Cats sharing litterbox.

CatFather117

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Hi all

My GF and I have 2 cats, they're brothers, and we have a litterbox for each one, but they seem to not care which litterbox they use. Even if they are in the same room, both cats use both litterboxes.

Now the issue is, they are XXL litterboxes, and they take a lot of litter to fill it after we clean it (which isn't super cheap)

So my question is, can we use just 1 litterbox for both, or should we keep using 2?
 

BowserRocky

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If they are fine with using one litter box, perhaps you can go down to one as a trial and see how it goes. We’ve always been a one box family, unless introducing a new friend into the mix. I also suggest not filling it up too much, maybe only an inch or so, and just scoop daily. Saves money and waste!! Good luck!!
 

klunick

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My two always seem to "inspire " the other to suddenly have to use the bathroom. If one is in the box and the other sees, they suddenly decide they need to go potty as well. So I always have one for each just in case someone decides they need to use it while the other box is in use. I used to have 4 (2 upstairs and 2 downstairs) but the two downstairs never got used and they seem ok with having to come upstairs to use the boxes.

Just because they are XXL boxes doesn't mean they need more litter than a smaller one. Use less litter and scoop often. I use a 7lbs bag for each box and it lasts all week and only cost about $4 per bag. You don't need to buy the most expensive litter. Just one they will use.
 
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CatFather117

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I do scoop daily, but they like to dig and cover their droppings. So if i use too little litter, they can scratch through the plastic bag.

We now have one litterbox downstairs and one upstairs so they can choose where to go, but they seem to prefer the one upstairs
 

klunick

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I do scoop daily, but they like to dig and cover their droppings. So if i use too little litter, they can scratch through the plastic bag.

We now have one litterbox downstairs and one upstairs so they can choose where to go, but they seem to prefer the one upstairs
I would keep the one downstairs as a back up. If it goes unused, there is no need to have to change out the litter so you are really only buying litter for one box. My 2 like to dig as well as the 7lbs of litter per box has never been an issue with them reaching the bottom of the box to cover up their waste.
 

Purr-fect

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We have two boxes for two cats.

They seem to use the boxes interchangeably. Going to one box wont save you much as the total amount of waste to be removed daily will stay the same. It will however decrease the chances of the cats having a clean box to use as twice the waste will be deposited into one box.

Frankly if two boxes are working, I wouldn't mess with it. There are many posts here about cats not using their boxes.

I have read the optimum number of boxes is one per cat plus one more box.
 

LTS3

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I have two cats and one litter box. Neither cats have an issue sharing one litter box.

You could try removing a litter box but sometimes that upsets the cats and they'll show their displeasure by peeing and pooping on the floor.
 

vince

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I've got three cats and two boxes. They don't have any problems with that arrangement.

They wouldn't use the downstairs box at all, so I moved it upstairs and they started using it. I would consider the cat box rules that people quote more as suggestions, deciding what works best from practical experience with your cats.
 

Heart For Cats

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I do scoop daily, but they like to dig and cover their droppings. So if i use too little litter, they can scratch through the plastic bag.

We now have one litterbox downstairs and one upstairs so they can choose where to go, but they seem to prefer the one upstairs
People usually say litterboxes should be filled 2-3 inches high but it depends on how deep your cats dig. My vet said he has one cat who "digs a hole to China" LOL. If your cats use unclumpable litter, it should be 2 inches deep.

I never had a problem with two cats sharing the same litterbox.
 
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