld vacuum
- Deodorizers
- A self-cleaning robotic litter box
Forget the idea of training your cat to use the toilet. Our toilets are not designed for cats, and the position they require is not ergonomic for them at all. While some cats may adapt to it, they might start avoiding it as they age due to the uncomfortable posture and the need to balance. They can also abruptly refuse to use it after a bad experience, such as falling into the toilet while trying to do their business.
Try putting yourself in their place—imagine having to balance on a narrow beam above a body of water while relieving yourself. While this practice might seem more convenient for us, it is far from ideal for our feline companions. Our toilets were designed for humans, not for cats.
If your cat is eliminating outside the litter box, make sure there are no underlying health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, and check that the litter box is clean and suitable for your cat’s preferences.
Any sudden change in your cat’s litter box habits should always prompt a visit to your veterinarian.
If all medical causes have been ruled out, it's important to reassess your litter box setup at home.
Here are several solutions to consider:
Add an extra litter box in a different location, especially in multi-cat households.
Place a litter box where your cat has been eliminating outside the box, then gradually move it to the desired location.
Reduce your cat’s territory by isolating them in a single room and gradually increasing their space.
Use litter attractants to encourage your cat to use the box.
Increase the frequency of litter box cleaning to ensure it's always fresh and appealing.
Avoid using bleach to clean household surfaces, as the smell may deter your cat.
Dispose of urine-soaked cushions or deep clean any items that have come into contact with urine.
Consult a feline behaviorist if the issue persists despite these adjustments.
*Please note that we are not sponsored or affiliated with the recommended items. Our suggestions are based solely on our experience.
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