Indoor Cat Basics
Indoor Cat Daily Routine: A Practical Guide
A workable daily schedule for meals, play, litter and quiet time — including how to run it around a nine-to-five.
6 min read
How Often Should You Clean a Cat Litter Box?
The litter box is the single most informative object in a cat household. Cleaning it often is partly hygiene and partly monitoring — you cannot spot a change in urine output in a box you never look at.
The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 6 min read
Health information on this website is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified veterinarian.
The cleaning schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Scoop solids and clumps | At least once daily; twice is better |
| Top up litter | As needed to keep 5–7cm depth |
| Full change and wash with mild soap | Every 2–4 weeks for clumping litter |
| Replace the box itself | When plastic is scratched and holds odour |
How many boxes
One per cat plus one spare, in different locations. Two boxes side by side count as one location to a cat.
What to watch for
- More or fewer urine clumps than usual
- Straining, frequent small visits, or vocalising in the box
- Blood, or urine outside the box
- Diarrhoea or no stool for more than a day or two
Straining is an emergency
A cat — particularly a male cat — that strains repeatedly without producing urine may have a urinary blockage. This is life-threatening and needs emergency veterinary care the same day.
Managing odour without deterring the cat
Skip scented litters and air fresheners near the box; strong smells put many cats off. Frequent scooping, an adequately large uncovered box and good ventilation solve odour far more reliably.
A note on veterinary advice
Health information on this website is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified veterinarian. If something about your cat has changed, book an appointment rather than waiting to see what happens.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I clean the box with bleach?
- Use mild unscented dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Ammonia-based cleaners smell like urine to a cat, and strong disinfectants can be irritating if residues remain.
- Why is my cat suddenly going outside the box?
- Common causes include a medical problem, a box that is too dirty or too small, a change in litter, or stress. Start with a veterinary check to rule out urinary and digestive causes.
- Covered or uncovered box?
- Most cats prefer uncovered. Covers trap odour inside and reduce escape routes, which matters in multi-cat homes.
About this guide
We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.
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