As a cat owner, you want to provide the best care for your feline friends. One common question that comes up is how many litter boxes you need for the number of cats you have. The general rule of thumb is that you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So for two cats, the recommendation is three litter boxes. But do you really need that many litter boxes for just two cats? There are a few factors to consider when determining the right number of litter boxes for your household.
Why the 1+1 Rule?
The recommendation of having 1+1 litter boxes stems from a few important cat behaviors:
- Cats are territorial – They like to have options when it comes to places to relieve themselves.
- Some cats may not want to share – Even cats that get along may want their own private litter box.
- Cats may “ambush” each other at the litter box – Cats feel vulnerable when using the litter box and may lie in wait to swat another cat trying to use it.
- Accidents may happen if they have to wait – If one litter box is occupied, the other cat may opt to go elsewhere rather than wait.
Having multiple litter boxes helps avoid territorial disputes, prevents ambushes, and gives each cat options so no one has to wait or feel trapped. The 1+1 guideline stems from the fact that in many households, two cats will share litter boxes just fine. But providing that extra box allows each cat their own space if desired and helps avoid problems.
When 2 Boxes May Work
While the 1+1 rule is a good guideline, two boxes may work for two cats in some scenarios:
- The cats get along very well and have no history of litter box issues or aggression
- The cats have plenty of other vertical territory like cat trees and perches
- The litter boxes are very large or in different locations
- You have a large, multi-room home so cats don’t have to share close quarters
In homes where none of the typical litter box issues are present and the cats have enough space, two boxes just a room or two apart may be enough. But you have to be vigilant in observing the cats’ behavior and stepping in to add another box if any problems develop.
When 3 Boxes Are Recommended
While two boxes can potentially work in the right home, three boxes is really best practice for two cats in most households. Here are some situations where three litter boxes are highly recommended:
- You have a small home or apartment
- Your two cats have frequent conflicts or tension
- One cat ambushes the other at the litter box
- One cat consistently blocks the other from using the litter box
- Accidents happening outside the litter box
- A medical condition causes one cat to urinate more frequently
- You have very different cats – like an older and younger one
The more issues you’re already seeing between your cats when it comes to litter box use, the more likely it is that three boxes will be needed. Three boxes ensures each cat has their own space and decreases the likelihood of standoffs.
Litter Box Placement Guidelines
Where you place the litter boxes in your home can impact how well the solution works. Here are some litter box placement tips:
- Spread them out – Place boxes in different rooms, opposite sides of rooms, or different floors of the home.
- Avoid crowded areas – Don’t place boxes side-by-side in a small space or close to food and water bowls.
- Offer privacy – Put boxes in quiet areas away from high traffic and loud appliances.
- Accommodate preferences – Place boxes based on where each cat likes to eliminate. An old cat may need a box on each floor.
- Pay attention over time – As cats age or if new cats join the home, litter box needs can change.
Making changes to litter box locations periodically can also help as cats are very routine-oriented. Switching things up disrupts negative patterns and ambush sites.
Litter Box Type Considerations
The size and type of litter box can also make a difference in preventing issues. Some options to consider include:
- Jumbo box – Extra large box allows two cats space to use at once.
- High-walled box – Makes cats feel more secure and guarded.
- Top entry box – Limits ambushing since cats can only enter/exit through the top.
- Gate-style box – Allows cats visibility to monitor if another cat is inside.
- Different box types – Each cat may prefer a different style of box.
You can experiment to see if a certain style makes your cats feel more at ease and less likely to ambush each other. You may need to try different setups to find one that works.
Other Litter Box Tips
Here are some other tips for optimizing multiple litter boxes for two cats:
- Keep very clean – Scoop waste from all boxes 1-2x daily.
- Use the same litter – Mixing litter types in different boxes can deter use.
- Make gradual changes – Slowly introduce new boxes and locations over 2-4 weeks.
- Cat-proof access – Use baby gates, doors with pet doors, or open shelving to give needed access.
- Close off unsafe areas – Keep cats from accessing places unsuitable and hard to clean if used as a litter area.
- Watch for changes – As cats age or if new pets join the home, monitor litter box needs.
How Many Litter Boxes For More Than 2 Cats?
The 1+1 guideline can be extended for homes with more than 2 cats:
| Number of Cats | Recommended Number of Litter Boxes |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 6 |
So for example, with 4 cats you should have at least 5 litter boxes in your home. The exact optimal number depends on your cats and home setup, but this table provides a good starting point.
Signs It’s Time For More Litter Boxes
Look for these signs indicating it’s time to add more litter boxes:
- A cat waits by the box but won’t enter or gets ambushed every time
- Blocking or intimidation behavior around the box
- Signs of a cat holding their urine like frequent trips to the box or straining in the box
- Accidents outside the box, especially right near it
- A cat scratching or digging around the house in unusual spots
- Territorial marking with urine on walls or furniture
Don’t delay in adding more boxes if you notice these types of issues. The sooner you can add more litter options, the sooner behavior patterns will improve.
When To Call The Vet
While extra litter boxes can resolve many problems, issues like house soiling or straining/discomfort in the box may also indicate:
- Urinary tract infection
- Bladder inflammation or stones
- Crystals or blockages
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorder
- Dementia in older cats
- Pain while urinating
- Difficulty climbing in/out of litter box
If you notice any signs of pain, discomfort, or other changes in litter box habits, don’t delay in getting your cat checked by a vet. Medical issues can arise quickly in cats and cause serious harm if left untreated. Better to have them examined sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
While two litter boxes may work for two cats in ideal circumstances, having three boxes is really the safest way to head off most litter box problems. The minimal extra work of cleaning three boxes is well worth it for the benefits of fewer accidents, territorial marking, ambushes, and anxiety around the litter box. The right number of litter boxes combined with strategic placement in the home and differences in box type can create an ideal setup. Pay attention to cats’ behaviors around litter box use and don’t hesitate to experiment or add additional boxes as needed. And when in doubt, always err on the side of extra litter boxes for a harmonious home!