The evidence base behind cat litter box preferences and how getting this right prevents welfare-relevant behavioral problems.
Litter box management is a direct welfare issue because failure to meet cat litter box preferences causes behavioral distress and contributes to shelter relinquishment. The welfare chain runs in both directions: cats that cannot use litter boxes comfortably experience frustration and urinary discomfort, while inadequate litter management leads to outcomes — relinquishment, multi-cat conflict — that cause further welfare harm. The evidence is clear that most problems can be prevented through appropriate box size, number, placement, substrate choice, and cleaning frequency. Medical evaluation is essential when litter box changes occur suddenly, as urinary tract infection, cystitis, arthritis affecting access, and other treatable conditions frequently contribute. The welfare investment in correct litter box setup is trivial compared to the consequences of failure.