Sharing your home with two cats means double the love – but also double the responsibility when it comes to their toilet habits. One of the most common questions we hear at CatMad.com is: how many litter trays for 2 cats? Can they share? What setup works best to avoid accidents and stress? Let’s break it all down so you can create the perfect litter box setup for your multi-cat household.
The Golden Rule: How Many Litter Trays for Two Cats?
The general rule of thumb recommended by feline behaviourists is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. That means for two cats, you should ideally have three litter trays.
Why? Because cats are territorial creatures and prefer having their own space – even when it comes to their bathroom habits. Providing enough litter trays reduces stress, prevents territorial disputes, and helps avoid litter box avoidance – a common issue in multi-cat households.
Why Three Litter Trays Work Best
Having three trays for two cats ensures:
- Each cat has their own space to eliminate in peace.
- There’s always a clean option available.
- It prevents one cat from blocking access to all trays.
- Multiple locations ensure convenience and accessibility.
- Reduces stress and territorial disputes.
Some bonded pairs may seem happy sharing, but many cats will silently tolerate the situation rather than truly being comfortable. Over time, stress can lead to urinating outside the litter box or even health issues like feline idiopathic cystitis.
Can Two Cats Share a Litter Tray?
Technically, cats can share a litter tray, but the real question is: should they? Most feline experts say no.
While kittens or exceptionally bonded pairs may tolerate sharing, most adult cats prefer separate spaces. Cats are naturally clean and private animals, and forcing them to share can lead to issues like:
- Territorial disputes – One cat may prevent the other from using the litter tray.
- Hygiene concerns – A shared tray gets dirty twice as fast.
- Stress and anxiety – Some cats avoid using a tray if another cat has already used it.
- Health problems – Stress can contribute to urinary tract infections and other medical issues.
- Litter box avoidance – If a cat feels uncomfortable, they may start using the floor instead.
Certain breeds are more sensitive about their toileting habits than others. Siamese cats, for example, tend to be more territorial, while British Shorthairs are generally more laid-back. Larger breeds like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats may struggle with sharing due to their size, needing extra-large litter trays for comfort.
Where to Place Litter Trays in a Two-Cat Home
Even if you provide the right number of litter trays, placement is just as important.
Best Practices for Litter Tray Placement:
- Spread them out – Don’t put all trays in one spot, or one cat may guard the entire area.
- Quiet locations – Avoid high-traffic areas where cats may feel vulnerable.
- Separate from food and water – Cats don’t like eating near their toilet.
- Multiple floors – If your home has more than one level, place at least one tray on each.
- Easy access – Older cats or those with mobility issues need trays they can reach easily.
For example, you might place one tray in a bathroom, another in a bedroom, and the third in a quiet corner of the living area. This setup prevents one dominant cat from controlling all the trays.
Choosing the Right Litter Trays for Multiple Cats
Not all litter trays are created equal! For a multi-cat household, size and type matter.
Litter Tray Considerations:
- Size: A tray should be 1.5 times the length of your cat (from nose to tail base).
- High sides vs. low sides: High-sided trays help contain scatter, but senior cats may prefer lower entry points.
- Covered vs. uncovered: Some cats like privacy, while others feel trapped in enclosed trays.
- Self-cleaning trays: Convenient, but some cats find them too noisy or scary.
- Corner trays: Great for space-saving in smaller homes.
Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest Cats, being larger breeds, need extra-large trays. Meanwhile, smaller breeds like Devon Rex cats may prefer more enclosed, secure spaces.
How to Maintain Litter Trays in a Multi-Cat Home
Having multiple trays means more cleaning, but keeping them fresh is essential for cat hygiene and preventing litter box problems.
Litter Box Maintenance Tips:
- Scoop at least once a day (twice is better!).
- Change the litter completely once a week.
- Wash trays with unscented soap regularly – cats hate strong smells.
- Monitor for signs of stress, like hesitation before entering a tray or eliminating outside the box.
Some breeds, like Bengals and Siamese cats, are particularly fussy and may refuse to use a tray if it’s not pristine. On the other hand, British Shorthairs tend to be a bit more forgiving.
Tailoring Your Litter Tray Setup to Your Cats’ Needs
Every cat is different, and some will have stronger preferences than others. Pay attention to your cats’ behaviour and adjust your litter tray setup if you notice:
- Hovering near the tray but not using it.
- Rushing in and out quickly.
- Eliminating just outside the box.
- Urinating elsewhere in the house.
If you see these signs, consider adding an extra tray or moving the existing ones to quieter, more private locations.
Conclusion
So, how many litter trays for two cats? The best answer is three. While some cats may tolerate sharing, most prefer their own space, and the right setup can prevent stress, territorial disputes, and unwanted accidents.
By providing enough trays, placing them strategically, and keeping them clean, you’ll create a stress-free environment that ensures both you and your cats stay happy. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your multi-cat home harmonious!
