Litter Box Setup
Most 'my cat peed on the bed' problems come down to a litter box the cat doesn't like. Get the setup right and you'll rarely have trouble.
The rules
- How many: one per cat, plus one. One cat means two boxes, in different places.
- Size: about 1.5 times your cat's length from nose to tail base. British Shorthairs are big, so most standard boxes are too small. A large storage bin with an entry hole cut in the side works brilliantly.
- Location: quiet but not hidden away, not next to food and water, and not beside a noisy washing machine. Avoid spots where the cat can be cornered.
- Litter: most cats prefer unscented, fine, clumping litter about 5–7 cm (2–3 in) deep. Our litter picks are both unscented.
- Covered or open: some cats like a lid, some hate it. Go with whatever yours actually uses.
Keeping it clean
Scoop at least once a day. Top up the litter as needed, and every few weeks empty the box completely, wash it with mild unscented soap and hot water, and refill it. Strong-smelling cleaners and scented litters can put cats off.
Switching litter
Change gradually: mix the new litter into the old over a week or two.
Automatic litter boxes
Self-cleaning boxes like the Litter-Robot are great for busy households, but introduce them slowly with the automatic cycle switched off at first. Most aren't meant for small kittens, so check the manufacturer's minimum cat weight. Keep a regular box available too. See what owners told us about living with one.
If your cat stops using the box
Rule out health problems first. Urinary infections, bladder crystals and stress-related cystitis all cause accidents, and a male straining with little or no urine needs a vet immediately. Then look at the box: is it clean enough, big enough, in a calm spot? Has anything changed recently?