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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Hi Karen, One of my daughters has six cats, and has litter boxes in several locations througout her house. The cats seem to find this convenient, and use that nearest one in most cases. Perhaps adding a small amount of mixed "used" litter to the new box will help. The scent will certify the new box as a "good place to go". — Cheers, BobH "Be careful what you you wish for–you might get it."

Response:

I had this same problem with my older cat, several years ago – she was going next to the box, but not *in* it – although I don’t know what her reason was. I lined up 3 litter boxes, all in a row for several months, and made sure that one of them was the extra-large size (Debbie is not a petite cat!).  It worked.  After she was consistently going in the boxes, I downed it to two boxes next to eachother, and then eventually to just the one extra-large sized one.  Scooping 3x/day, with one large box for 2 cats, is now working fine.  Good luck!  Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all. >Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

>The fact that your cat going near the box strongly suggests that it >finds something wrong with the litter box. It’s not all that unusual >for cats to become fussy about litter box cleanliness as they get >older.

That’s what I figured. >Have you changed litter or started using a deodorizer before the >problem started?

Yes, but have always just bought what was cheapest in the clumping variety. Have always used deodorizer too….maybe that is it. >Is it clean? This is most important! The box needs to be kept as clean >as possible. At a minimum, the waste needs to cleaned out twice a day.

Got that part covered. >Adding a second box might help reduce the load on the original box. I’d >put it separate location.

Got one last night. >Is it a covered litter box?

Yes…has to be.  She does not squat to urinate…never has.  Does the younger cat wait in ambush while >the older one is using the box? If you see this sort of behavior, try >a standard litter tray in a location where it won’t feel trapped.

No…that doesn’t seem to be a problem >What do you mean she lost her alpha status? Has there been new levels >of aggression between the 2 cats?

Well, they seem to get along well together.  They wrestle and play.  The younger cat, however, is much more outgoing and mischevious, so she "demands" more attention. I sense Kitty is a bit jealous, even though I make a point to spend "quality time" with her…she loves to be brushed, etc.  Kitty used to sleep with me, but now only Tabby does.   I don’t know if it means anything. Thanks for your help. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >Phil

Response:

I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in front of the box. — Andrea aka Cheshire Cat

Response:

>I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. >Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old >cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency >visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in >front of the box. >– >Andrea

No, I don’t think this is a problem.  She is 8 years old and seems to get around (and up and down) just fine.  Good thought though. Karen

Response:

Put it in another place, not beside the old one. Make sure the other place is quiet and has an "escape route" for the cat. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Response:

I used to have 2 litter boxes side by side. Don’t know who used which one but they were both used by my 3 cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

Hi all.   Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested adding another box.   The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that matter? Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Karen

Response:

> Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box.

Two litter boxes are better than one even if only one cat is in residence. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one?

Well, no.  The trick to having two litter boxes is to separate them. Placement often depends on the floor plan.  Some folks put one upstairs and another downstairs in a two-story house.  In a one-story house or apartment, others put one in a utility room and another in the den, bathroom, or wherever.  Some folks set one in the bathtub and remove it when taking a bath or a shower. > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter?

Not really.  Just keep the boxes separate *and* out of sight of each other.  That’s a big part of having two litter boxes:  Privacy.  Both cats will probably use both boxes at one time or another.  Each cat will seek out the box that will give it the most privacy at a particular time of need. And make sure you clean each litter box at least once a day (more often if and when necessary).  I clean my two litter boxes each evening before I go to bed and have never had an odor problem. > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

– Alan Prepare yourself for whatever it is you might have to do in the future; the fact is you may one day actually have to do it. Consciousness, Physics and the Holographic Paradigm: http://www.livingston.net/hermital/holopara.htm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Hi Karen, One of my daughters has six cats, and has litter boxes in several locations througout her house. The cats seem to find this convenient, and use that nearest one in most cases. Perhaps adding a small amount of mixed "used" litter to the new box will help. The scent will certify the new box as a "good place to go". — Cheers, BobH "Be careful what you you wish for–you might get it."

Response:

I had this same problem with my older cat, several years ago – she was going next to the box, but not *in* it – although I don’t know what her reason was. I lined up 3 litter boxes, all in a row for several months, and made sure that one of them was the extra-large size (Debbie is not a petite cat!).  It worked.  After she was consistently going in the boxes, I downed it to two boxes next to eachother, and then eventually to just the one extra-large sized one.  Scooping 3x/day, with one large box for 2 cats, is now working fine.  Good luck!  Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all. >Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

>The fact that your cat going near the box strongly suggests that it >finds something wrong with the litter box. It’s not all that unusual >for cats to become fussy about litter box cleanliness as they get >older.

That’s what I figured. >Have you changed litter or started using a deodorizer before the >problem started?

Yes, but have always just bought what was cheapest in the clumping variety. Have always used deodorizer too….maybe that is it. >Is it clean? This is most important! The box needs to be kept as clean >as possible. At a minimum, the waste needs to cleaned out twice a day.

Got that part covered. >Adding a second box might help reduce the load on the original box. I’d >put it separate location.

Got one last night. >Is it a covered litter box?

Yes…has to be.  She does not squat to urinate…never has.  Does the younger cat wait in ambush while >the older one is using the box? If you see this sort of behavior, try >a standard litter tray in a location where it won’t feel trapped.

No…that doesn’t seem to be a problem >What do you mean she lost her alpha status? Has there been new levels >of aggression between the 2 cats?

Well, they seem to get along well together.  They wrestle and play.  The younger cat, however, is much more outgoing and mischevious, so she "demands" more attention. I sense Kitty is a bit jealous, even though I make a point to spend "quality time" with her…she loves to be brushed, etc.  Kitty used to sleep with me, but now only Tabby does.   I don’t know if it means anything. Thanks for your help. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >Phil

Response:

I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in front of the box. — Andrea aka Cheshire Cat

Response:

>I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. >Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old >cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency >visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in >front of the box. >– >Andrea

No, I don’t think this is a problem.  She is 8 years old and seems to get around (and up and down) just fine.  Good thought though. Karen

Response:

Put it in another place, not beside the old one. Make sure the other place is quiet and has an "escape route" for the cat. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Response:

I used to have 2 litter boxes side by side. Don’t know who used which one but they were both used by my 3 cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

Hi all.   Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested adding another box.   The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that matter? Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Karen

Response:

> Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box.

Two litter boxes are better than one even if only one cat is in residence. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one?

Well, no.  The trick to having two litter boxes is to separate them. Placement often depends on the floor plan.  Some folks put one upstairs and another downstairs in a two-story house.  In a one-story house or apartment, others put one in a utility room and another in the den, bathroom, or wherever.  Some folks set one in the bathtub and remove it when taking a bath or a shower. > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter?

Not really.  Just keep the boxes separate *and* out of sight of each other.  That’s a big part of having two litter boxes:  Privacy.  Both cats will probably use both boxes at one time or another.  Each cat will seek out the box that will give it the most privacy at a particular time of need. And make sure you clean each litter box at least once a day (more often if and when necessary).  I clean my two litter boxes each evening before I go to bed and have never had an odor problem. > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

– Alan Prepare yourself for whatever it is you might have to do in the future; the fact is you may one day actually have to do it. Consciousness, Physics and the Holographic Paradigm: http://www.livingston.net/hermital/holopara.htm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Hi Karen, One of my daughters has six cats, and has litter boxes in several locations througout her house. The cats seem to find this convenient, and use that nearest one in most cases. Perhaps adding a small amount of mixed "used" litter to the new box will help. The scent will certify the new box as a "good place to go". — Cheers, BobH "Be careful what you you wish for–you might get it."

Response:

I had this same problem with my older cat, several years ago – she was going next to the box, but not *in* it – although I don’t know what her reason was. I lined up 3 litter boxes, all in a row for several months, and made sure that one of them was the extra-large size (Debbie is not a petite cat!).  It worked.  After she was consistently going in the boxes, I downed it to two boxes next to eachother, and then eventually to just the one extra-large sized one.  Scooping 3x/day, with one large box for 2 cats, is now working fine.  Good luck!  Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all. >Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

>The fact that your cat going near the box strongly suggests that it >finds something wrong with the litter box. It’s not all that unusual >for cats to become fussy about litter box cleanliness as they get >older.

That’s what I figured. >Have you changed litter or started using a deodorizer before the >problem started?

Yes, but have always just bought what was cheapest in the clumping variety. Have always used deodorizer too….maybe that is it. >Is it clean? This is most important! The box needs to be kept as clean >as possible. At a minimum, the waste needs to cleaned out twice a day.

Got that part covered. >Adding a second box might help reduce the load on the original box. I’d >put it separate location.

Got one last night. >Is it a covered litter box?

Yes…has to be.  She does not squat to urinate…never has.  Does the younger cat wait in ambush while >the older one is using the box? If you see this sort of behavior, try >a standard litter tray in a location where it won’t feel trapped.

No…that doesn’t seem to be a problem >What do you mean she lost her alpha status? Has there been new levels >of aggression between the 2 cats?

Well, they seem to get along well together.  They wrestle and play.  The younger cat, however, is much more outgoing and mischevious, so she "demands" more attention. I sense Kitty is a bit jealous, even though I make a point to spend "quality time" with her…she loves to be brushed, etc.  Kitty used to sleep with me, but now only Tabby does.   I don’t know if it means anything. Thanks for your help. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >Phil

Response:

I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in front of the box. — Andrea aka Cheshire Cat

Response:

>I have another question for you. I don’t think you said how old this cat is. >Could he/she be having trouble getting into the litterbox? I have a very old >cat (19) who is having a little trouble getting in so if it is an emergency >visit, he doesn’t even try to make it. I find a lot of accidents right in >front of the box. >– >Andrea

No, I don’t think this is a problem.  She is 8 years old and seems to get around (and up and down) just fine.  Good thought though. Karen

Response:

Put it in another place, not beside the old one. Make sure the other place is quiet and has an "escape route" for the cat. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all. > Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter? > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Thank you. > Karen

Response:

I used to have 2 litter boxes side by side. Don’t know who used which one but they were both used by my 3 cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another >litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter >box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not >in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have >decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested >adding another box. >The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? >No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that >matter? >Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. >Thank you. >Karen

Response:

Hi all.   Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested adding another box.   The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one? No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that matter? Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Karen

Response:

> Would someone be able to suggest the best way of going about adding another > litter box to the household.  I have 2 cats (8 and 4) who have shared a litter > box for 4 years.  The older cat has recently been going around the box but not > in the box. I have narrowed down the variables (along with my vet) and have > decided it is a problem with her losing her alpha status.  The vet suggested > adding another box.

Two litter boxes are better than one even if only one cat is in residence. > The question is, how do I go about it?  Do I just put it next to the old one?

Well, no.  The trick to having two litter boxes is to separate them. Placement often depends on the floor plan.  Some folks put one upstairs and another downstairs in a two-story house.  In a one-story house or apartment, others put one in a utility room and another in the den, bathroom, or wherever.  Some folks set one in the bathtub and remove it when taking a bath or a shower. > No matter where I put it in the house, both cats will have access.  Does that > matter?

Not really.  Just keep the boxes separate *and* out of sight of each other.  That’s a big part of having two litter boxes:  Privacy.  Both cats will probably use both boxes at one time or another.  Each cat will seek out the box that will give it the most privacy at a particular time of need. And make sure you clean each litter box at least once a day (more often if and when necessary).  I clean my two litter boxes each evening before I go to bed and have never had an odor problem. > Please help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

– Alan Prepare yourself for whatever it is you might have to do in the future; the fact is you may one day actually have to do it. Consciousness, Physics and the Holographic Paradigm: http://www.livingston.net/hermital/holopara.htm

Response: