When a cat is new to a home
where should the litter box be

You’ve just adopted a new cat. Congratulations from Oven-Baked Tradition! You’re about to enter a world filled with head boops, zoomies, and a touch of sass. But before your feline friend starts ruling the house (which won’t take long), there’s one very important question to tackle.

Where should the litter box go? It might not be the most glamorous part of cat care, but trust us it’s one of the most essential. A well-placed cat litter box can make all the difference in helping your kitty feel at home, stay healthy, and avoid unexpected surprises on your carpet.

Cats are instinctively clean animals. Even in the wild, felines bury their waste to avoid attracting predators and to keep their territory tidy. That’s why your indoor kitty will naturally gravitate toward a cat litter box. 

Litter boxes are not just about biology, it’s about behavior. Monitoring your cat’s litter box usage is actually an important part of cat care. A sudden change in habits can be a red flag for health issues. So keeping an eye on what’s going on in the box (yes, really) is part of being a responsible pet parent.

As for placement? Your cat wants a spot that’s:

Convenience is key, even for cats. 

Why litter box placement matters. 

Imagine moving into a brand-new home and not being told where the bathroom is; stressful, right? The same goes for your new cat. In their first few days, they’ll be exploring their new territory, trying to feel safe and establish routines.  

This is when the litter box becomes an essential tool for comfort and routine. To help your cat adjust, place the cat litter box in a quiet, low-stress area of the home, somewhere they can access easily, without fear of being startled.  

Show them the location right away (gently placing them in the box can help) and avoid moving it too soon. Consistency = comfort. 

A litter box is more than just a box. 

The cat litter box is a non-negotiable in cat care, but let’s not forget the rest of the starter kit.

Your new cat will also need: 

But the litter box is truly the MVP. It’s not just about hygiene, it’s a tool for communication. Is your cat going frequently? Avoiding it? Missing the mark?  

Their habits tell a story, and a clean, well-placed cat litter box helps you read it.

Litter box placement is all about accessibility.

As cats age, they may develop arthritis or other mobility issues that make getting in and out of traditional cat litter boxes a challenge. If you have a senior feline, consider boxes with low sides or even open-top trays that are easier to enter.  

Placement matters even more with older cats. Stairs may become a barrier, so keeping the litter box on the same floor where they spend most of their time is crucial. No one wants a midnight hike to the basement, especially not your 12-year-old furball. 

Also, older cats can become more sensitive to changes in routine or location. Once you find a good spot for their box, try not to move it. Stability and comfort go a long way in senior cat care. 

The moment your new cat struts into your life, their cat litter box isn’t just a plastic container in the corner, it becomes a throne, a comfort zone, and a communication tool all in one. And let’s be honest, it quickly becomes a central part of your world, too. 

Where you put it, how often you clean it, and how comfy it feels (yes, really) can make or break your cat’s royal approval. So be thoughtful, be observant and above all, be ready to scoop. 

With a purr-fect setup (and a healthy diet from Oven-Baked Tradition to keep those litter box moments smooth and stress-free), you’re not just giving your cat a bathroom, you’re giving them a sense of home.

Now that’s what we call a cat-tastic start to life together.