Litter tray rules for cats prone to urinary conditions

(Adapted from ‘FLUTD: When should you call the behaviourist?’ by J.C. Neilson DVM, DACVB, speaking at the NAVC 2007).

Cats are notoriously fussy when it comes to going to the toilet. If they do not like the type of litter, the placement of their litter tray or if it is not clean enough they may choose to urinate elsewhere in your house.

1. Litter trays should be as large as possible, especially if you have a large breed or an overweight cat. Veterinary expert Jacqueline Neilson suggests using under-bed plastic storage boxes.

2. Most cats prefer clumping litter when given an option. Give your cat the opportunity to choose which litter type they prefer by offering trays with different litter types.

3. In multi-cat households there should be a litter tray per cat plus one extra. For example, if you have 4 cats you should have 5 trays!

4. The litter tray should be in a quiet place away from other animals and noisy children.

5. The litter tray should not be placed near the food or water bowls.
6. Studies show that most cats do not like scented litter.

7. The litter tray should be scooped out twice a day and completely emptied and cleaned once a week.

8. Plastic litter trays should be replaced every year as plastic can absorb odour.

9. Covered litter trays are not recommended as these ‘hold-in’ odours. The tray may not be cleaned as often as a normal tray because the owner may not notice that the cat has been to the toilet.