Cat Litter Guide

Choose a litter that suits the cat

Cats can be particular about litter texture, scent and cleanliness. A litter tray should be large enough for the cat to use comfortably and positioned in a quiet, accessible location away from food and water. Some cats^★ prefer unscented litter and may reject sudden changes, so introduce a new type gradually where possible.

Keep trays clean and accessible

Remove waste regularly and clean trays appropriately. In multi-cat households, provide enough litter resources to reduce competition and give cats options. Avoid placing trays where a cat can be trapped by another animal or exposed to constant noise. Kittens should be shown where the tray is and allowed to investigate it without punishment.

Investigate toileting changes

Urination or defecation outside the tray can indicate a medical problem, stress, litter preference issue or environmental conflict. Do not assume the cat is being deliberately difficult. A veterinary check is particularly important if the change is sudden, if the cat strains, cries, passes blood or visits the tray repeatedly. Cleaning affected areas thoroughly and reviewing the litter environment can help once medical causes have been considered.