Litter & Boxes

A litter box is one of the few pieces of cat equipment your cat uses every single day, so it deserves more thought than a quick grab from the supermarket. The box should be big enough for your cat to turn around comfortably—roughly one and a half times their body length is a useful starting point. Most cats prefer an uncovered box with plenty of headroom, although a covered box can work well in a small home if you keep it scrupulously clean.

Litter comes down to what your cat will use and what you can maintain. Clumping clay is popular because it makes daily scooping straightforward. Plant-based and paper litters can be lighter or less dusty, but some cats are particular about texture. Introduce any change gradually by mixing old and new litter over a week. A low-dust formula helps keep the surrounding room and your cat's paws cleaner, and a simple mat catches tracking before it reaches the rest of the house.

The golden rule is one box per cat plus one spare, placed away from food and noisy appliances. Scoop daily, deep-clean regularly, and replace worn boxes. Our cat litter buying guide covers litter types, box size, and troubleshooting in more depth.