20. Toileting: domestic cat

Domestic cats also prefer to toilet in a safe and private location, away from their food and water source. Toilet locations need to be accessible, but away from busy areas of the house. Cats generally like a fine sandy substrate similar to that of the savannah environment with enough depth to be able to bury their deposits. An individual cat’s preference for a toileting substrate is formed early on in life, as is its flexibility to use different substrates.

A kitten which always used the same litter is more likely to refuse to use a different litter material later in life, than one that was exposed to a variety of substrates as a kitten.

All cats are individuals. Some prefer the extra privacy of a covered litter tray, whereas other cats may feel too enclosed.

If your cat is experiencing a toileting problem or change in toileting behaviour please contact your vet to have a health check for your cat.