Place the litter box in a quiet area your cat can always reach. Keep it away from food, water and beds, and avoid doors that may be shut, washing machines or narrow passages. The cat needs privacy without feeling trapped.
See the spot from your cat’s level
Stand by the tray and check what happens nearby. Could a door swing into it? Can a dog peer inside? Can another cat guard the only exit? A place that seems discreet to us may feel unsafe to the animal. Access must still work at night and when the household changes which doors are open.
Do not hide the box beside a noisy appliance simply to keep it out of sight. A washing machine starting or children running past may put the cat off using it. A quiet corner of a bathroom or another room can work if the door stays open and the area does not trap smells.
In a small flat or apartment
Even with limited space, keep some separation from the food and water bowls and a clear path for entry and exit. If you use furniture to conceal the box, check ventilation, turning space and whether the cat could be blocked inside by another pet. How the furniture looks should not outweigh how the cat uses it.
With several cats or floors
Offer more than one location, particularly in multi-cat homes or houses with stairs. Cats Protection recommends distributing essentials so animals do not have to compete. Several trays lined up in one room offer fewer real choices than they appear to. Spread them across separate, accessible, easy-to-clean areas.
If you move a box the cat already uses, keep the old location available during a transition when possible and watch which option they prefer. If accidents begin suddenly, do not assume the move is the only explanation; a medical problem still needs consideration. For the tray size, litter and cleaning routine that go with this location, see choosing and setting up a litter box.
Sources consulted
This guide provides general information. If your pet has symptoms, pain or a sudden change in behaviour, speak to a veterinarian. Read our editorial policy.