The Golden Rules of the Litter Box.

1. Missing the litter box or straining in the litter box is serious. Whether the cause is behavioral or medical, the problem needs to be addressed immediately. Straining in the litter can be a life- threatening emergency, especially in a male cat.
2. Number. One litter box per cat, minimum. Ideally, there should be one box per cat plus one.
3. Size. Large litter boxes are best. At least, one-and-a-half times the length of your cat. Most litter boxes are much too small for the average cat. I use dog litter boxes for my cats.
4. Litter type. Use fine-grained litter. Most cats prefer clumping-type litter.
5. Location. Put the litter box in quiet, calm space, not near noisy appliances. Ideally, there should be two separate locations if you have multiple cats. They should be in quiet, out-of-the-way places with convenient access for your cats, but no access for the family dog (some dogs will stay around a litter box and make the cat nervous). Keep the boxes away from bright lights, loud noises, and vibrations from washing machines or furnaces. If your house has several floors, have a box on each level for your cat. Finally, do not put a litter box near the cat’s food dishes – this is no more appealing for a kitty than it would be for you.
6. Hoods. No hoods or covered boxes - they are great for people, bad for cats. The hoods or covers trap in odor and make it hard for you to see if the litter box is clean.
7. Cleaning. Scoop the litter 1 or 2 times daily. The litter should be changed weekly if clumping litter is used. It should be changed every other day if clay litter is used. You don’t like a dirty bathroom, and neither does your cat. Your cat's sense of smell is 1000 times better than yours, so keep the litter box(es)clean. If your cat does not respond to a clean litter box, you may need to replace it. Some old boxes are scratched and permeated with a scent your cat may find offensive. Replace it and set up a second litter box in different area.
8. Make it a Positive Experience. Never trap or corner your cat in or near his/her litter box. Never discipline or try to medicate your cat near or in his/her litter box.
9. After the "accident." Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, cats naturally regard it as an appropriate area for relieving themselves. Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the "trouble spot." Clean it thoroughly with a liquid enzymatic odor cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which actually contribute to the problem because of their urine like scent. Try to keep your cat away from the trouble spot by covering the area with a plastic carpet runner, spike side up, or tin foil (cats dislike the feel of foil). A lemon or orange scented air freshener will also help in both repelling the cat and neutralizing the odor. If your cat still can’t resist the area, try placing its food there; cats are unlikely to urinate or defecate where they eat.
10. Stress. Stress is a leading cause of litter box problems. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to ease your cat’s worried mind. Territorial by nature, cats need to feel secure in their environment in order to relax. In multiple cat households, make sure each cat has a separate "zone" with its own food, water, litter box, and a safe, elevated perch for relaxing. Thermal Kitty heated beds and carpeted Cat Condos make excellent retreats for your stressed feline. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day, making sure he has plenty of toys to stalk and chase.