Cat Harmony for Multi-Cat Households
5 Easy Asks
One
Manage their litter box.
Best Box + Best Litter + Best Scooper + Scoop Often = Happy Kitties
Cats are meticulous by nature. They can’t scoop their own litter. If they could, they would.
The general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra, and that the size of your litter box should be 1.5x longer than your cat(not including their tail).
Big Box - My favorite.
Best litter box in my opinion is this one. It’s a jumbo litter box that is covered. You can leave the clear flap open or closed depending on how your kitties like it.
Top Entry Litter Box - My second favorite.
Controls odors, and is pretty long. Made from recycled materials (eco-friendly). Also, they track less litter because they wipe their paws on the top to exit.
Both of these boxes mentioned are eco-friendly and are great keeping dogs out. Clean out once a week with warm soapy water.
Litter Especially For Multiple Cats
Completely scoopable and made from corn. World’s Best Litter Multiple Cat.
Inexpensive Great Scooper
This one is super easy to clean and the slits are the perfect size for easy sifting.
To promote scooping more often, (if possible)place the litter box near the toilet and use flushable litter. Every time you go…you scoop & flush theirs as well. It is kind of like flushing the toilet every time we go to the bathroom.
Two
Give them extra support where needed.
A little extra spritz of these cat pheromones can be a great support for cats struggling to get along. The spray contains pheromones that mimic a cat’s natural feline facial pheromones (FFP). These are the same pheromones your cat would leave behind when head bunting you or rubbing her face on the furniture, and they signal to cats that a place or object is safe and familiar. So, if you prefer using the diffuser, it is like one big kitty face rub spread across the entire room!
Three
Give them group play with great toys .
Cats that play together stay together. Try getting kitties to team-up after a toy. However, individual play is also very important. Exercise works the same for them as it does for us. Makes them happier and they need it.
The laser pointer is great because you can play with them separately and pull them together. Kitties love to chase the red dot. They are natural hunters and thrive when given the opportunity to chase something. Giving them an opportunity to stalk, attack, and chase prey’ is very satisfying. No more batteries. This one is USB rechargeable.
And of course the tried and true, Cat Dancer. This is a pack of three. I have one in every room. I haven’t met a cat that could resist it. Stick them in door jams after marinading in catnip and kitties will be inspired to play with them while you are away for the day. I love this story…
The invention of the cat dancer…
In the late 1970s, Boelke was a cash-strapped university student who saved two cats from being euthanized. One night, he found a piece of wire with cardboard strips attached and thought his cats would like it. He applied for a patent and the Cat Dancer was born.
The success of the cat dancer..
The Cat Dancer became the first nationally marketed interactive cat toy in 1983. Today, the Cat Dancer is used in millions of homes worldwide. Boelke's factory distributes the toy to every state in the US, as well as Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, and South America.
Four
Relieve dietary & eating stressors. Automate. It is revolutionary…and super easy.
Managing food amongst multiple cats can be a huge struggle. If you continue to have food issues in your multi-cat world, instead of locking a cat in a separate room to eat their separate portions, or watching one cat get bigger and bigger…these feeders are changing everything. Flaps only open for the cat that it is intended for. Yep, controlled by your cat’s microchip. Brilliant! Especially great for households using prescription food or struggling to keep weight under control. Most cats have been microchipped since adoption. If not, it is a quick and inexpensive procedure. This feeder provides a chip on a cat collar for the non-chipped feline. They are also easy on the design eye and a breeze to clean. My cats adjusted to them right away.
Five
Keep their claws trimmed.
A small easy to use set of clippers is best. Getting into a routine can be helpful. Every two weeks seems to be what my cats need. Of course they use their scratchers to naturally help shed their nails as well…but in order to keep their claws from being sharp, trimming is necessary. This is a patience game. Sometimes clipping one or two claws at a time, then taking a break can be a great strategy. Holding one paw at a time, push on their paw pads to extend their claws. Trim only the white tips. Avoid the pink. After every session offer a special treat.
FAQ
1. My cats are constantly fighting! Is there a link between litter box hygiene and cat fights?
Absolutely! Cats are incredibly clean animals. A dirty litter box is a major source of stress and can lead to litter box avoidance, spraying outside the box, and even inter-cat aggression.
2. What kind of litter box setup is best for multiple cats?
For multi-cat homes, bigger is always better. Opt for a jumbo-sized, covered litter box like this one. If your cats prefer top entry, consider this highly-rated option: Top Entry Litter Box.
3. What type of litter is best for multiple cats?
A completely scoopable, dust-free litter made from natural materials is ideal. World's Best Litter Multiple Cat is a great choice.
4. How often should I scoop the litter box in a multi-cat home?
Frequent scooping is crucial! Aim to scoop the litter box at least once a day, and more often if possible. A good rule of thumb is to scoop every time you use the restroom yourself.
5. Besides a clean litter box, what else can I do to help my cats get along?
Cat pheromones can work wonders! Pheromone sprays or diffusers like this one mimic natural feline facial pheromones, signaling a sense of safety and familiarity.
6. Is playtime important for bonding between cats?
Absolutely! Group play can strengthen the bond between your cats. Toys that encourage teamwork, like chasing after a laser pointer (rechargeable option here), are a great choice.
7. What about individual playtime?
Individual play is just as important! It provides essential exercise and mental stimulation. Even a simple toy like the classic Cat Dancer can provide endless entertainment.
8. Any final tips for a harmonious multi-cat home?
Remember, patience is key. Introducing new cats slowly, providing plenty of vertical space (cat trees are great!), and offering individual attention to each cat can go a long way in creating a peaceful and happy feline family.