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Just like the topic asks, first time having three cats (still kittens). Should I be using two litter boxes? Thanks
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Three cats = two litter boxes?
- Thread starter travel dude
- Start Date
At least 3 boxes
The general rule is one box per cat +1. So for 3 cats, that's four boxes.
Many cats like to use one for pee and one for poo, so having that extra box limits the chances of pee or poop outside the box.
For kittens, as they start to explore the house, you might want one per room. (You can make temporary ones with cardboard covered in a plastic bag. The cardboard from a case of wet food is the perfect size for this.)
You may get away with less boxes, but it's more risky.
I also recommend a couple different styles of boxes so they don't get used to only one. It also helps reduce litter box aversion if someone has an issue with painful urination or poop in the future. I have four boxes and no two are the same.
I also recommend at least 1 uncovered box. One of each (covered/uncovered) provides great options.
Many cats like to use one for pee and one for poo, so having that extra box limits the chances of pee or poop outside the box.
For kittens, as they start to explore the house, you might want one per room. (You can make temporary ones with cardboard covered in a plastic bag. The cardboard from a case of wet food is the perfect size for this.)
You may get away with less boxes, but it's more risky.
I also recommend a couple different styles of boxes so they don't get used to only one. It also helps reduce litter box aversion if someone has an issue with painful urination or poop in the future. I have four boxes and no two are the same.
I also recommend at least 1 uncovered box. One of each (covered/uncovered) provides great options.
T
travel dude
I am so glad you asked.. Instead of just trying to wing it and them possibly having issues with litter box training. You are amazing. You are going to be setting these little babies up for success.
Everything
Alldara
said is exactly what I was going to recommend.
Everything
Alldara
said is exactly what I was going to recommend.
I have 11 indoor cats and I only have 7 litter boxes and everything has been fine. There was no way I could have 12 boxes…
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What
Alldara
said is what is always recommended, however, I will say I had 2 cats and 1 box. That was primarily because my house is small, they got along, and one was especially fastidious. If you can't swing 4 boxes, then I'd say putting them in various places of the house is a good idea. The problem with multiple cats, especially kittens, is it's hard to find a place to potty in peace! I know I'd have aversion if someone's nose was all up in my business! So give them a space to potty in private and keep those boxes scooped - 2+ times per day if need be so it's almost always clean for the next user.
Alldara
said is what is always recommended, however, I will say I had 2 cats and 1 box. That was primarily because my house is small, they got along, and one was especially fastidious. If you can't swing 4 boxes, then I'd say putting them in various places of the house is a good idea. The problem with multiple cats, especially kittens, is it's hard to find a place to potty in peace! I know I'd have aversion if someone's nose was all up in my business! So give them a space to potty in private and keep those boxes scooped - 2+ times per day if need be so it's almost always clean for the next user.
I've definitely had a situation where I've had 4 cats and only 1 box in my home. It worked short term as was needed. They probably viewed it like we view temporarily using a port a potty for the summer while camping. My boys now don't even use the 4 box. I haven't cleaned it in two months because it's untouched. (3 cats)
On the flip side, I've known cats who are solo cats and need three boxes or they will potty where they shouldn't!
That's why general rules are called general rules
There will be exceptions on both ends of the spectrum.
Personally, I always give this rule, as one of the leading causes of cats being rehomed is inappropriate potty behaviour. More is best in terms of litter.
On the flip side, I've known cats who are solo cats and need three boxes or they will potty where they shouldn't!
That's why general rules are called general rules
There will be exceptions on both ends of the spectrum. Personally, I always give this rule, as one of the leading causes of cats being rehomed is inappropriate potty behaviour. More is best in terms of litter.
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In my experience if all your cats get along and you can clean the boxes regularly, it's perfectly fine to have as many boxes as cats or even a little less. With a temporary 1-box-for-2-cats setup (recently moved and decided to replace their other box but hadn't gone and bought a new one just yet), my cats lined up for it!
If any cats started intentionally going outside the boxes with a less-boxes-than-cats setup, I'd immediately try adding more boxes and cleaning everything out more often before considering other possible issues.
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Added, I say "intentionally" because one of mine sometimes gets a piece of poop stuck to his butt fur, which results in poop outside the litter box without him actually pooping outside the litter box.
