I have two cats - ages 3 and 7 - and will soon be getting a new kitten. I have 2 litter boxes and both cats use both of them. Should I get a 3rd litter box for the 3rd cat? Does anyone have any experience with litter habits when a new cat is introduced? I would appreciate any advice, thanks!
2007-07-05 15:15:39 · 12 answers · asked by lizzieblue2 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I forgot to add that I clean the litter boxes almost every day - definitely every other day!
2007-07-05 15:28:36 · update #1
The general formula for litterboxes, unless they are cleaned every single day, is: # Litterboxes= # Cats + 1.
So with 3 cats you'd want 4 boxes.
If you clean them regularly (every or every-other day) Then 2 boxes should be fine as long as they are easily accessable.
Be sure to introduce your cat slowly, first keeping him in an extra room (with his own box) and let them smell each other through the door. Allow them to mingle while you supervise.
Personally, I've never had an litterbox mishaps with new cats, though unneutered males may spray to mark their territory against the new addition.
2007-07-05 15:23:20 · answer #1 · answered by SaraM 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You're suppose to have one box for each cat you have but we have 4 boxes for 6 cats. We clean them once a day. You might want to start doing that especially with the new one coming along soon. When you get the kitten, gently put it in the litter box every half hour or so for a few hours. That's so it can get used to where it is and what it's like. Help it scratch at the litter. I've fostered many kittens from birth. This always seems to work for me.
2007-07-05 15:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by Malia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest visiting the Fresh Step litter website and reading the vet's articles on litter boxes. But here's an important part I clipped out for you- Number of Litter Boxes: The general recommendation is to offer one box per cat in the household, plus one additional box. Equation: "# litter boxes = # cats +1". So, for a household with 1 cat, there would be 2 litter boxes. For a household with 4 cats, 5 litter boxes would be offered. I can honestly tell you that the articles this vet wrote about litter boxes has helped me and my cats SO much- they've NEVER pooped/peed on the floor and I've had them for a year and a half.
2016-05-19 03:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have 10 cats and 2 litter boxes and be fine as long as you clean it daily. One litterbox is more for if you don't want to clean the box everyday. Most cats are glad to use the same toilet. Just make sure the litter boxes are large and have a lot of litter. During the introduction stage your kitten should have it's individual litter box. After it has all it's shots you can discard that box and let him use the other boxes.
2007-07-05 17:58:48 · answer #4 · answered by greyfluffykitty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb is that you're supposed to have one litter box per cat. Truthfully, not many people do this but they would have alot less trouble if they did. If you have a litter box for each cat they will eventually pick one they like and you'll be able to keep a better eye on their individual bowel habits. Also, just as a precaution keep a close eye on your kitten and it's bowel habits. Young kittens are notorious for developing diarrhea with or without worms. Young kittens often are infected with a bacteria called coccidia or giardia. Both of these are nasty and contagious to your other cats. Older cats can handle this usually until you can get them to the vet but it can kill young kittens as it dehydrates them quickly. Should your kitten start having diarrhea and it is very smelly, light colored or have any blood in it , I wouldn't hesitate to take it to the vet. They also will run fever with both if they have it bad enough. I've been through this many times with the kittens I've rescued and we've almost lost some. Hope all goes well with your new addition.
2007-07-05 15:44:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats and they both use one large covered litter box with no problems. We had the older cat for about 3 years before we adopted the younger one, and had no litter box problems at all when the new kitty arrived. I would say two boxes should be plenty for 3 cats, give it a try for a while, you can always add another one later if you find a need to.
2007-07-05 15:27:46 · answer #6 · answered by Starscape 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "experts" say that you should have 1 litter box/cat. That said I have 3 adult cats with two litter boxes in opposite side of the house and have never had a problem. Just clean them both out at least once/day and you should be ok
2007-07-05 15:24:02 · answer #7 · answered by sean94110 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was successful with 3 cats using just one litter box that was cleaned everyday. They were added to the family one at a time.
2007-07-05 16:16:26 · answer #8 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 litter boxes for 3 cats should be fine. I did that for quite a long while.
If you give the old cats time to get used to the new one- and have someone your kitties don't recognize as family carry the new one in- that will ease introductions considerably.
You might want to watch in case one feline or another starts getting chased from the boxes.
Good luck!
2007-07-05 15:25:06 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you need to have one litterbox for each cat, plus one extra. so you'd need 4 boxes. most cats don't like another cat using their personal box. make sure to clean their boxes at the very least once a day, unless you want them to find nice, clean places to use, like your favorite pillow, clothes, or throwrugs.
2007-07-05 20:33:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋