Dr. Rachel Malamed, Veterinary Psychiatrist
Pet Psychiatry Hub

Free guide · Cats · 3 pages

Litterbox Rules Every Cat Parent Should Know

Science-backed setup rules that prevent most house-soiling problems.

House soiling is the single most common reason cats lose their homes, and a large share of cases trace back to a litter box setup that doesn't suit the cat. These are the rules I go through in consults, and getting them right often resolves the problem before any behavior work is needed.

What's inside

  • The size, number, and placement rules that actually matter
  • Litter type and depth preferences supported by research
  • Covered vs. uncovered, what most cats really choose
  • How to run a litter box 'café' to find your cat's preference
  • When house soiling means you need a veterinary workup first

Best for

Cat parents setting up a new box, or troubleshooting soiling outside the box.

Cover of Litterbox Rules Every Cat Parent Should Know

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About the author

Written by Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB

A veterinary psychiatrist board-certified in veterinary behavior medicine, with 19 years of clinical experience. These guides put that same specialist thinking in your hands, at no cost.

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