Can Cats Share a Litter Tray? A Guide to Harmony!

If you’ve ever lived with more than one cat, one of the first shared items that may come to mind is the litter tray. It seems convenient: you’ve got two cats, just chuck one good-sized tray in the laundry and tick that job off. But when it comes to actual feline behaviour, territory and health, things are not always that straightforward. Can cats really share a litter tray? Let’s break down the facts, some common pitfalls, and ways to keep everyone — human and feline — happy and hygienic.

Why We Even Ask: The Convenience vs. Cat Reality

Many people with multiple cats hope a single, large litter tray will suffice. Less cleaning, less mess, and you only need to buy one. Unfortunately, cats are a bit more particular about their “bathroom” situation than we humans tend to be.

A 2017 survey by the American Association of Feline Practitioners revealed that over 60% of veterinarians see litter tray issues as one of the most common reasons for stress and behavioural problems in cats living together. That’s nothing to sniff at.

Most feline experts, including the RSPCA and International Cat Care, recommend one tray per cat — plus one extra. So for two cats, that means three trays!

But Why So Many?

Cats are naturally solitary when it comes to toileting. They’re hardwired to avoid sharing these spaces, since in the wild, their scent marks could alert larger predators or more dominant rivals to their presence. Even domesticated cats keep a lot of these instincts. For many, a shared tray can lead to avoidance, inappropriate urination around the house, or even fighting.

What Typically Goes Wrong When Cats Share

Let’s have a look at some of the most frequent issues:

●     Bullying or Territorial Blocking: One cat might guard the tray, making the other cat anxious or preventing them from using it at all.

●     Stress Marking: Cats may respond to sharing by urinating or defecating outside the tray, either to claim their own territory or as an expression of stress.

●     Health Issues: When cats avoid the tray or hold in waste, it can lead to bladder inflammation, urinary tract infections, or constipation.

●     Cleanliness Problems: More cats in one tray means it gets dirty quickly, and many cats won’t use a soiled tray.

A Belgian study from 2019 monitored 79 multi-cat households and found those offering enough litter trays to meet the “one per cat plus one” guideline reported almost half the rates of litter-related complaints compared to those who made their cats share.

Some Cats Will Share — But That’s Not the Norm

There are exceptions. If you’ve got two littermate kittens who’ve never been separated, or elderly cats who have lived together for over a decade, you may find they share a tray with minimal fuss. However, most problems don’t show up until a big change: a move, a new pet or person, or even the introduction of a different type of litter.

Cats who are stressed, insecure, ill, or simply extra-private may refuse to share, even if they tolerated it before.

Types of Trays and Their Impact

The kind of litter box you use, including ensuring you have enough litter boxes for your cats, can play a big part. Here are a few of the main styles and their pros and cons for multi-cat homes:

In shared spaces, never underestimate the importance of size. Cats need room to turn and scratch, so bigger trays help, but they rarely solve the sharing tension if the underlying issue is territory, not space.

Location, Location, Location

The placement of trays can affect whether your cats are willing to share them.

Essential tips for tray and litter boxes placement in multi-cat settings:

●     Multiple locations: Trays spread across the house reduce territorial tension.

●     Easy access: Avoid trays only in laundry rooms or behind closed doors.

●     Escape routes: Never place trays in corners or areas with only one entrance/exit.

●     Separate food/water: Trays and feeding zones should be far apart.

Cats are less likely to guard a tray if it isn’t the only one in the “prime real estate” spot.

What If You Literally Only Have Room for One?

Inner-city apartments and tiny homes are common throughout Australia, so it isn’t always possible to host several trays. If you absolutely must make do with one, you can try these strategies:

●     Go for a very large tray, cleaned out twice a day.

●     Monitor for bullying and stress behaviour.

●     Use a low-dust, unscented litter to avoid aversion.

●     Give extra playtime and separate feeding areas for each cat to reduce competition elsewhere.

●     Watch for health changes — particularly “holding on” or house soiling.

Even with careful management, sharing one tray is more risky. Many behaviourists would say it’s “better than none but worse than recommended.”

Signs That Sharing Isn’t Working

It pays to keep an eye out, especially in the first few weeks after adding a new cat or replacing an old tray. Here’s what to watch for:

●     One cat always hesitates before entering the toileting area.

●     Urine or faeces turning up just outside the tray (or in cupboards, corners, behind doors).

●     Hiding, shadowing, or ambushing behaviour around the litter area.

●     Recurrent urinary or digestive problems.

A sudden change in toileting habits in one or both cats should always be checked by a vet first. Physical problems can look just like stress or territorial issues.

Litter Tray Hygiene in Multi-Cat Homes

Dirty trays are a deal-breaker for almost all cats. A 2022 Australian survey found nearly 80% of cat owners clean trays less than once per day — but when owners cleaned twice daily, inappropriate toileting dropped by 60% in multi-cat homes!

Here’s a simple cleaning schedule for two or more cats:

●     Scoop waste twice daily.

●     Full tray wash and disinfect once a week.

●     Complete replacement of all litter weekly or more often if you use non-clumping litters.

It’s not glamorous work but it pays off in harmony (and less carpet cleaning).

Choosing Litter Trays and Litters for Your Crew

There’s a whole world of products now aimed at the fussy feline household.

A few helpful features to look for:

●     High-sided trays to prevent scatter for diggers.

●     Low-entry trays for kittens or elderly cats.

●     Covered trays for privacy lovers (but watch for dominant cats lurking!).

●     Litter mats to cut back on tracking.

Popular types of litter include clumping, non-clumping, silica, recycled paper, and “natural” options. Cats may have personal preferences, and it’s usually best to stick to what they are used to when you bring home a new tray.

A quick summary of litter types:

Whichever you choose, the golden rule: never switch all trays at once. If you want to introduce a new litter, trial it in one tray and see if your cats use it.

Monitoring Cat Health

Keeping an eye on your feline friend's health is crucial, and believe it or not, their litter tray habits can be one of the most telling signs of their well-being. Each cat’s urine and stool can indicate various health issues, ranging from dehydration and digestive problems to more serious conditions like kidney disease.

Why Sharing Complicates Health Monitoring

When multiple cats share a litter tray, it becomes difficult to determine which cat is responsible for which deposit. Changes in urine volume, stool consistency, or frequency are critical health indicators that might go unnoticed if all their waste is mixed in one tray.

In fact, studies have shown that early detection of diseases is hindered in households where cats share litter trays. Changes in urine or stool habits were spotted 45% later on average in single-tray homes compared to homes with multiple trays, due to sharing obfuscating these indicators.

Solutions for Vigilant Monitoring

If you must have your cats share a tray, keeping a close eye on each individual's toileting behaviour becomes more crucial:

●     Observe and Record: Monitor each cat during their bathroom visits and record any changes in frequency or behaviour. Note who goes when, especially if a cat seems to be visiting more frequently or avoiding the tray.

●     Periodic Separation: Occasionally separate your cats and provide individual litter trays for a day or two. This way, you can directly observe any changes in their waste.

●     Vet Check-Ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential, particularly if you notice any changes or if your cats show signs of discomfort while toileting.

Ultimately, being proactive and diligent in observing each cat, alongside having routine health checks, will ensure your fur babies stay happy and healthy. Keeping the harmony in multi-cat homes is all about understanding and meeting each cat's needs — a small price to pay for purrs and cuddles in return!

Understanding Feline Territorial Instincts

Cats are naturally territorial creatures, and their litter tray is a prime location where these instincts kick in. In the wild, cats use scent marks to establish their territory, deterring rivals and large predators. In your home, a litter tray can become ground zero for a feline turf war. If one cat starts guarding the litter tray, it’s waving a red flag of territorial stress.

An anecdote many cat owners can relate to: Imagine your tabby, Whiskers, ruling the laundry room like it's Fort Knox, with litter tray as the crown jewel. Meanwhile, your other cat, Mittens, waits patiently—or not so patiently—just outside, debating whether a trip to the box is worth the potential confrontation. This dynamic isn't just about space; for cats, it's personal.

To ease territorial tension, consider introducing multiple trays, as previously mentioned, but also take note of your cats' behaviour. If you see signs of guarding or bullying, try separating resources — food, water, and trays — to neutral zones. Better yet, give each cat a “designated area” to help them feel more at home and less threatened.

Understanding and respecting these instinctual behaviours can not only help prevent disputes but can help create a more peaceful coexistence for your furry family members.

Multi-Cat Households Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Living with more than one cat can be a joy — but they aren’t always team players, especially when it comes to toileting. While some pairs or groups will share happily for years, it’s statistically more likely you’ll avoid household accidents and stress by providing enough trays for everyone, in several locations, and keeping them scrupulously clean.

Every cat will have its own personality, history and quirks, and sometimes it pays to experiment a little to get things right. Pay attention to their body language, maintain separate spaces when you can, and treat their tray habits as an important part of household peace.

And if you’re about to invest in new trays, have a good look at a range of options — covered, uncovered, big, small — including those from ADS Pet, which combine smart design with feline comfort in mind.

Living in harmony with cats takes a bit of compromise, but keeping their toilets sorted is one of the best things you can do for their wellbeing. If you set up your feline facilities right, you might just avoid ever having to Google “why is my cat peeing on the couch?” again!