How often should I clean the litter box?

Scoop once a day, minimum (twice if you have multiple cats). Full litter change every 2–4 weeks depending on litter type.

Cats have strong preferences about cleanliness. A neglected box is the single most common reason cats start going outside it — and that habit is hard to break once it sets in.

Rule of thumb on number of boxes: N cats + 1. Two cats = three boxes. Yes, it sounds excessive, but it's the difference between a cat who uses the box and a cat who pees on your laundry.

Litter type matters too:
- Clumping clay is the standard, easy to scoop, neutralises odour
- Crystal/silica lasts longer between changes but some cats hate the texture
- Pine, paper, or corn-based — better for cats with allergies, biodegradable, less odour control

Box placement: away from the food bowl, in a low-traffic spot, but not so isolated that the cat has to go on a journey to use it. Bathrooms work; basements only if there's a clear path day and night.

If a previously trained cat starts having accidents and you've already ruled out a dirty box, the next step is a vet visit — UTIs and crystals are common and the symptoms look like behaviour problems.