Litterbox Training: The Multi-Cat Household

• 1). Follow the rule of "plus one." Generally speaking, if you have a multi-cat household, you should have a litter box for each of your pets, plus one additional litter box. When training two cats, using uncovered litter boxes is your safest bet. The boxes shouldn't be too big, too small, too shallow or too deep; they should be just right for your cat's size.
  
  
• 2). Place the litter pans in quiet, isolated areas where your pets are likely to have privacy. You may want to avoid the laundry room, as kitties may find the noise of a washer and dryer disconcerting. Make sure that the litter boxes are not placed in a corner or in an inaccessible area; cats feel most secure when they can get in and out of the litter box without feeling hemmed in.
  
  
• 3). Use unscented, clumping sandy litter as your first choice, advises the Winn Feline Foundation. This is the litter type most cats prefer, followed by regular clay litter. There are an abundance of "green" litter types made of recycled newspaper and wood pellets, but beware: your cats are most likely to have an aversion to unconventional litters.
  
  
• 4). Keep litter boxes sanitary. Scoop waste from all litter boxes at least one time daily, or more often if necessary. Change litter as often as necessary, keeping in mind that your pets' olfactory senses are far more sensitive than your own. Even if you can't smell it, he can.
  
  
• 5). Don't place food and water dishes in close proximity to the cats' litter boxes. Cats won't urinate or defecate in an area next to where they eat and drink.
  
  

Problem Elimination

• 1). If you notice that one of your cats is eliminating outside of the litter box, take him to the vet. Your pet could be stressed; but he could also have a medical condition that causes him to urinate or defecate outside of the box. Health disorders, such as a urinary tract infection, should be promptly treated.
  
  
• 2). Identify and clean house-soiled areas immediately. You must neutralize the source of the scent, not just mask it, warns the Cornell Feline Health Center, or else the perpetrating cat will continue to use the same area. Using a black light, identify all spots where the cat has urinated. Clean the area thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle or Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer. Avoid cleaning with ammonia or vinegar; these scents smell like urine and will encourage the cat to mark in the cleansed spot.
  
  
• 3). Consider using a synthetic pheromone that mimics the scent in your cats' cheek glands (Cornell Feline Health Center recommends Feliway) if house-soiling continues. Although success is not a given with this product, it has been known to have a soothing effect on some cats.