Most people that have pet cats provide them with a litterbox to use as their “toilet”. Fortunately, the most cats naturally prefer to eliminate in loose material such as sand or dirt, and quickly adapt to the use of a litterbox. In spite of this, “housesoiling” or inappropriate elimination is one of the most common behavioral complaints of cat owners. For some cats, elimination outside of the litterbox may be the first sign of a health problem that requires veterinary treatment. For others, inappropriate elimination may be a sign of stress or frustration. For still others, failure to use the litterbox may be an indication that there is something wrong with the box or its contents.

To minimize the chance of your cat developing a “litterbox aversion”, and keeping it from going outside the box, here is a top ten list of litterbox dos and don’ts:

1. DO scoop the litterbox daily.
2. DO change the litter at weekly (more often if your cat is fastidious).
3. DO wash the box when you change the litter. Make sure you rinse the box well to remove any residual detergent or cleaner.
4. DO replace the litterbox on an annual basis, or after its bottom becomes rough and worn from use (a worn litterbox retains odors that cats may find offensive).
5. DO provide enough litterboxes for all of the cats in your household. The “rule” is 1 box per cat, plus 1 extra box – so 1 cat should have 2 boxes, 2 cats should have 3 boxes, etc. The boxes should be placed in several different locations in the home, not all in one spot.
6. DO provide a box that is large enough for your cat. Few cats will use a small litterbox. Some cats also dislike covered litterboxes. 
7. DO put the litterbox in a quiet location that is readily accessible. One of the worst places to put a litterbox is in the basement near a furnace, laundry equipment or other machinery that may suddenly turn on and startle your cat.
8. DON’T put your cat’s food or water dishes near the litterbox.
9. DON’T ever use the litterbox as a convenient place to give your cat medication or catch it for treatment. 
10. DON’T use scented litter. Although people often prefer the smell of perfumed litter, many cats find it to be aversive.