You should scoop your cat's litter box daily to remove waste and keep it clean. A full litter replacement and thorough cleaning of the box should be done about once a week for most cases, wiping it down with soap and water to maintain freshness
. If you use clumping litter, changing the entire litter every 2 to 4 weeks is typical for one cat, with more frequent changes needed if you have multiple cats or if the box becomes smelly or visibly dirty
. Non-clumping litter requires more frequent complete changes, usually every 7 to 10 days for one cat, or even more often with multiple cats
. Additional tips include:
- Keep about 3 to 4 inches of litter depth to allow natural digging behavior
- Avoid harsh cleaners with strong scents like ammonia or bleach, as cats dislike these smells
- For multiple cats, follow the rule of having one litter box per cat plus one extra, and scoop at least twice daily to maintain hygiene
- Deep clean the litter box by emptying, washing, rinsing, and drying it fully before adding fresh litter
In summary:
- Scoop daily (or twice daily for multiple cats)
- Full litter change and box wash weekly (or every 2-4 weeks for clumping litter with one cat)
- More frequent changes and cleanings for multiple cats or non-clumping litter
This routine helps prevent odors, keeps your cat comfortable, and reduces the chance of accidents outside the box
