Scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day, and empty, wash and refill the whole box about once a week. Homes with more than one cat need more frequent scooping and more boxes.
Key takeaways
- Scoop at least once a day. More often is better.
- Wash the whole box about once a week.
- Keep one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
- Replace non-clumping litter at least twice a week.
- A clean box makes it easier to spot changes in your cat’s waste.
Litter box cleaning schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Scoop waste and clumps | At least once a day |
| Scoop in a multi-cat home | More than once a day |
| Replace non-clumping litter | At least twice a week |
| Empty, wash and refill the box | About once a week |
| Replace the box itself | About once a year |
How often should you scoop?
Scoop every day. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives daily scooping as the baseline, and some experts recommend twice a day. The more cats that use a box, the more often it needs attention. Some cats also like things cleaner than others, so let your cat’s behavior guide you.
How often should you change all the litter?
Empty and wash the entire box at least once a week as a general rule. The exact timing depends on the litter. With clumping litter you scoop out urine as well as solids, so the box stays fresh longer. With non-clumping litter the urine stays in the box, so it needs changing more often. Our comparison of clumping and non-clumping litter explains the difference.
How do you deep clean a litter box?
- Empty all the old litter into a bag.
- Wash the box with a mild detergent and warm water.
- Rinse and dry it fully.
- Refill with fresh litter.
How many litter boxes do you need?
The usual rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. One cat needs two boxes, and two cats need three. If your cat avoids a box you keep clean, the problem may be too few boxes.
Why does a clean litter box matter?
Cats are clean animals, and a clean box keeps them using it. It also helps you. When the box is scooped daily, you notice quickly if your cat’s urine or stool changes. If smell is the main problem, see our ways to reduce litter box smells.
When should you call the vet?
Call your vet if your cat starts going outside a clean box, strains in the box, visits it far more often than usual, or you see blood. A cat that strains and passes little or no urine needs to be seen urgently.
Frequently asked questions
Should a litter box be covered or uncovered?
Cats often prefer uncovered boxes, and an open box is easier to keep clean.
What kind of litter do cats prefer?
Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter with a fine, sand-like texture. See our reviews of the best cat litters.
How often should you replace the litter box?
About once a year, so your cat always has a clean surface.
For the full picture, read our Ragdoll Cats: The Complete Breed Guide.
Sources
- Providing a litter box for a cat, Merck Veterinary Manual
- How often should you clean a litter box? GoodRx
- How many litter boxes should you have? Goodnewsforpets
- How often to clean a litter box, TIME
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.