We already have one cat. I'm considering getting another cat. Will it be necessary to have two litterboxes, or will one be fine if I clean it frequently?
2006-08-23 15:44:05 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It all depends on the cats. Some cats can be picky about their boxes and, even if cleaned frequently, may still want their own box. A rule of thumb is to keep one box per cat, and to clean at least once per day. Clumping litter, if you don't use it already, is a very good idea, as it helps to keep the boxes cleaner. I suggest using Arm and Hammer's litter. I used it when I had two cats but could only keep one box (due to lack of space) and that box was in our tiny bathroom. It had really great odor control and clumps great. I currently use it with our ferrets and their cage is in our bedroom. Good luck!
2006-08-23 15:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by lilmizzaniml 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this has been hashed out pretty well already, but I have to chime in and say:
YES absolutely get another litterbox.
Why risk having the first cat quit using it or the second cat never start using it? If they do share, fine. But it is still better to have two, so there's less risk of a dirty box causing problems.
I have four cats and four litterboxes, although they do share all the boxes! Still, it is way better to clean four boxes once a day than one box four times a day!
I also recommend getting another scratching post, more toys, another bed, or whatever the first cat has so it doesn't have to share all its stuff. This will help it adjust to the new arrival.
Good luck!
2006-08-24 01:15:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probaly be easier if you had 2 litterboxes, therefore the cats will have a choice at which one they want to use. To keep odor down use a scented cat litter as well as a litter additive it helps to double up. Also i found that litter boxes in the pet stores are pretty expensive and when i was looking for one i couldnt find one that was big enough. So i found an alternative, plastic storage bins that go under the bed make excellent litter boxes they are way cheaper too. The price of an litter box at a pet store is at 8 or 9 dollars the storage bin is only 4 dollars top.
2006-08-24 00:23:17 · answer #3 · answered by punk_michire 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have 2 cats, ages 17 and 18 years. They have NEVER liked each other. The younger cat has been peeing on the bathroom rugs. The vet said that if they don't like each other, then they won't like sharing a litter box. Since I have added 2 litter boxes (3 total), the stubborn one is now using the litter boxes that are on the bathroom rugs and no more mopping. Vet said to have a box for each cat and 1 extra.
Other times we've had cats that got along and 1 box, with frequent cleaning, was fine with them.
2006-08-23 23:06:07 · answer #4 · answered by chixnnays 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
General rule of thumb is a litter box for each cat, they might both use the same one but it is best to have two. But the litter box might be the easiest problem. Some cats don't like others moving in!
2006-08-23 22:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by bcringler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although I have read that you should have a litter box for each cat you have. I have had multiple cats for many years and as long as the litter box is cleaned frequently, the cats never minded sharing
2006-08-23 22:48:07 · answer #6 · answered by pbob5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, for years I had 2 cats (lol twice, when one died we got another) and I should no cause I did all the dirtty work. just clean it out Twice a day. I do it in the afternoon and before dinner. So when my cats come back after there dinner, they have a clean box. Plus who wants the hassel with cleaning 2 boxes! One could be freash and the other could stink and no cat wants to walk in ther urine!
Hope I could help!
2006-08-23 22:58:54 · answer #7 · answered by Mixed bag 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely two! I just got another cat and I can't believe how hard it is to keep the litter boxes clean and I have one for each of them!
But really, the vet has told me "at least" one per cat.
2006-08-23 22:56:25 · answer #8 · answered by steph c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that each cat will want its own litterbox. One may refuse to use it if another cat has used it first. Cats are terratorial creatures and very picky about the cleanliness of their boxes.
2006-08-24 03:11:04 · answer #9 · answered by beachgirlkandy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the size of your house and cat compatibility - one will do if you clean it regularly - probably daily or every other day. If you can't or don't want to clean it that frequently and you have the space go with two.
2006-08-23 22:49:20 · answer #10 · answered by Siri 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋