So you’ve been contemplating moving your cat’s litter box.
Moving your cat’s litter box is a common task that could affect your kitty’s hygiene.
If this is something you’re considering, I’ll let you know what you need to know and the steps you can take to minimize the risk of litter box messes.
Cats are finicky creatures, and that is why one of the first questions people ask about their new cat is: “Can I move my cat’s litter box?”
The answer varies depending on whether or not your cat has already figured out where its litter box is.
If you’ve ever wanted to move your cat’s litter box and wondered if it’s possible, this will help answer your question.
Here, I’ll show you how to move a litter box without causing any cat stress and toilet messes.
Where do you keep the litter box in the house?
1. The bathroom:
It works as a convenient location as it is convenient for her and easy to access and also to clean out.
Create a cat door to allow easy entry and exit into the bathroom.
2. Your living room:
The fact that most living rooms are large explains why they are considered the best places to install a litter box.
3. Behind a privacy screen:
These are screens designed from water-resistant, tough corrugated plastic. They are then covered with stain-resistant material.
This privacy offers a cat ways to hide, by shielding the litter box inside a carpeted bench.
4. The utility room:
It’s a great choice especially if she is adjusted to noisy places.
This is more comfortable and better for your cat as compared to the basement.
5. A spare bedroom:
This is a great area since it is a low-traffic and quiet place.
Just remember to keep the door open always or invest in a cat door large enough to allow your huge cat to enter and leave the room.
6. In a closet:
A small walk-in closet is a great place for a litter box if it’s not too close to where you store your shoes.
A no-door closet works well too, as long as it’s not in a high-traffic area. Just keep the door open so that your cat can get in and out easily.
The worst place for litter box placement
1. Very close to water, and food bowls:
Your cats have an extraordinary sense of smell and wouldn’t want to erode the place where they eat and drink with stink.
You’ll only need to be humane enough to do them a favor by ensuring that the litter box is as far away from their food and water as possible.
2. Hidden and inconvenient locations:
You might have advanced the idea of shifting the kitty’s litter box to the basement when its life is on the first floor. This is particularly tiresome if the kitty’s either an old senior or very young.
3. Near a window:
Don’t put the litter box near a window, as cats are creatures of habit and they’ll be startled by people walking by or other animals passing.
4. High traffic regions:
They wouldn’t want to defecate in a place where everyone is crossing.
Places with loud and immense traffic such as kitchens and foyers might not go well with kitty’s litter boxes.
5. Places close to noisy appliances:
Operating in such spots could be very scary for a kitty.
You must think about how your pet will feel if she’s exposed to the noise from the washer and the drier.
Should you move your cat’s litter box?
Moving a cat’s litter box is not something you want to do if you don’t have to.
The decision to move your cat’s litter box can be an easy one, especially if the current location is uncomfortable for them.
If you’re moving your cat’s litter box, make sure that you are doing so in a way that will not lead to litter box issues.
When should you move your cat’s litter box?
Here are some reasons why you might want to move your cat’s litter box:
- Your cat is sick: Cats can develop health problems, including constipation or diarrhea. If this happens regularly, move the litter box to a more convenient location so that it’s easier for your kitty to use it in time.
- When moving houses: Inevitably, you will be forced to move the cat’s box to a new location once you change houses.
What happens if I move my cat’s litter box?
If you move their litter box, you may notice that your cats do not like the change.
You’re changing the location of their bathroom.
Moving it will just confuse your cat, who may decide to relieve himself where the box once was or seek out another quiet area like the carpet behind the sofa or inside a potted plant.
They may not know where to go or be uncomfortable enough to start marking territory again.
We do not recommend moving your cat’s litter box unless it is necessary because of a medical condition or injury.
Once you’ve decided to keep the litter box in a new location, let it stay there.
Is it bad to move my cat’s litter box?
No, it’s not bad to move your cat’s litter box. However, you should know that moving a cat’s litter box can cause some problems.
Cats are very territorial animals, and they will often mark their territory with scents. Moving a cat’s litter box can cause them to feel displaced and upset. She may decide that the new location is not as good as the old one and may stop using it altogether.
Make sure to put it in a place where your cat feels comfortable using it.
If you must move your cat’s litter box, try moving it just a few feet at a time so that they have time to adjust before it’s in its final location.
It is ok to move a cat’s litter box, just make sure you follow the proper steps.
Do cats get mad when you move their litter box?
Cats don’t get mad if you move their litter box, but they may get confused or stressed.
To keep them from feeling anxious, try moving the box every few days to a new location.
The best thing to do is keep a close eye on the cat when you change its litter box location.
If they start acting confused or stressed, then it’s time to introduce some catnip.
What is the best way to move a cat’s litter box?
This is how you move a cat litter box without altering your cat’s behavior:
- If you need to move your cat’s litter box, put a second one there first to make sure the new site is okay before transferring the original one.
- Move the initial box gradually, a few feet every day, in the direction of the new location.
- You can then get rid of one of the boxes after they are all together.
- If you don’t want to spend the money on a temporary second box, you’ll need to move the box VERY SLOWLY, no more than a few feet per day. Ensure that the new site will be acceptable to your cat.
- Keep the litter box on the same story if your home has more than one.
- Making sure there are no obstructions in front of the current litter box is the first thing to do. This includes anything that could obstruct the cat’s nose when she goes to use her boxes, such as furniture, boxes, buckets, and other objects.
What attracts cats to a new litter box location?
- Accessibility
- Routine cleaning
- Quiet neighborhood
- There are no other cats around.
- Open spaces
- Secluded areas
Frequently Asked Questions:
If I move my cat’s litter box will she find it?
If you move your cat’s litter box, she will find it.
Cats are known for their ability to sniff out the familiar.
If you move your cat’s litter box, she will find it again.
Cats are very good at finding their way around.
They can detect an odor in the air and will follow it.
To avoid confusing your kitty, gradually move her litter box to the desired location.
Can cats smell their litter box?
Cats can smell their litter box as they are very good at smelling things.
Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans do.
They can detect the odor of their litter box.
Cats use this while marking their territory. For example, most male cats mark their territory by spraying urine around the area where he lives or going outside to eliminate waste materials from their body. This is called “marking behavior.”
Do cats need light to use the litter box?
Cats are nocturnal animals, and they use the litter box when it’s dark.
They have a highly developed sense of sight, so they can see much better in the dark than humans can.
They do not need light to use their litter box at night and they pee frequently.
Cats urinate in the same litter box repeatedly and they locate the box location by the smell of their urine.
This is called scent marking.
However, it’s a good idea to keep your cat’s litter box in a well-lit room.
Conclusion:
The ultimate question you should ask yourself is why you want to move the litter box.
The success of each litter box placement (or failure) is going to be different because each cat is different.
Keep in mind that any cat can be trained to use a litter box, and even cats with special needs can use a litter box successfully.
If you’re having trouble training your cat to use the litter box, don’t give up.
Most likely, the problem isn’t the placement of the litter box but something else.
Remember: if you’re having trouble training your cat, consult a veterinary behaviorist for help; don’t assume your cat is “spoiled” or “needs to go outside.”
So, before you start moving things around, weigh the pros and cons.
