This is the second part of a two-part article on solutions to typical litter box issues.

So, here is another delicate problem I’ve been forced to resolve with my cats and the litter boxes.  I call it high peeing.  Yes, you read that right; I have cats that stand to pee or “spray” in their litter box.  The solution to this problem initially seemed like a simple one – just get a litter box with high enough sides to allow a cat to stand and urinate.  But it turns out this was not such a simple idea.

I measured the space in my newly designed utility room closet area to determine the largest litter box size that could be accommodated.  I also wanted to be able to fit two litter boxes in this area, and decided that two 20” square boxes would be the largest size I could use, and they needed to be a minimum of 15 ½” deep.  Deeper would be even better!   This would allow for approximately 3-4” of litter to be placed in the bottom of each box.

And this is just my opinion, but I firmly believe in having “open” boxes for cats.  They say cats have noses that are 14 times more sensitive than human noses, and personally the idea of porta potties is not something I find pleasant.  Can you imagine with their sensitivity to smells how cats must feel having to use a litter box that is dark and confining?  Knowing this, I wanted boxes that were open at the top and made of clear translucent plastic, to provide the cats with as much open and visible space and fresh air as possible.  Having the boxes open at the top would also make them easy to clean.  Lastly they needed a cut-out for the cats to step into the box.

So once again I went on the hunt.  I went to all the big-box pet stores, Target, and Walmart, looking for the perfect boxes.  Pet store litter boxes all had sides that were way too low for my needs.  Finally, after finding nothing, I ended up purchasing two perfect size translucent plastic boxes at The Container Store, and had to do the cut-outs myself.  I used a cardboard template and drew my lines, and then used a jigsaw for the cuts, and then sanded the edges once the cuts were made.  Perfect!   I have to tell you that once I had the two new litter boxes in place in the closet, the cats quite literally lined up to check out their newly remodeled bathroom.  They gave me 16 paws up!

I know of at least three friends that have this very same problem with their cats.  I hope there are some litter box manufacturers out there listening, because apparently my cats have a rather common issue which manufacturers have yet to address!  Have you found solutions to any litter box issues you might have?