The provision of appropriate litter boxes is fundamental to feline welfare and failure to meet these needs causes significant physical and psychological problems.
Litter box inadequacy creates a welfare problem through forcing cats to choose between using an aversive elimination site or suppressing elimination with associated urinary tract consequences. Cats that avoid litter boxes may develop urinary tract infections, urinary blockage, or behavioural problems including anxiety and inappropriate elimination. The stress of litter box conflict in multi-cat households is a significant welfare problem that is preventable through appropriate resource provision. Meeting feline litter box needs requires understanding species-specific preferences for box size, substrate type, cleanliness, and location that differ from human assumptions about appropriate cat toilet provision.