Litter box management in multi-cat households is a welfare priority, as inadequate provision leads to elimination problems, stress, and physical health consequences.
Litter box welfare is a practical welfare issue with significant health and behavioral consequences. Cats that cannot access suitable elimination substrate hold urine, creating conditions for urinary tract infections and crystal formation. In multi-cat households, resource guarding at litter boxes creates chronic stress for lower-ranking individuals. The welfare solution is straightforward but requires owner investment in appropriate provision — enough boxes, in appropriate locations, with suitable litter. Inappropriate elimination problems are welfare signals that the current arrangement is not meeting the cats needs.