Answer a few questions. The map and scores update as you go.
Recommended placements
2 cats, 1 box, 7 rooms scored
Pick a layout and enter your cat count to see recommendations.
Placement map
Darker green means a stronger match. Red outlines mark rooms to avoid.
Transition tips
Start by adding the new recommended box before removing the old one.
Keep the old box in place until your cat uses the new one reliably for two weeks.
Move the old box a few feet at a time if it needs to travel across the home.
Scenario walkthroughs
Three common setups and how LitterLogic would guide them.
Single cat, studio apartment
Layout
Studio with kitchenette, bathroom, closet.
Current box
Next to the washing machine in the bathroom.
Triggers
Noise sensitivity, dead-end room.
Recommendation
Move the box to a corner of the living area with a screen or tall plant as a visual barrier. Keep it away from the kitchenette. Use an open box if the cat dislikes covered ones.
Two cats, two-bedroom apartment
Layout
Two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom, hallway closet.
Current box
One box in the bathroom.
Triggers
One cat has started guarding the bathroom door.
Recommendation
Add a second box in the guest bedroom corner. Place the original box away from the door so the guarding cat cannot block the entrance. Aim for two quiet, low-traffic spots.
Four cats, three-bedroom house
Layout
Three bedrooms, living room, family room, kitchen, laundry, two bathrooms.
Current box
Two boxes, both in the laundry room.
Triggers
Noise from washer, one cat avoids the laundry room entirely.
Recommendation
Spread five boxes across the home: one in a quiet bedroom corner, one in the family room behind a furniture screen, one in the guest bathroom, one in the living room corner, and keep one in the laundry room but away from the machines.
Common placement mistakes
Near the washing machine or dryer. The spin cycle sounds like a threat to a cat mid-use. They will find a quieter spot, even if that means your rug.
In a dead-end hallway. Cats want two exits. A single doorway lets another pet or person corner them, which creates long-term avoidance.
Next to food or water bowls. Cats do not eliminate where they eat. Even a few feet can help, but separate rooms is better.
One box for multiple cats in a shared room. Resource guarding is common. Spread boxes across separate locations so no single cat can control access.
High-traffic family room center. A box in the open feels exposed. Tuck it behind a sofa, a plant, or a low screen.
Strong air fresheners or cleaners nearby. Cats have a powerful sense of smell. Heavy scents near the box can be as off-putting as the odor you are trying to hide.
Questions cat owners ask
How many boxes do I really need?
Start with one box per cat, plus one extra. Spread them across separate locations. For three cats, that means four boxes in at least two rooms.
My cat was fine for years and suddenly stopped. Why?
First, see your vet. Medical issues are common. If the cat is healthy, look for changes: a new appliance, a new pet, a moved box, or a new scent in the room.
Can I move the box across the house in one day?
It is safer to move it a few feet at a time, or set up a second box at the new spot and phase out the old one over two weeks.
Should I use a covered or open box?
It depends on the cat. Some feel safer covered. Others feel trapped. If your cat is avoiding a covered box, try an open one in a quiet corner first.
Does this replace a vet visit?
No. LitterLogic helps with placement only. Sudden avoidance, straining, or blood in the urine need a vet visit right away.
Assumptions and limitations
This optimizer uses common feline behavior patterns, not a medical or behavioral diagnosis. Room scores are simplified and do not account for exact doorway positions, window lines, or furniture. If your cat has a medical condition, follow your veterinarian's guidance first. Last updated 2026.