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If your indoor/outdoor cat will be staying indoors, set up an indoor litter box before the change. Start with a roomy, uncovered box in a quiet, easy-to-reach place and unscented, fine-textured litter. A cat accustomed to toileting outside may accept soil or sand more readily; offer it as an option or transition gradually. If your cat avoids the box or its elimination changes, consult a veterinarian rather than assuming it is a behavior problem.
Set up the box for easy, comfortable access
Choose a box large enough for your cat to enter, turn around, and dig without feeling cramped. An uncovered box is a sensible starting point because it gives the cat an open view and does not confine odors. Cats have individual preferences, so watch how your cat responds rather than assuming one design suits every cat.
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- For a large cat: prioritize a larger box with enough room to move.
- For a kitten, older cat, or cat with limited mobility: choose an entry low enough to manage comfortably.
- For a cat that seems wary of being cornered: an open box may offer clearer sight lines and an easier route out.
Place the box in a quiet, private, accessible spot, away from the feeding area. Avoid locations that are noisy, difficult to reach, or easy for another animal to block. In a multi-level home, consider a box on each level so the cat can reach one without a long trip.
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Unscented, finer-textured litter is a reasonable first choice. Cornell Feline Health Center says most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter about one to two inches deep. Strong fragrance or an unfamiliar texture may put off a cat that has been toileting outdoors.
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Substrate can matter as much as the box. The AAFP/ISFM house-soiling guidelines note that some cats may prefer the same kind of material indoors that they use outside, such as soil or sand. You can offer a separate box with a familiar outdoor substrate to see whether your cat prefers it. If you are changing from soil or sand to commercial litter, make the change gradually by adding the new litter over time rather than switching abruptly.
Provide enough boxes and keep them clean
The standard rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra. Cornell recommends this approach. Put boxes in different accessible locations when possible; several boxes side by side may not give a cat the same choice as boxes in separate places.
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Scoop urine clumps and feces at least once a day, and keep the litter dry. Clean the box with a gentle detergent. Replace a cracked box or one that continues to smell after cleaning, since residue and damage can make it less inviting.
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New or persistent house-soiling deserves veterinary attention. Urinary inflammation, kidney or thyroid disease, diabetes, digestive illness, pain, mobility problems, and age-related cognitive changes can affect elimination. A medical problem may also lead a cat to develop a preference for a particular surface or location. A veterinarian can assess possible health causes before you focus on changing behavior.
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- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- LOW DUST & LOW TRACKING: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation that helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- NATURAL HERBAL ATTRACTANT: Blended with a natural herb attractant, the ideal texture and particle size combine to solve litter box problems by bringing cats back to their litter box.
Seek prompt veterinary advice if elimination changes or your cat appears to be in pain. Avoid treating an accident as defiance: punishment does not address a medical problem, an aversion, or a difficult setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust the setup if health issues are ruled out
Review the box, litter, location, and cleaning routine. A covered box may hold odors or limit a cat’s view; an open box may be a better trial. Check whether another pet can ambush or prevent access to the box, and whether the route to it feels safe. If your cat repeatedly chooses one location, putting a box there may help; once the cat is using it reliably, you can move it gradually toward a more suitable permanent spot.
Make one change at a time where practical, so you can tell what your cat accepts. For persistent or complex problems, ask your veterinarian about referral to a qualified veterinary behavior professional.
