Adequate litter box provision is essential for cat welfare and is a frequent cause of urinary and behavioral problems when inadequate.
Cats with inadequate litter box provision experience chronic stress from inability to eliminate appropriately. Litter box aversion from inadequate cleaning, inappropriate location, or unsuitable substrate causes physical health problems including cystitis and behavioral problems. The welfare implications of poor litter box provision are disproportionately large relative to the simplicity of the solution.