And when they are doing something as private as elimination, sharing the same litter box can be stressful for some cats. Ideally, a multi-cat household should have the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box; in other words, for two cats, there should be three litter boxes.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
According to experts in feline behavior, it is not advised to provide two cats with only one litterbox. In fact, these experts recommend to have an equal number of litter boxes to that of cats, plus one. In other words, if you have two cats, you should provide them with three litter boxes.
Although some households might prefer to maintain only one litter box, it's never recommended to force two cats to share the same litter box as it can cause stress, increase aggression, and result in out-of-box urination.
Kittens can share litter boxes, cat trees, food and water bowls, beds and toys! Some rescues will offer discounts on two kittens who are bonded or from the same litter to ensure that they go to the same home.
However, Cats Can Share Water Bowls
There also is usually a lot more water, enough for everyone. Although, cats can drink from the same water bowls throughout the day, have at least 2 bowls of fresh water out in a multi-cat household. Place water bowls in different rooms and on different floors in your home.
Just 2-3 inches of litter in the box is the ideal amount for you and your cat. But don't worry, your best bud will most certainly let you know if you're using too much litter. Keep an eye on your feline if you feel they're having a hard time and be sure to to talk to your vet if you have concerns.
Multi-cat litter trays are often bigger than regular litter boxes. This is because they're designed larger to fit numerous cats inside at the same time. Cats, on the other hand, seldom perform their business at the same time. However, just in case, it's still a good idea to have that additional room.
Studies have shown families who adopt two kittens from the same litter are far more likely to keep those cats in their home long-term than families adopting a single kitten. Most adult cats, in contrast, are not very tolerant of other adult cats outside their family group.
Best for Multiple Cats
If you've got more than one feline roaming around your home, we recommend Omega Paw Roll n' Clean— particularly the large size. This litter box helps you scoop out clumped waste and deposit it into a built-in tray.
If you have two sibling kittens, feeding them from the same bowl may not be an issue. However, you will have to ensure that both kittens get enough food. It is also advisable to look out for any signs of stress. Both cats may tolerate sharing a food bowl, but stressors may show in other areas of their lives.
When individual cats were assessed, 70% showed absolutely no preference (i.e. used both boxes equally), 15% used the covered litter box more significantly, while 15% used the uncovered more than the covered. Pretty even results. It seems cats tend to think inside the box - as long as it's clean.
No smelly business: With an enclosed bathroom for your cat, you don't need to worry about any unpleasant odors that might (will) come wafting out of the box. Enclosed spaces work wonders for containing the smell — better than any scent, candle, powder, or other witch's brew you can buy.
If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks. If you use a non-clumping litter and have only one cat, changing the litter twice per week is a good guideline. If you have more than one cat, every other day may work better.
Whatever litter you use, to avoid spreading Toxoplasma and other dangerous organisms, never dump it outside. Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump.
The best places for litter boxes are usually quiet, easy-to-reach corners that offer privacy, de Jong says. “Check out where your cat spends the most time,” de Jong says. “If your cat never goes up to that weird attic room, don't put the litter box up there.”
Separate Food and Water Bowls
Cats do not like their food and water right next to each other. Cat behaviorists believe this may be due to cats hunting away from their water source in the wild. Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water.
In fact, a study published last year estimated that toxoplasmosis, cat roundworm and cat scratch disease are linked to more than 8,500 hospitalisations and about 550 deaths in Australia each year. So it's best you avoid sharing a toilet with your cat — and always be very careful handling pet wastes.
If your cats solely eat wet or dry food (and not both), you'll need 1 bowl per cat. But, if your cats eat a combination of wet and dry food, the number of bowls you need depends on the answers to these two questions: Does each cat like a mix of wet and dry food in the same bowl?
“Cats will sometimes jump into the litter boxes and often use them while, and right after, their people have scooped them,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant. “Cats love clean litter boxes, ones that are freshly scooped and don't smell of excrement.
A covered box can make a larger cat feel cramped while in there. Covered boxes don't allow as much air circulation so it takes longer for litter to dry. Odor is contained in the box, so it can be more offensive to the cat who is inside.
House training
Many cats and kittens will instinctively use a litter box without needing to be taught, because of their instincts to expel bodily waste in dirt or sand. Therefore, with a new kitten, owners usually need to simply show the kitten where the litter box is located, and how to get in and out.
Here are some facts and tips that may help you to help your cat drink more: Cats are biologically programmed not to drink water which is near their food or near their toileting area - this is thought to be their instinctive avoidance of contaminating their water with potential sources of bacteria.
Keeping A Shared Water Bowl Clean
It's important to wash and refill water bowls daily, regardless of whether or not your pets share. But when you have multiple animals drinking from the same bowl, they'll introduce bacteria from their mouth with each sip, even if they're healthy.