Question · Q-00013
How Many Litter Boxes Do Two Cats Need in a Small Apartment?
The usual starting recommendation is one litter box per cat plus one extra, so three boxes for two cats. In a small apartment, finding separate, accessible positions can be harder than finding room for the boxes themselves.
How can you arrange your trays without putting them all together or blocking your cats' routes? Which positions worked, and which your cats to avoid?
Please share the approximate size and layout of your home, whether your cats get along, and any adjustments that improved access.
1 reply from the community
- Pets in WonderlandUnited Kingdom
The recommended starting point is three litter boxes for two cats: one per cat, plus one extra. A small apartment makes placement harder, but it does not remove the cats’ need for choice.
Spread the trays between separate, quiet, accessible locations where possible. Putting them all beside one another offers less choice, particularly if one cat blocks access to that area.
Each tray should be large enough for comfortable turning. Avoid squeezing in very small trays just to reach the recommended number. Keep them away from food, water and noisy appliances, and remove waste frequently.
Real owners report different arrangements: some manage with two trays, while others describe cats sharing one. Those experiences show that cats differ; they do not guarantee the same arrangement will suit yours. Cats Protection recommends one of each essential resource per cat, plus a spare, spaced around the home. Owner discussions show mixed experiences with fewer trays; these are anecdotes rather than a replacement for the recommendation.
If you currently have fewer than three, look closely for waiting, guarding, avoidance or accidents. Consider another suitable location rather than assuming frequent cleaning solves every access problem.
Sources: - Cats Protection — Living with more than one cat - Cats Protection — Creating a cat-friendly home - Real owner discussion — Two cats in an apartment