Choosing a Litter Box
As a general rule, there should be at least two litter boxes per cat. One is used for urinating and the other one for defecating. It wouldn’t hurt to have one additional box especially for a multi-cat household. A cat marks and establishes its territory when using the litter box.
Larger-sized litter boxes are better to provide enough room to move around. Cats are quite finicky when it comes to cleanliness. They wouldn’t want to step on areas that are already soiled. Boxes with high walls are recommended to help keep the litter in and catch urine that usually goes over the sides. Hooded litter boxes may trap lingering odor inside even if scooped everyday.
A suitable litter box set-up is one where the cat has options. Each cat has its own preference. While one would be quite happy using an open litter box, another would prefer the privacy offered by hooded boxes. Electronic self-cleaning litter boxes may be entertaining and useful to some but scary for others.
The only way to have your cat use the litter box consistently is to keep it clean. The surface on which it is placed should likewise be kept clean. A tracking mat placed in front of the litter box to trap any litter caught on your cat’s toes is highly recommended. You might have to experiment on the different textures and brands of litter to find a suitable one for your cat. Once you find it, avoid further changes.