2 Litter Boxes or 1?

[mlevant1965]

Hello there!

We had 2 beautiful girl cats. We had 2 litter boxes - one upstairs and one downstairs. Both cats used both litter boxes. They weren't designated. Unfortunately we had to put one of our girls to sleep. RIP Tillie.

Is it recommended to just have one box now? We don't want to confuse our Emmy. She still uses it sometimes, but we would like to eventually remove it from our second bedroom if possible.

Thank you and happy holidays to all.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

Welcome to the site! I'm sorry you had to lose one of your girls.
I would go to one box for her.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi and Happy Holidays to you too! Sorry about your loss of Tillie. The general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one. So, having two, especially when dealing with multiple floors, is the best way to go. Keep both boxes.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know when that rule of thumb came in? I never heard of it before joining TCS. It would never have been a possibility for me, no space. My two have one smallish litter box and that takes up a fair chunk of space in my bathroom, the only place available for it.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know when that rule of thumb came in? I never heard of it before joining TCS. It would never have been a possibility for me, no space. My two have one smallish litter box and that takes up a fair chunk of space in my bathroom, the only place available for it.

It is mentioned in one of the TCS articles about litter boxes. Admittedly, I only had one litter box for my one cat, not two boxes. But, my house is a ranch, so no upper or basement floor, and all my cats did just fine with one. Although, I did add a second one when Feeby's arthritis got worse and then she became ill.

I think it is more important to make sure one has at least one box per floor level, even when you only have one cat.

 

[Kris107]

I'd say do what your cat seems to want. Some cats don't mind one box. Other cats, once used to having options, will always want it. Do keep an eye on her health and mobility. I think an older cats might want a potty nearby. But generally/broadly speaking, one box is fine for a single cat.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

It is mentioned in one of the TCS articles about litter boxes. Admittedly, I only had one litter box for my one cat, not two boxes. But, my house is a ranch, so no upper or basement floor, and all my cats did just fine with one. Although, I did add a second one when Feeby's arthritis got worse and then she became ill.

I think it is more important to make sure one has at least one box per floor level, even when you only have one cat.

I can imagine the reaction some might have now to our prev arrangement - three-bedroom house (one floor), five cats and one litter tray. Not just any tray, mind you: it was a very large baby bath. They were indoor-outdoor cats then, so used the garden often enough (though someone - possibly Hadji, I don't remember - would come inside to use it ).

 

[iPappy]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Tilly. I recently lost my 16 1/2 year old girl, and I know it's painful.
For now, I would leave the boxes as they are, and see which one she uses the most and eventually, you can fade it out provided she isn't upset by it. Another option would be to move the box from the upstairs downstairs near the existing downstairs box.

At one time, I had 3 cats and only had one large box. It was scooped several times daily. I think multiple boxes are best, but if space is an issue, keeping the box clean is the most important thing.

 

[iPappy]

I can imagine the reaction some might have now to our prev arrangement - three-bedroom house (one floor), five cats and one litter tray. Not just any tray, mind you: it was a very large baby bath. They were indoor-outdoor cats then, so used the garden often enough (though someone - possibly Hadji, I don't remember - would come inside to use it ).

If it works, it works! I know that Lila, and previously Goofy and Sarah, would go into the grassy area(s) of the catio to do their business. Heck, even my dogs have litter boxes to use when I'm not home and it's an emergency!

 

[catloverfromwayback]

If it works, it works! I know that Lila, and previously Goofy and Sarah, would go into the grassy area(s) of the catio to do their business. Heck, even my dogs have litter boxes to use when I'm not home and it's an emergency!

What well-behaved puppers! I can't imagine my sister's dogs doing that. But then they're essentially untrained and have never had the civilising influence of cats.

 

[Draco]

Im sorry to hear about Tilly. RIP sweet baby.

As for boxes, I have one large box- acually a 50 gallon tote - for three cats and it's working- especially considering I scoop it twice a day.

A cat will tell you if they want another box. Some prefer one box for urinating, another box for poops. Some cats don't care sharing, some won't share. I think a box on each floor is a good idea, especially for a senior cat.

if you really want to remove a box, try it and see how Emmy reacts?