Your Cat's Litter Box: Where to Put it and How to Hide It

Let's face it, the litter box isn't pretty nor does it smell like roses. The usual litter box smells rather bad and is unsightly, neither of which are prime reasons for wanting the box within close proximity to anyone in your home. If you have a cat that uses one, you do not have much of a choice, however, you can put it in a spot or hide it where it is accessible to the cat and will not be such an eyesore.

The ideal place to put the litter box would be in an area of the home that is typically infrequently visited, such as a clean basement. Your cat must feel comfortable going to the bathroom in the box; this means that he cannot feel frightened or uncomfortable. Put yourself in your cat's position. Even at your size, chances are you probably are not fond of a freezing cold bathroom nor are you comfortable sitting next to something that bangs and makes loud noises; being his size, he probably will not be either.

Wherever you put the litter box, it must be easily accessible to the cat. If you have a cat that has health issues, is little or is elderly, putting it in a hard to get to area is not the best idea. The box should also be easy to get in and out of. If possible, a box that is walk in as opposed to one that the cat has to jump into is ideal.

If you really want to hide the litter box, you can make it look like a piece of furniture or storage. Litter box furniture may resemble a cabinet or shelves and has the litter box underneath or inside. While this is ideal, some cats may feel incredibly uncomfortable going in such a space. If you have signs from your cat that he may not like this type of box, such as if he gets fidgety or distressed in rather small spaces, you may want to go with another box.

Some litter boxes are solid color and frankly, are a bit boring. Before you give your cat the box, consider painting it with non-toxic paint that is safe for pets. You can decorate it any way you wish and feel it looks better than a box that is plain.

Before choosing the litter box, it is important to take your cat into consideration so you can not only meet his needs but his preference as well. When you contemplate the decision carefully, you can avoid cat accidents around your home and avoid an unsightly, smelly litter box.

Sources:

- Personal Experience
- http://www.catinfo.org/litterbox.htm
- http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/preventing_litter_box_problems.html