When it comes to buying a litter box (or a self cleaning one), it is best not to assume that a particular size that works well for one cat will work for any cat. You will often hear that the litter box you need for your cat should be based on your cat’s preferences or the size of your cat.
While this is useful in determining a good litter box, it is not the best way to go about picking the best litter box for your cat.
The best way to do it is also NOT to simply get a larger one. Yep, a bigger litter box doesn’t instantly solve your problems!
There are quite a few factors when it comes to what size litter box for cat so keep reading to find out more.
How Big Should A Litter Box Be
As mentioned, it is important to pick a litter box that fits the size of your cat. However, it may be confusing when it comes to how you should go about finding that perfect size.
When purchasing a litter box, you want to get one that is a good fit for your cat. To determine this fit, you want to measure the length of your cat and find a box that is 1.5 times longer than the length of your cat. How do you measure the length of your cat? Well, measure from its nose to the tip of its tail.
The width of this box should be the same as your cat’s length.
Why Does Getting The Right Size of Cat Litter Box Matter?
With the right litter box dimensions, your cat is given room in the litter box to move around and adjust itself. Your cat is able to be comfortable when using the litter box and can move more freely, while if you got a smaller litter box, it may seem somewhat crowded and unable to move more freely. Your cat can also freely dig in the litter and turn around in the box.
You’ll find that most boxes on the market tend to be 20 inches (L), which is actually too small for most cats. The average cat is around 20 inches in length, making the litter box a little too squished for it. Based on the formula we shared, a cat that measures 20 inches really should be given a box that’s at least 35 inches.
Reasons Why You Do Not Want A Smaller Litter Box
There are a few reasons why you should get a litter box that is the perfect fit for your cat or one that is a little bigger. These reasons are:
- Your cat may not be comfortable when using a smaller box.
- Your cat may not have enough room to properly do its business.
- Your cat may end up kicking some of the litter out of the box in order to use the restroom, which can create a mess on your floor.
Why Do People Buy Litter Boxes That Are Too Small
Call it a lack of awareness. Cat owners often end up buying litter boxes that are too small because they do not realize that the litter box will be too small for their cat.
Small litter boxes are the ones that are the most commonly sold, so most cat owners do not think that this litter box may not be the right size for their cat.
What To Do If Your Cat’s Litter Box Is Too Small
While it is true that cats will continue to use the litter box if it is small, they will only use it because it is the only available option. Cats need enough space to dig in the litter and find the perfect spot to do their business when using a litter box.
If you find that the litter box your cat is using is too small, it is best to go and buy a bigger one. This doesn’t mean to go out and buy the biggest one you can. As previously discussed, there is a way to find the perfect-sized litter box for your cat. If you use the measurements listed above, you should be able to find a litter box that is comfortable for your cat and big enough for them to be able to do their business without being inconvenienced and without them making a mess.
You also want to take these size requirements into consideration if you are looking for a self-cleaning or covered litter box.