When a cat’s litter box is placed too close to her food dish, it may cause an adverse effect on her appetite. Plus, the smell from the litter can be an annoying distraction.
Cats possess an acute sense of smell, which they rely on to navigate their environment. Therefore, keeping food away from their litter box as much as possible is paramount for keeping them contented.
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Place the Litter Box in a Quiet Area
The location of your cat’s litter box can have a major influence on their behavior. Before making changes, take into account where your feline friend would prefer it to be located.
Cats typically prefer to relieve themselves in a quiet space. This doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t go in your basement or laundry room, but it does mean that you should avoid places such as hallways and stairs that are overly occupied or noisy.
Another reason a quiet location is ideal for cats is that it helps them feel secure, according to certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger. Without having to fear being ambushed by predators when they eliminate, cats are less likely to feel threatened.
It’s also essential to consider your cat’s physical health when selecting a litter box. Elderly cats may be less inclined to utilize the box if they experience difficulty climbing stairs.
Keep the Food Dish Away from the Litter Box
Though it is acceptable to place food dishes near a litter box, it’s best to keep them separate. Cats have been known to consume poop that has been tainted by their own food, potentially leading to serious health issues for your furry friend.
Cats have a stronger sense of smell than people, so it is essential that their food dish and litter box are kept separate. If you can’t separate them completely, make sure the cat’s food is in an entirely separate room from its litter box.
It is also recommended to keep the water bowl away from the litter box, as cats don’t enjoy being around food odors while drinking water.
Maintaining your cat’s litter box and food away from each other will promote happiness and comfort in their environment. Furthermore, it provides them with a clean space to use when they need to eliminate.
Keep the Litter Box Clean
Maintaining your pet’s litter box is an integral part of their health. Not only does it make them happy, but it can also help prevent illnesses like urinary and bacterial infections which could affect both you and your cat.
Ideal, the box should be cleaned daily (more frequently if you have multiple cats), however this may not always be feasible. A couple times a week is sufficient; however, make sure that the box is empty and scrubbed thoroughly to eliminate urine and fecal matter before refilling with fresh litter.
If you want to avoid harsh cleaning agents, baking soda is an eco-friendly alternative that will control odors in your cat’s litter box without any health risks. Simply sprinkle a layer on the bottom before refilling and mix more into the litter after scooping each day.
Leave Treats and Toys Near the Litter Box
Some cats prefer to eliminate in a certain area due to past experiences. It could be an unfamiliar sound or medical issues which made using the litter box difficult.
If your cat is eliminating outside the litter box, it is important to address this problem promptly. You can do this by relocating the litter box to a location your feline friend prefers and gradually moving it backwards several inches each day until she begins using it properly again.
Depending on your situation, it may be beneficial to try multiple litter boxes in different places until you find one that she prefers. This will enable you to determine what type of litter she prefers and how deep the box needs to be for optimal usage.
