Where Should You Put Your Cat's Litter Box?

May 08,2023


According to your cat, her litter box should be placed in the middle of an empty room with a 360-degree view. There's no risk of unexpected guests, but her favorite humans are right around the corner. And since she needs at least two litter boxes, there's a second room upstairs mimicking the set-up. This is the "pie-in-the-sky cat world," says Rachel Geller, EdD, cat behaviorist specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc.

Of course, we don't all have a spare room to dedicate to our cats' litter boxes (and if you do, my cats are jealous). While we might not be able to replicate their perfect bathroom setup, we can compromise on a litter box location that will please everyone.

From studio apartments to multi-story homes, here's where to put your cat's litter box, according to an expert.

Why Litter Box Placement Matters
"Cats feel very vulnerable in their litter boxes," Geller explains. "Once they are in the peeing or pooping position, they become more concerned about all the potential cats [or predators] who could be in their territory—real or imagined."

Feeling insecure in the litter box could mean finding somewhere else to do their business. Of course, litter box placement isn't the only reason your cat might be pooping or peeing outside the litter box. So, before switching things up, schedule a check-up with your vet.