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Moving a Cat’s Litter Box: 5 Things You Should Know

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Angry Cat

It may happen that you need to change the location of your cat’s litter box, for example in the event of a change in the use of a room in your house or if you want to change the layout of the room in which the litter is located.

But moving a cat’s litter box can be tricky for your cat…

In this article, we will look at the precautions to take before changing the location of your cat’s litter box so as not to disturb him too much.

Can I Move my Cat’s Litter Box?

The short answer is: Yes, you can move the cat’s litter box to another location.

But cats don’t like too much to change their habits. The same is true of their familiar surroundings.

This is why certain precautions should be taken before deciding to change your cat’s litter box to another location.

Here are some ideas that will help you as you make that decision.

1. Talk to your Family Before Moving the Litter Box

Changing the location of the cat litter box can be a thorny subject in some families, especially because of the nuisance that it can cause (the smell, among others).

So come to an agreement before the change, so as not to disturb kitty by changing the location of his litter several times.

This is why it is important to prepare things beforehand, to discuss together the pros and cons before making a decision.

2. Place a Second Litter Box in the New Location Then Change Gradually the Location of the Old One

Instead of suddenly moving the litter box, start by placing a second litter box in the new location. Thus, kitty will be able to test the new location, while having the possibility of returning to the original location if this poses a problem.

To help your cat get used to its new litter box faster, you can place some of the old litter in the new box, so that it gets used to the familiar smells.

You will be able to observe if your four-legged friend gets used (or not) to the new place.

If your cat seems to like the new litter box, then move the old one a few inches a day until the two litters are side by side.

Don’t worry if your cat persists in using the old litter box. It may take a few days for your cat to get used to using the new one.

If you don’t want to add a second litter, just move the litter around gradually. The thing to remember is that it is important not to rush things.

[epcl_box type=”information”]Remember this general rule of thumb for litter boxes: you should have one more litter box than the number of cats in the house. So: 1 cat = 2 litter boxes.[/epcl_box]

3. Moving a Cat’s Litter Box Outside

In general, it is not recommended to place the cat litter box outside the house, especially if your cat is used to being inside. This would risk stressing him to go and face external dangers to go to do his business. The risk is above all that it does them inside!

If your cat does manage to get used to using an outside litter box, keep at least one inside, so that he knows he has a “safe place” to relieve himself.

And put the litter box in a protected place, so that kitty feels safe every time he goes to pee or poo.

Also install a cat flap so that he can access the garden whenever he wants. Don’t keep him waiting, if you want to avoid accidents!

Moving a cat's litter box in the garden

Moving a cat’s litter box in the garden – Photo by birgl from Pixabay

4. What Happens If I Move the Litter Box Too Often?

You risk confusing your cat. Remember cats are routine animals, used to having things always in the same place.

It also depends on your cat’s character and his ability to adapt to changes. Some will be done right away in the new place, others will have more difficulty.

But keep in mind that the changes are a bit “unnatural” for a cat. So, do not go against his nature and spare him such inconvenience!

5. How Do You Choose a New Place for your Cat’s Litter Box?

If you have to move the cat litter box to another location, pay particular attention to these points:

  • Accessibility: Place the litter box in an easily accessible place for your cat. If there are rooms in your house that your cat never goes to, you don’t need to put her litter box there. He will never go there. Leave the door to the room always open, so that the cat can easily access it.
  • Avoid noise: Do not place the litter box in noisy places (for example where the washing machine is) or in high traffic areas. Your cat needs privacy to defecate, just like you (well, in general…).
  • Avoid conflicts with other cats: If you have several cats and one is dominant, the others may be afraid to go to the same room as him to go to the bathroom. Place their respective litters in different rooms.
  • Away from water and food: Avoid placing litter boxes near where your cat is eating. Would you like to dine in your bathroom? I think the answer is “No!” …

Be Nice to your Cat!

And if, despite all these precautions, the removal of the litter box does not go as planned and your cat starts to soil your apartment or house, be understanding and do not punish him.

Clean the soiled area in order to eliminate scent markers (otherwise he risks repeating his needs in the same place) and gently show him where the litter is.

If your cat seems confused and disoriented, ask yourself the question again: Do I really have to move his litter box? Isn’t there another solution?

Moving a Cat’s Litter Box: Share your Experience!

And now, it’s your turn to tell us about your experience  with moving a cat’s litter box. How did you do it? How did it go? Have accidents happened? Tell us about your personal experiences. The Comments section is made for that!

Angry Cat Photo by Philip Pena from Pixabay

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