Having multiple litter boxes next to each other is a possibility, but it may not suit every cat or household. Since they are territorial creatures, they may not appreciate sharing such a personal space. In households with multiple cats, each feline often prefers its own designated litter box. Moreover, placing the boxes too closely together could result in odors spreading more rapidly. Whenever possible, it is generally better to separate the litter boxes into different areas of the house, ensuring both privacy and cleanliness. Remember to maintain cleanliness as it is often more crucial to cats than the proximity of their litter boxes. By taking into account the unique habits and preferences of your feline friends, you can establish a clean and harmonious home environment for all. In this article, we will delve deeper into the topic of multiple litter boxes, exploring the benefits and considerations for providing a suitable environment for your beloved cats.
When Should I Put Two Litter Boxes Together?
In some instances, it is the preferred option to put two litter boxes right beside each other. Many times it is best to try to avoid putting them around each other and is best if you keep them in different areas of the house. Sometimes this is not possible or there are other reasons that you may want to keep them side by side.
Down below are some common situations where this applies.
Introducing A New Litter Box
When A Cat Likes To Pee In One And Poop In The Other
For cats that prefer to go number 2 in one box and number 1 in the other, placing them side by side can be highly beneficial. This behavior, known as middening, is a natural instinct for some cats who, in the wild, might separate their waste to avoid attracting predators. By offering two adjacent boxes, you are essentially catering to this instinctual behavior, which can result in increased comfort and stress reduction for your furry friends. Furthermore, this arrangement can help maintain cleanliness as the waste is effectively separated, making it easier to manage and more hygienic overall. It’s important to note that while this might not work for all cats, it can be a great solution for those exhibiting middening behavior.
If You Have Already Efficiently Covered Your Home With Litter Boxes
When you have already done a good job of making litter boxes available to use for your cats all across your home, you can start placing new ones side by side with existing ones. Before doing this, make sure that your cat has access to litter boxes in every part of your home that they spend time in.
Cats will not appreciate having to walk across a lot of rooms just to relieve themselves.
If You Have A Very Small Apartment
In smaller apartments where space is at a premium, placing two litter boxes side by side can prove to be a practical solution. This arrangement can still accommodate your cat’s natural instincts and maintain a hygienic environment, even in compact living spaces. The side-by-side placement makes it convenient for cleaning, as the waste is contained in a single area, reducing the spread of odor throughout the apartment. This approach is proof that, with a bit of strategic planning, it is entirely possible to manage multiple litter boxes effectively in a small apartment setting.
If Your Cat Is Fond of Getting Sleep In Its Litter Box
Some cat owners have cats that love to sleep inside boxes. This may be a cardboard box or even their litter box. If your cat is sleeping in their litter box, it would be best to give them a different litter box to use for sleeping. You can place these litter boxes right beside each other if they are sleeping in one exclusively and using the other one to urinate and defecate.
If You Are Switching To A New Litter
When transitioning to a new type of litter, placing two litter boxes side by side, one with the previously used litter and one with the one you want to change to, might be an ideal strategy. This dual-box setup allows your cat to gradually adjust to the new litter. Cats are not big fans of change so its best to ease them through the process. By having both the familiar and the new litter available, the cat can explore and adapt to the new litter at their own pace, reducing the risk of rejection or inappropriate elimination. Furthermore, if the new litter is more eco-friendly or better at odor control, this method can serve as a smooth transition strategy, ultimately fostering healthier habits for your pet and a cleaner, more pleasing environment for you.
FAQ
Why does one cat need two litter boxes?
Cats, by nature, are fastidious creatures who value cleanliness and privacy when it comes to their elimination habits. They might require two litter boxes for a few reasons. The additional litter box can serve as a backup, ensuring that there’s always a clean place for them to use, especially if the other one is dirty. Also, in multi-story homes, having litter boxes on different levels can be convenient for your cat and can prevent accidents. Providing two litter boxes for one cat can meet these needs while also aiding in preventing behavior problems related to the litter box, such as inappropriate elimination.
Where should you put the second litter box?
There are many good places that you can place a litter box. You can easily hide these in a bedroom or bathroom. Some people will keep a litter box in their utility room or even hide them in plain sight under an end table in their living room. You can easily find a great location for your cat’s litter box that is both out of the way yet easy for you to access to clean. A location that some people use that is not very common is up on top of tall furniture such as a bookshelf or cabinet that their felines can get on top of.
Where should you avoid putting the second litter box?
Your kitty will want a location that is quiet and easy to get to. Plus, you will need this location to be constantly accessible and open. One location that most people avoid is the kitchen.
Nobody wants to cook and eat their food right next to a box meant for holding waste. Another place that you should avoid is near your cat’s food bowls. They do not like to use the bathroom close to where they are eating.
Conclusion
When faced with the challenge of figuring out where to place multiple litter boxes, it can be hard coming up with an additional spot for the other box. Nonetheless, making such a decision is often the correct path to go down. It is best to keep them in separate parts of your house so your feline always has access for relieving themselves.
When looking for a place for a second litter box, you will want to put it in an area that is quiet, away from food, and easy to access. Sometimes putting two litter boxes next to each other is okay, following these tips on when to place your cat’s litter boxes next to each other will help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Blaine is a pet owner and animal lover. His two passions of cats and blogging met and KittyCatReviews was formed.