Litter-box choices range from simple plastic containers that resemble dishpans to covered boxes and a variety of more sophisticated models, as described above. Whatever variation you choose, the box must be big enough to allow your cat to carry out typical feline elimination behavior: sniffing the area, digging a hole and turning around several times before getting down to business. Kittens require a box with sides low enough for them to get in and out easily. Once they can climb or jump, a model with higher sides provides privacy and helps keep the litter inside the box.

Covered boxes prevent stains on walls from cats that stand up to urinate and scattering of litter by cats that scratch excessively in the box. They also keep the contents out of reach of dogs and small children. The covered boxes do have drawbacks. They trap the litter dust that can cause health problems, and if you neglect maintenance duties because you don't smell or see the contents, the box's advantage becomes a disadvantage. Your cat, with his finely honed sense of smell, has to deal with a stinky neglected litter box and may end up eliminating elsewhere.

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