Cat owners often ask a common question: If litter boxes can be placed next to each other? In this article, we dive into the concept of the litter box and its placement.
Becoming a cat owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most annoying parts of being a cat owner is probably dealing with the feline’s elimination habits.
You have to be extremely careful about the litter’s condition, cleanliness of the surroundings, and placement of the litter box.
If you become negligent towards any of those conditions, your cat might choose to eliminate them at some awkward spot in your house.
Experts suggest that there should be at least one more than the number of cats in the house.
So, cat owners often ask where to put the second litter box. In this article, we will address all the doubts you might have about the litter box placement.
Can litter boxes be placed next to each other?
Yes, you can place two litter boxes next to each other. There are a few benefits of putting two litter boxes together, and we will discuss them in this section.
Placing the litter boxes next to each other will give your cat options and more comfort. However, you also need to make sure that there are several sets of litter boxes at different house spots.
It is necessary for the cat to feel comfortable, and they won’t need to go long distances to find a place to eliminate. We will answer some of the most frequently asked questions in this section.
Can placing litter boxes side by side help a cat?
If you put two litter boxes next to each other, it can help the cat in three possible ways. Firstly, some cats prefer using different litter boxes to defecate and urinate.
The innate trait of hiding their excretion is probably responsible for this behavior.
You can give them the choice of using two different litter boxes for the two activities. It will reduce the cat’s anxiety issues, and you will find your cat in a happy mood.
Secondly, it can help you to know the preferences of your cat.
If your cat uses one of the litter boxes and disregards the other, it indicates that the cat does not like the litter box or the type of litter that you have used. You can understand the preferences of your cat quickly.
Lastly, ensuring an extra space to eliminate provides more relaxation when it comes to cleaning.
If the cat has two litter boxes side by side, it will fill up slowly compared to having a single litter box. So, there will be less chance of your cat eliminating outside if you forget to clean the litter boxes one day.
Can I put both litter boxes in the same room?
As we have answered in the previous question, it is acceptable to put two litter boxes side by side. So, there should not be any problem if you keep two litter boxes in the same chamber.
However, you can make sure that the room is big enough to have two litter boxes and the cat has access to both the litter boxes.
Experts suggest that it will be better for the cat if you put the litter boxes in a place where the cat is frequent. So, you need to choose the room carefully before setting the litter boxes.
What’s the ideal place to put the second litter box?
If you have already had a litter box installed in one of the potential locations in your house and considering to place the second one, you need to look for the following qualities in that part of the house-
- Privacy: Cats like a spot where they can do their deeds in peace. They fear the chances of being ambushed when they are busy with elimination. A private place like a guest bathroom or corner of the living room can be great spots.
- Quiet: You should also make sure that the spot is far from the road or any loud noise source. The cat loves to have a tranquil ambiance when it is in the litter box.
- Away from food: It is natural to have the litter box away from their usual eating or drinking spot. So, avoid putting the litter box in the kitchen.
What are the areas where you should not place litter boxes?
There are a few spots which you should avoid at all costs. The areas where you should not place the litter boxes are –
- Bedroom
- Near water heater
- Cupboard
- Attic
- Basement
- Storage room
- Unused bathroom
Conclusion:
This article has probably answered all your questions regarding the placement of litter boxes. You can be attentive to the cat’s needs before situating a new litter box in the household.
It is harder for any cat to adapt to a change, and they will suffer if you decide to change the litter box’s location.
You can place the litter box where the cat likes to spend most of its time and start there. You can slowly adapt to your cat as time goes on.
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Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.