The Stink About Litter Pans

Many of our feline patients come to us with urinary issues. Discussing stress around the litter pan becomes a big part of discharging that pet. While we love snuggling with our cats, most of us do not spend a lot of time observing behavior around the litter pan.

In homes with multiple cats, the number of litter pans available is often the biggest concern. The veterinary community currently recommends one litter pan per cat and one extra. Why so many? Sometimes a dominant cat in the home will guard the litter pan or make a subordinate pet feel intimidated around the litter pan. Often the first sign this may be happening is one cat starts urinating near but not in the litter pan. Because they are reluctant to use the litter pan, many subordinate kitties hold their urine longer than is healthy. This can be especially catastrophic in male cats, for whom a urethral blockage can be life threatening.

Providing the appropriate number of litter pans is the first step. The next step is placement, a concern in single cat homes as well. Like people, cats prefer some privacy to do their business. The pans must be placed away from high traffic areas. Balance the need for privacy with ease of access, especially for kittens and older cats. Shy cats need their litter pans situated so they don't have to cross paths with more assertive feline companions, canine companions and scary humans on their way to eliminate.

Also, when placing multiple litter pans, try to avoid putting them all in one area. We may count them individually, but a cat will view them all together as one big pan. Once you have arranged your litter pans to meet everyone's needs, try not to move them unless necessary.

I have had 6-7 cats in my home for several years. In order to provide the appropriate number of litter pans without tripping over them, I have them paired in three spots in different rooms and one by itself. Covered litter pans and high sided litter pans are very appealing to the humans who have to clean up. However, many large cats find covered pans too confining and won't use them. High sided pans may make it difficult for kittens or older cats to use the litter pan. Now for the daily task of cleaning those litter pans. Cats often will not share a litter pan or use a dirty pan. Keeping the litter pans clean means committing to scooping at least once a day. Yes, it's gross but so much easier to keep up with if done daily. Also, this gives the astute cat owner the opportunity to monitor for any changes that may indicate a medical problem. If you see color changes in the urine or feel like you are scooping considerably less or more urine than usual, your cat should see a veterinarian. I prefer unscented litters because some cats are put off by strong scents. Also, I don't think the scents disguise the smell very well. There are a number of odor eliminator products on the market, see which one works for you. Once you settled on a type of litter, try to stick with it. Cats have texture preferences and may refuse to use a new litter if it's too different from the old litter. Also, they prefer softer litters over coarse ones.

Finally, consider distance if working with kittens or sick pets. I tell kitten and elderly pet owners to place the low sided pan in the same room where they live so they don't have to travel too far for it. For monitoring sick cats, I usually recommend placing them with all their stuff in a space alone, away from other pets.

Litter pans do stink! How we manage them has a direct impact on our cat's health.