- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Providing your cat with a clean, comfortable, and convenient litter box setup is critical to their health and comfort. The general recommendation by veterinarians and cat behaviorists is to provide one litter box per cat, plus one additional box. This “N+1 rule” is designed to give cats options and reduce the chances of elimination outside the box.
To put it simply, the N+1 rule means one cat gets two litter boxes, two cats get three boxes, three cats get four boxes, and so on. Distributing these litter boxes throughout the home respects a cat’s territorial nature, as they may not want to share a busy box.
Why You Need More Litter Boxes Per Cat
“Cats deserve to have access to a bathroom that they feel safe and comfortable using,” says Laura Cassiday, cat behaviorist consultant and founder of Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior & Training. Here’s why you should give each cat in your home their own personal litter box (and one extra to boot).
Territory
“Cats are territorial animals, and their resources are very important to them,” says Cassiday. They can get possessive over their potty places.
If one cat guards the only litter box in the house, the other cats may feel threatened and avoid it, potentially leading to behavioral issues like peeing and pooping outside the box.
Choice
Different cats will have different preferences for their litter box setup. Providing multiple litter box options in various locations throughout your home can ensure every kitty has what they need to feel safe and comfortable—whether that’s a specific litter box design or a preferred litter type.
This agency can help your cats feel more in control, reducing any stress or anxiety that could lead to improper elimination.
Placement
Beyond providing enough litter boxes in your home, one of the best ways to prevent problems is to create plenty of space between them. If you have a cat that’s more assertive or territorial than another, he may stake a claim over the entire area, preventing your other, more docile cat from being able to use the litter box.
For multi-level homes, Cassiday says she’s a big advocate for at least one litter box per floor. “You would never buy a three-story house where the only bathroom is in the basement, so don’t make your cat live in one!” she says.
Cleanliness
If one cat feels the litter box is too full of your other cat’s droppings, they may find another place to relieve themselves, like the carpet or a hidden corner. Or they may decide to hold their urine, which could ultimately lead to health issues like a urinary tract infection.
Adding additional litter boxes helps ensure there will always be a clean one for your cats to use.
Lightspruch via iStock
How Many Automatic Litter Boxes Per Cat?
While many automatic litter boxes can handle the waste load from multiple cats, we still recommend following the N+1 rule. Even if the box stays clean with multiple cats using it, it doesn’t solve the problem of territorial behavior or reduce stress by giving more options.
That doesn’t mean you have to go all out with tech, though. Instead, it’s a good idea to still offer different box types. Make sure to include a traditional option in the mix, in case of technical issues or a power outage—or your cats deciding one day that they’re over the newfangled contraption. Having variety will ensure your cats always have a comfortable place to go.
Preventing Litter Box Problems
Your cats will let you know if they’re unhappy with their litter box setup. You might see spraying, increased vocalizations, or reclusive behaviors. The good news is that many of these problems can be avoided by adding more litter boxes for each cat in your home.
Here are some other ways to maximize on the N+1 rule and keep the peace in your kitty kingdom:
- Be strategic in where you place the boxes. Keep them away from busy areas and food and water bowls.
- Ensure each litter box is easily accessible. There should be a clear entry and exit point so no cat feels trapped or cornered. Senior cats and those with mobility issues will need boxes with a low-entry point.
- Mix and match box types. The vast majority of cats prefer an extra-large uncovered box with lower sides, says Cassiday. But you should still consider what each cat in your home likes best and include them in your home.
- Keep all litter boxes clean. Scoop each box daily, preferably twice daily, and deep-clean all boxes every two to four weeks.
- Choose litter wisely. Fill your boxes with litter your cats will enjoy using. This may look like using multiple types of litter in different boxes to ensure everyone is happy—though Cassiday notes that most cats will prefer unscented clumping clay litter.
