How Often Should You Clean a Cat’s Litter Box? We’ve Got the Answer
Key takeaways:
You should scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day, but more often is better.
Deep clean your cat’s litter box with a mildly scented detergent every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of litter you use.
Use unscented clumping litter for best results. It’s also a good idea to keep litter boxes uncovered and avoid using litter liners.
Table of contents
Cats are clean creatures. They make sure to keep their fur in tip-top shape by grooming themselves. And they expect their litter boxes to be just as clean. That’s where you come in.
Below, we’ll discuss how often you need to clean a cat’s litter box, as well as what else you can do to keep them happy with their litter box.
How often should you clean a litter box?
You should clean your cat’s litter box at least once a day. Some experts recommend cleaning the litter box at least twice a day. The cleaner your cat’s litter box, the better. So scooping the litter box more often won’t hurt.
Search and compare options
How often you need to clean your cat’s litter box can also depend on your cat. Some cats like things cleaner than others. If you have more than one cat, you may need to scoop more often. There’s also some research to suggest that older cats want a cleaner box compared to younger cats.
If you’re using a non-clumping litter, you also need to replace the litter regularly. How often depends on how many cats and available litter boxes you have. In general, it’s best to replace non-clumping litter with clean litter at least twice a week.
How long can a litter box go without being cleaned?
A cat’s litter box shouldn’t go more than 1 day without cleaning. Many cats will avoid using a dirty litter box. This means they may poop or pee outside the litter box because it isn’t clean. In fact, a dirty litter box is the most common reason cats don’t use their litter box.
An unclean litter box might also stress out your feline friend. That can lead to anxiety and other health issues such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
How often should you deep clean a litter box?
You’ll want to deep clean a litter box once every 1 to 4 weeks. How often you’ll need to deep clean depends on a number of factors. One is the type of litter you’re using.
If you’re using clumping clay litter, which lets you scoop out a cat’s pee, you might not need to deep clean as often. If you’re using a non-clumping litter, where pee stays in the box, you’ll need to clean it more often.
Litter box problems: An unclean litter box is the most common reason cats go to the bathroom outside of the litter box. Learn what else could be to blame.
Feline urinary tract trouble: Cats can develop urinary tract disease from things like stress. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of feline lower urinary tract disease.
Have you scheduled your cat’s checkup yet? Cats should see their veterinarian at least once a year for a checkup. This helps you catch potential health issues early.
To deep clean a cat’s litter box, use an unscented soap and hot water. Don’t use any cleaning products, which may contain chemicals that can hurt your cat. Avoid using any soaps with a noticeable scent. Cats often don’t like unusual, strong smells, especially around their litter box.
Besides cleaning, how do you maintain a litter box?
Other ways to maintain a litter box and keep your cat happy include:
Replace old litter boxes once they develop a strong odor. If smells don’t go away after a deep cleaning, it’s time to ditch your litter box for a new one.
Use unscented clumping litter. Most cats do well with it. Clumping litter also makes cleaning the box easier.
Have at least one litter box per cat in your household. Make sure to keep all of the boxes clean.
Keep litter boxes uncovered. Cats often prefer uncovered boxes, and leaving the litter box open makes it easier for owners to keep them clean.
Be cautious about using litter box liners. Many cats don’t like them, and if the liner isn’t secure enough in the box, it can move around and make your cat less likely to use the litter box.
The bottom line
Cats like their litter boxes clean, so it’s best to scoop their boxes at least once a day. Some cats will prefer an even cleaner box, so scooping more than once a day may be best. Deep clean the litter box once every 1 to 4 weeks. But this will depend on the type of litter you’re using and how many cats you have.
There are other ways to keep your cat happy with their litter box, too. Try using unscented clumping cat litter, replacing old boxes once they have a strong odor, and keeping litter boxes uncovered.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Animal Hospital Association. (2019). Why won’t my cat use the litter box?
American Animal Hospital Association. (2021). General litter box considerations.
Calder, C. D. (2020). Feline house soiling. Veterinary Partner.
Calder, C. D. (2024). Choosing the right litter box for your cat. Veterinary Partner.
Feline Veterinary Medical Association. (2025). Feline house-soiling.
Mikkola, S., et al. (2023). Feline litter box issues associate with cat personality, breed, and age at sterilization. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
