Content
- How many litter boxes per cat?
- Types of litter box for cats
- Automatic cat litter box
- Types of litter for cats
cats are amazing pets, fun, independent and very clean. Everyone knows that these felines tend to make their needs in a litter box. In fact, this factor is one of the main reasons why many people choose to adopt a cat, since they don't need to go outside as often as a dog.
Because felines are very sociable animals, it is common for some people to prefer to have more than one cat. It is at this point that the question arises as to how many sandboxes are needed. Many people have only one litter box at home, used by several cats, but is that correct? In the end, Can two cats use the same litter box? Ask your questions in this PeritoAnimal article!
How many litter boxes per cat?
As we said, households that include two felines in their household are very common. So many of our readers ask us: Can two cats use the same litter box? Well, according to experts in feline behavior, it is advisable to have the number of litter boxes equals the number of cats plus one [1][2]. In other words, if we have two cats, the ideal is to have three litter boxes.
An adequate number of litter boxes is essential to prevent behavioral problems, such as urinating or defecating outside the litter box, and even veterinary problems, such as feline idiopathic cystitis, for example. However, this is not to say that it is an exact science, as many families with multiple cats use less litter boxes and do not have any problems. In these cases, the cleaning the boxes is essential and those responsible for the cats should clean them an average of four times a day. Remember that the litter box accumulates a large amount of waste that, if not removed, can lead the animal to stop using it.
If you live with more than one cat and have noticed that one of them urinates or defecates outside the litter box and besides, it coincides with the fact that you both share a sandbox, you've just discovered the cause of the problem! Cats are territorial animals and therefore many of them hate to share the litter box. To avoid problems, the ideal would be for each one to have their own, as we said, and one more. The extra box can be placed in the areas where he usually needs to be, as they represent his favorite places.
Even for those families where both cats share a litter box without any problems, it is advisable to provide one. extra box for any eventuality.
In this other article we show you which is the best cat litter box and, in this same article, you will also get to know the closed cat litter box. Is she a good fit? Find it out!
Types of litter box for cats
The type of litter box is also very important as it is one more reason why a cat cannot use it. So, if you live with multiple cats, be sure to offer boxes of different types to see which is their favorite.
In any case, the box must always have almost the double the size of the cat so he can move freely and without feeling pressured. Likewise, you should choose the most suitable place to place it and ensure that the animal feels comfortable using it. And what would be? One who is away from noise, is easily accessible, quiet and, above all, away from your food and water bowls.
Maybe this other article where we talked about moving the cat litter box might interest you.
Automatic cat litter box
If you don't know what kind of litter box to choose, the automatic litter box is one of the most innovative options and ideal for cat companions who don't have a lot of time to keep it always clean. Its main advantage is that it can be scheduled to do up to four cleanings per day and even to clean itself every time the cat uses it.
In the current market there are several models, all with the same concept and objective: to collect the animal's waste, clean and dry the sand, leaving the box ready for the next use. However, your high cost it is certainly an impediment for many people, as the value can range from R$800 to R$2000 currently (values in March 2021). For this reason, we recommend using a common box per cat, and using the automatic box as an extra, if you prefer to buy it.
Types of litter for cats
The type of sand is also very important in getting the animals to use the sandboxes. You must keep in mind that each cat has different preferences as they are very selective animals. So, the ideal is to try to find out what kind of sand each of your cats prefers and use in your box. However, we have already stated that most cats prefer sand with finer grains and no odors.
For more information, don't miss our article on different types of cat litter.
So two cats can use the same litter box? Now that you've seen that it's wise not to, you might be interested in the following video we present 10 accessories for cats and the importance of each of them: