We all know that our kitties are a fussy bunch. They don’t always (unconditionally) appreciate us descending upon them unawares to sneak in a well-intentioned cuddle or deliver a loving scratch. And who hasn’t witnessed the disdainful sniff at a meal we laboriously prepared just for them as a special treat? But did you know that your four-legged friend is just as finicky when it comes to her litter box?
It’s because a clean littering area is linked to a cat’s natural instincts as well as natural feline behaviours that are related to overall cleanliness, scent marking, and territory. A fresh litter box supports their well-being, reduces stress, and helps prevent potential health and behavioural issues. What are the reasons behind these instincts and natural behaviours, you ask? Read on to find out five drivers of this drive for meticulous sanitation!
Instinct for Cleanliness
In the wild, a cat’s survival depends on being clean and odour-free, because they are not just hunters but also hunted. As a result, cats are meticulous groomers by nature, and this behaviour extends to their surroundings. Keeping their living area clean helps reduce the risk of attracting predators, maintains a healthy environment, and minimizes the chances of infections – thus ensuring survival.
Did You Know? Every animal has two core needs: (1) to ensure its individual survival and (2) to ensure the survival of the species. A clean environment impacts both of these instinctual drivers.
All cats are territorial animals, and your domestic fur-muffin is no exception. When a cat is not marking its territory (spraying or middening) it does so away from its home territory and key resources to remain incognito. In the wild, they would use specific areas for elimination to establish the outer boundaries of their territories, and using overt pee or poop to reinforce this perimeter. By keeping their litter box clean, you are ensuring that their core home territory remains in a satisfactory, recognizable odour-free condition.
Health Considerations
Because of evolution and his nature, a dirty litter box can be stressful for your cat. Your kitty may avoid using a soiled litter box or a litter box located too close to food or water. This instinct is practical in nature, since separate and clean toileting facilities prevent contamination and disease. A dirty litter box sends off alarm bells. Unfortunately, avoiding a dirty litter box in the home can then actually lead to potential health issues – such as urinary tract problems. So, maintaining a clean litter box for your feline really does directly support his overall well-being and helps in preventing behavioural or health-related issues.
Sensory Preferences
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell (their noses are an estimated 14x more sensitive than ours!), and a dirty litter box can be unpleasant for them. Not cleaning the box regularly (litter at least daily; a thorough monthly wash of the box itself) can lead your cat to avoid using it and choosing other areas around the home instead. Regular cleaning of the litter box ensures that it remains a comfortable and appealing place for a cat to use, and removes this as a reason for your cat to eliminate inappropriately elsewhere.
Social Dynamics
In multi-cat households, maintaining a clean litter box becomes even more crucial. Cats in the same household may have a complex social structure, and a dirty litter box can create stress and tension among them. Each cat may have its preferences for cleanliness, and providing multiple clean litter boxes can help prevent conflicts. This is why sometimes the rule of “#cats +1 litter boxes” is recommended, and why having them in different, accessible, and appropriate locations is crucial.
And that’s the scoop – the why behind your kitty’s toileting cleanliness obsessiveness, and why regular cleaning and maintenance of the litter box are essential for a harmonious life with your feline family member(s)!