This is the main reason why cats don’t use their litter tray, after medical causes. Science has proved that cats prefer to use clean litter. A single mess in a litter tray can persuade the cat into not using it until it is cleaned.
Separate their needs
As proof, how many times does your cat jump in the litter a second after you’ve cleaned it? “Some cats may even decide not to urinate in the same litter where they do their stools,” adds Daniel Filion, president of Cat Educator “That’s why often cats separate their needs in the litter box, with urine on one side and stools on the opposite side, trying to keep the centre clean.”
When it’s not possible, they will often try to find a clean place inside the litter tray. It is very rare to find two different deposits next to each other in a litter tray. If the cat can’t find a clean spot to his liking, he may decide to go somewhere else in the house and that’s often where the problems of improper disposal begin. However, you should know that each cat has its own level of tolerance. Although for some, a clean 30 square centimetres is enough, for others it is the complete litter box that must be clean at all times. In addition, this tolerance may vary depending on several factors such as age, environment, what the cat experiences, and what happens in the house.
Prioritise high-quality litter
However, the cleanliness of the litter remains the most important factor. This is also why it is said that the type of litter used is essential because poor quality litter often results in litter that gets dirty more quickly. Therefore, we recommend a daily cleaning for one cat and twice a day for 2 cats or more. Cleanliness will influence several other choices, like the size of the bin and the number of bins available for cats.