How to Measure Cat Litter Box Correctly?

When buying or adopting a cat, you need to prepare a few essentials to welcome your feline friend. Cats usually don’t need much as long as they have enough freedom. Typically, you don’t take them out for a walk as you do with dogs. That’s what litter boxes are for.

If you’re not sure what to look for in this product and how to measure the cat litter box correctly, our guide will help you pick the right “bathroom” for your new pet.

What Size Should the Litter Box Be?

It’s best to follow some general rules. Not only will it keep your cat healthy, but they’ll also be happy, given that they can sometimes be pretty selective. The more satisfied cats are with their bathroom, the less likely they’ll be to make a mess outside of it.

To avoid mistakes, learn how to measure the cat litter box correctly. Actually, it’s the cat you need to measure first.

When it comes to length, measure your cat from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. That’s the minimum length of your cat’s ideal litter box. The cat will be able to move around comfortably, dig, and not step in anything you might not have cleaned up yet. Some say that the litter box should be as long as your cat plus half its length. For instance, if the cat is 15” long, the litter box should be around 22-23” in length.

The width is also important. The litter box should be as wide as your cat is long. However, this time measure your pet from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. For a 15” cat, a 23×15” litter box will do just fine. Most L-sized litter boxes on the market are 24” long, so you won’t have any trouble finding one for your pet.

And how tall should the walls be? It depends on your cat. If your cat doesn’t dig or spray litter around too much, the standard sizes (5-7”) will do just fine. Those who are less lucky might need more protection and higher walls, up to 12”. Ensure that if you buy a litter box with higher walls, it has a lower side where your cat can get into the box, up to 6”.

How Big Should the First Litter Box Be?

If you get a cat while it’s just a kitten, you should pay special attention to the first litter box you’re going to buy. We say first because a litter box that a kitten needs is different from that of adult cats.

Having a kitten (or an old cat) will require a lower entry side – no more than 3,” otherwise, the kitten will have trouble getting into the litter box and will probably do business elsewhere. And you don’t want that – you want the kitten to learn where the bathroom is as fast as possible. This litter box size may fit an adult cat as well if it’s a small breed.

However, make sure it isn’t too small. Kittens are playful and need lots of space. Keep in mind that you’ll use that box to train them to use the litter. As your kitten grows, the litter box soon won’t fit, and you’ll have to get another one – the standard size. Now that you know how to measure the cat litter box correctly, picking one shouldn’t be a problem.

What Other Aspects Should I Consider?

Choosing the right litter box may seem simple, but there are several aspects you should consider.

Material

Even though there are litter boxes made of recycled paper, you’re probably looking for a more permanent solution. Recycled paper is an eco-friendly option, but may not be very practical for everyone. Plastic is one of the most suitable materials since they’re easy to wash and won’t absorb unpleasant odors.

Types

If you have more than one cat, open pans might be the best solution. They’re typically big enough, and you can clean them in a few minutes. However, make this decision based on where you’re going to place the pan because of the odors. Covered litter boxes control odors much better and are an excellent solution if you have one cat. There are also self-cleaning litter boxes that save you from scooping. But if you have a faint-hearted little feline friend, they might be scared away by the sounds of this box.

Place

You’ve learned how to measure the cat litter box, but where will you place it? The most logical choice is your bathroom. Not only will you contain potential odors more effectively, but your cat will have more privacy there. It will help them get used to using the litter box sooner. Just make sure you always keep the litter box in the same place.

A Big Litter Box Means Less Mess

A litter box means a lot for cat owners, given that these pets don’t do their business outside like dogs. Scooping is a piece of cake compared to cleaning up after your feline friend all around your home. That’s why this box is one of the most critical supplies when you’re getting a cat. To get the right size, make sure you know how to measure the cat litter box correctly.

If you’re unsure about the litter box size, always go with the bigger size. Your cat’s “bathroom” can be too small, but it can never be too big. Just don’t forget that it should fit the place where you’re planning to put it.