Even the most loving cat owners sometimes get litter box care wrong — and your cat will definitely let you know. From ignoring cleaning frequency to choosing the wrong litter type, small mistakes can lead to big behavioral issues (and stinky consequences).
Below are 7 common cat litter box mistakes — each paired with vet‑ and shelter‑backed fixes and working sources you can check.
1) Not Having Enough Litter Boxes
Rule of thumb: one box per cat plus one extra. In multi‑cat homes, trays should be placed in separate locations — not side‑by‑side — to prevent resource guarding and crowding (RSPCA Australia).
Fix: Add at least one extra cat litter box and spread boxes across different rooms/floors.
2) Putting the Box in the Wrong Location
Cats need boxes in quiet, accessible spots with an easy escape route; stressful or noisy areas (laundry beside appliances, cramped corners) can trigger avoidance. Guidance from AAHA/AAFP feline life stage guidelines and AAFP/ISFM house‑soiling guidelines emphasises location and choice (AAFP/ISFM overview).
Fix: Keep boxes away from food/water and high‑traffic zones; offer more than one route to/from the tray.
3) Using a Litter Type Your Cat Dislikes
Individual preferences are real. Preferences for litter type are documented, and many cats do well with unscented, fine‑grained clumping litter; unscented options are often recommended for cats with urinary issues.
Fix: Test 2–3 options in separate boxes for a week to see which your cat uses most. Explore PawPawUp cat litter choices and stay with the winner.
4) Not Scooping Often Enough
Dirty trays are a top trigger for house‑soiling. Daily scooping and regular full changes are recommended by shelters and vets (RSPCA UK).
Fix: Scoop at least once daily; replace all litter weekly (more often for multi‑cat homes), and wash the tray with mild soap/warm water.
5) Choosing the Wrong Box Size or Cover Style
Many commercial trays are too small. Veterinary guidance suggests boxes should be ~1.5× your cat’s body length (nose to base of tail) so they can turn and dig comfortably (University of Illinois Vet Med handout). Covered boxes can trap odour and some cats dislike them; others prefer privacy. The key is choice and size.
Fix: Use a large, open‑top tray by default; if you try covered, also offer an uncovered option and let your cat choose.
6) Cleaning with Strong Chemicals
Bleach or ammonia‑heavy cleaners can leave harsh smells that repel cats. Guidelines favour mild, unscented cleaners and thorough rinsing.
Fix: Wash with mild soap and warm water; avoid perfumed sprays inside the tray.
7) Ignoring Behaviour Changes (It’s Not “Revenge”)
Sudden changes — straining, avoiding the tray, vocalising — can indicate medical issues or stress. The ASPCA notes at least 10% of cats develop elimination problems, and medical causes must be ruled out first (ASPCA).
Fix: Call your vet promptly; then revisit box number, placement, cleanliness, and litter choice using the guidelines above.
Quick Checklist (Print & Stick on the Fridge)
1 One box per cat +1; all in separate locations (RSPCA/SF SPCA)
2 Quiet, accessible spots; escape route; away from food (AAHA/AAFP)
3 Trial unscented, fine‑grained clumping vs other types (AAHA)
4 Scoop daily; full change/clean weekly (RSPCA/SDHS)
5 Box size ≥ 1.5× cat length; offer open vs covered choice (UI Vet Med/Catster)
6 Mild cleaners only; no strong scents (RSPCA)
7 Sudden changes? Vet first; then adjust setup (ASPCA)
Final Thoughts
Litter box care is small effort with a big payoff: fewer accidents, less stress, and a happier cat. If you’re setting up (or fixing) your station, start with the basics above, then customise to your cat’s preferences.
At PawPawUp, you can find not only stylish and practical litter box options but also cozy cat bed collections to make your furry friend’s life even more comfortable. After all, a happy cat deserves both a clean bathroom and a soft place to nap.