Where to put the cat litter box? The laundry or the bathroom is the best place to put the cat litterbox because these are wet areas and wet areas are easier to clean than carpeted areas.
Note: If you choose a wet area, make sure that the cat litter mat you choose will be suitable for a wet area, like this one
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Ideally, you want to put the cat litter box in a place that ensures your cat’s privacy and accessibility, while also being easy for you to attend to the litter box for cleaning purposes.
Table Of Contents
Consider When Choosing A Location For The Litter Box
The following three points are what I consider the basic requirements for cat litter box placement. Here is the basic information.
I will go into more detail with other factors that affect litter box location, further into the article.
1. How Many Litter Boxes Do You Have?
Firstly, how many litter boxes do you have?
If you have more than one cat, it’s a good idea to have one litter box per cat, plus an additional one.
This helps ensure that each cat has its own space and can minimize conflicts among the other cats around them.
2. Choose An Easy To Reach Area To Put the Cat Litter Box
Place the cat litter box in a quiet, easy to reach corner that offers privacy.
Avoid putting the cat litter box in high traffic areas or rooms with noisy appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, or furnaces that may startle your cat.
Also be aware if the cat needs to pass the dog to get to the litterbox, which could be scary for the cat.
Placing the litter box in a quiet and easy to reach area, will encourage your cat to use the litter box without feeling stressed or disturbed.
3. Consider The Mobility Of Your Cat To Access The Litter Box
Another important aspect to consider is the accessibility of the litter box, especially for a kitten, senior cats, or cats with mobility issues.
4. Stairs To Consider?
If your cat needs to use stairs to access the litter box, make sure the cat can easily climb the stairs to get to the box and that there are no obstacles or barriers that could prevent the cat from using the box.
Think about having a litter box upstairs and downstairs.
Your cat should be able to comfortably enter, turn around move around comfortably, especially if you have larger cats and exit the litter box.
5. Litter Box Placement and Litter
Some cats can be quite particular about the type of cat litter and cat litter box placement too.
If they don’t like the litter box smell, some cats refuse to enter the litter box even if the litter box placement is spot on.
Cats prefer a quiet location, away from high traffic areas, so keep this in mind when picking the spot to put a litter box.
6. Choose A Clean Environment For The Cat Litter Box
It’s also crucial to maintain a clean environment to minimize odor and litter box smell.
Keep the litter box separate from your cat’s food and water bowls, as they don’t like to have their eating area close to where they eliminate.
Don’t put a litter box in dark, small spaces, or closets, as cats prefer a well lit area.
If you have more than one cat door, make sure the litter box location is close to their most commonly used entrance.
Best Places to Put a Litter Box – Rooms
Bathroom
The bathroom is a good place to put the cat litter box because it’s a quiet, private space with easy to clean floors.
Keep the litter box away from the toilet and sink to prevent splashes.
Make sure the door is always open or install a cat door.
Use a mat under the box to trap litter.
Laundry Room
The laundry is a good place to put the cat litter box because it is tucked away and easy to clean.
Avoid placing the litter box near noisy appliances like washers and dryers, as they might scare your cat.
Ensure proper ventilation to prevent odor build up.
Keep laundry products out of reach, as they can be toxic to cats.
Spare Bedroom or Office
A spare bedroom or office is a good place to put the cat litter box because it is It’s a low traffic area, giving your cat privacy.
Make sure the room is always accessible.
If used as an office, keep papers and electronics safe from litter tracking.
Use an enclosed litter box if you want to control odors.
A Closet or Enclosed Space (With Ventilation)
A Closet can be a good place to put the cat litter box because it provides privacy and keeps the box hidden.
Cut a hole in the closet door or use a cat door to allow easy access.
Ensure proper airflow to prevent odors.
Avoid stuffing it into a cramped space where your cat might feel trapped.
Corner of a Quiet Living Area
The corner of a living area is a good place to put the cat litter box because it some cats like being near their humans but still want privacy.
Use a covered litter box if aesthetics are a concern.
Place a litter mat around the area to catch stray litter.
Keep it away from food and water bowls.
Under a Staircase (If There’s a Small Nook)
Under a staircase is a good place to put the cat litter box because it is often an unused space and provides a secluded, out-of-the-way location.
Ensure there’s enough room for your cat to move comfortably.
Use a hooded litter box if dust or litter tracking is an issue.
Basement (If Easily Accessible)
The basement is a good place to put the cat litter box because it is out of the way and often has easy to clean floors.
Make sure your cat can get to it easily, especially at night.
Keep the space well lit so your cat isn’t reluctant to use it.
Avoid damp areas, as moisture can cause odor build up.
Cat Litter Box In Bedroom
If you choose to place a cat litter box in your bedroom, prioritize creating a quiet and peaceful environment for your cat. Keep the litter box away from your bed.
Try using a litter box enclosure, such as the one below to contain odors.
I would find it a stretch having the litter box in the bedroom, however if space is that tight, a piece of furniture that functions to hide the litter box and is good to look at, would be a worthwhile investment.
placing multiple litter boxes in your home
If possible, ensure each litter box is in a separate, quiet area, providing each cat with privacy.
Preventing Litter Box Bullying (For Multi-Cat Homes)
Avoid placing the litter boxes in a line because dominant cats may block access to others.
Cats should have more than one way in and out of a litter box. Make sure there are escape routes.
If a cat stops using the litter box, it could be due to territorial issues. Watch for signs of stress:
Type of Litter Boxes
Some cats prefer open boxes, while others like covered ones.
