The basic process for changing a litter box

Changing a cat litter box means removing the old box and setting up a new one in the same location. Most cat owners do this when the current box becomes worn, cracked, or too small for their cat. The process takes about 15 minutes and requires only a few supplies: a new litter box, fresh litter, a scoop, and a trash bag for the old litter.

The key is to keep the new box in the exact same spot where the old one sat. Cats navigate by location and smell, so moving the box to a different room or corner often causes them to eliminate outside the box while they search for the familiar spot. If you must move it, do so gradually over several days, shifting it a few feet at a time.

Before you bring the new box home, decide whether you want the same style (open, covered, or automatic) or something different. If your cat has been using the old box without problems, matching the style reduces the chance of rejection. If your cat has been avoiding the box or seems cramped, a larger or different style may help.

Key Takeaways

  • Place the new litter box in the exact same location as the old one to prevent your cat from missing the box or eliminating elsewhere.
  • Empty the old box completely, dispose of used litter in a sealed trash bag, and wipe down the new box before filling it with fresh litter.
  • If you must move the box to a different location, shift it only a few feet every two to three days so your cat can follow the gradual change.
  • Covered boxes, open boxes, and automatic boxes each have trade-offs in odor control, cleaning ease, and cat comfort—choose based on what worked before or what your cat's behavior suggests.

Preparing the new box and removing the old one

Start by purchasing a new litter box that matches your cat's size. The box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat's body, measured from nose to tail. A box that is too small forces your cat to crouch awkwardly and often leads to accidents outside the box.

Before placing the new box in position, wipe the inside with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. This removes any dust or manufacturing residue. Do not use soap or strong cleaners—cats dislike artificial scents and may refuse to use a box that smells chemical.

While the new box dries, scoop out all the litter from the old box into a trash bag. Seal the bag tightly to contain odor. Wipe the inside of the old box with a damp cloth to remove litter dust and urine residue, then dispose of the box according to your local waste guidelines. Plastic boxes can usually go in regular trash; some people recycle them if local programs accept them.

Once the new box is dry, place it in the exact spot where the old box stood. This step is critical—your cat will look for the box by location first, and smell second.

Filling the new box and introducing your cat

Fill the new box with the same type and brand of litter your cat has been using. Use the same depth—usually 2 to 3 inches. Switching litter brands or texture can cause cats to reject the box, so keep this consistent unless your cat has been having problems with the current litter.

If your cat has been avoiding the old box or tracking litter everywhere, you may want to try a different litter type. Clumping litter is easier to scoop and control odor; non-clumping litter is cheaper but requires more frequent complete changes. Some cats prefer finer textures that feel more like sand, while others accept coarser pellets. If you do change the litter, introduce the new type gradually by mixing it with the old litter over three to five days, increasing the ratio of new to old each day.

After filling the new box, place your cat in or near it so they know where it is. Most cats will sniff and investigate on their own. If your cat has not used the box within a few hours, gently place them in it again. Do not force them to stay—let them explore and leave freely.

Choosing between open, covered, and automatic boxes

An open litter box is the simplest and most common type. It is a plastic pan with no lid or cover. Cats can enter and exit freely, and you can see and scoop waste easily. Open boxes work well for most cats and are the cheapest option. The downside is that litter dust and odor spread into the surrounding room, and some cats kick litter onto the floor.

A covered litter box has a dome or hood that traps odor and contains litter scatter. Cats enter through a door or opening. Covered boxes reduce odor in the room and keep litter contained, but they can feel cramped to larger cats or cats that like to back up to the edge while eliminating. Some cats also feel trapped and refuse to use a covered box. Covered boxes are slightly more expensive than open ones and take longer to clean.

An automatic litter box uses a motor and sensor to rake and remove waste into a sealed compartment after your cat leaves. These boxes reduce odor significantly and require less frequent scooping—usually once a week instead of daily. The trade-off is cost (typically $300 to $600), noise from the motor, and the need for electricity. Some cats are frightened by the raking motion and will not use the box. Automatic boxes also require regular maintenance to prevent jamming.

If your current box is working well, buy the same type. If your cat is avoiding the box or you are frustrated with odor or litter scatter, try a different style. Many pet stores allow returns, so you can test a new type without losing money if your cat rejects it.

Handling multiple cats and multiple boxes

If you have more than one cat, the general rule is one box per cat plus one extra. So two cats need three boxes, three cats need four boxes. This prevents competition and reduces the chance that one cat will block another from using the box.

When changing a box in a multi-cat household, replace only one box at a time. If you replace all the boxes at once, some cats may become confused or stressed and start eliminating outside the boxes. Space the replacements a week or two apart so each cat has time to adjust.

Place boxes in different locations if possible—one in a bedroom, one in a bathroom, one in a basement or laundry room. This gives each cat options and reduces territorial disputes. If you must keep all boxes in one room, space them as far apart as the room allows.

Troubleshooting when your cat avoids the new box

If your cat does not use the new box within the first day or two, the most common reason is that the box is in a different location. Check that you placed it in the exact spot where the old box sat. If you moved it, move it back when ready.

The second most common reason is a change in litter type or brand. If you switched litter, go back to the old brand and try again. Once your cat is using the new box reliably, you can experiment with a different litter if you want to.

A third reason is that the new box feels too small or too cramped. If your cat is large or older, try a larger box or an open box instead of a covered one. Some cats also dislike the smell of a brand-new plastic box—if this seems to be the issue, wipe the inside with a cloth dampened in water from the old litter box to transfer familiar scent.

If your cat continues to avoid the box and eliminates elsewhere in the house, consult a veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections or other medical issues. Behavioral problems are usually secondary to health problems in cats.

Maintenance after changing the box

Once your cat is using the new box, establish a daily scooping routine. Remove clumps and solid waste once or twice a day, depending on how many cats use the box and how much litter you use. Daily scooping keeps odor down and makes your cat more likely to keep using the box.

Do a complete litter change once a week or every two weeks, depending on the number of cats and the type of litter. Empty all the litter, wipe the box with a damp cloth, and refill with fresh litter. Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners—these smells can deter cats from using the box.

Check the box monthly for cracks, discoloration, or damage. Most plastic litter boxes last two to three years with regular use before they become too worn to clean properly. When that time comes, repeat the process of replacing the box in the same location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the litter box while my cat is away?

Yes, and it is often easier. Your cat will return home and find the new box in the familiar location. If your cat is away for more than a day, place them in or near the new box when they return so they know where it is. Most cats will accept the change without fuss if the location is the same.

What should I do if my cat uses the new box but also eliminates outside it?

This usually means the box is too small, too dirty, or in a location your cat does not feel safe. Try a larger box, scoop more frequently, or move the box slightly if it is near a noisy appliance or high-traffic area. If the problem persists, see a veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

Is it okay to use the same litter box for multiple cats at the same time?

Temporarily, yes—if one cat is sick or you are waiting for a new box to arrive. But long-term, multiple cats sharing one box leads to stress, territorial disputes, and litter box avoidance. Provide one box per cat plus one extra for the best results.

How do I dispose of a used litter box?

Plastic litter boxes go in regular household trash. Rinse out any remaining litter first and let the box dry. Some recycling programs accept clean plastic boxes, so check your local guidelines. Do not leave a used litter box outside or in a shared space—seal it in a trash bag first to contain odor.

Should I keep the old litter box as a backup?

Only if you have space and multiple cats. A backup box is useful if the primary box breaks or needs deep cleaning. Otherwise, storing an old litter box takes up space and is not necessary. Most cats do fine with one box per cat plus one extra, all in use.