Cats are known for being selective when it comes to defecation and making sure it’s done in the right spot.
Indoor cats are far more comprehensive with what they do and where they poop. This comes down to wanting to keep the rest of their territory as clean as possible. They prefer pooping away from where they rest.
This is why it becomes important to learn more about a cat’s litter box and where it is set up. This includes ensuring the right conditions are put together for the cat’s sake.
To do this, you will want to ask, do cats need light to use the litter box?
Cats do need light to use the litter box. They prefer being able to see where they are pooping and it will ensure they don’t end up defecating on the floor or where they are not supposed to. Having a small nightlight on will help the cat defecate in the right spot.
In the wild, a cat will not require light because it can poop anywhere as long as it finds a spot away from where it rests.
The same doesn’t apply to indoor cats, so you need a nightlight set up as soon as possible.
This article will take a look at the benefits of a nightlight for a cat’s litter box.
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- Compact Night Light: The modern night light design plugs into any standard unused indoor outlet while leaving the 2nd outlet...
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Benefits of a Nightlight For Cat Litter Box
1. Easier to See The Litter Box
Cats need light to use a litter box because it’s easier to see.
Yes, a cat can walk around at night and often prefer to do so. They have good vision within such conditions but that does not mean it’s easier to see. A cat will still do better when the area has some form of illumination.
Leaving the room pitch black is a recipe for disaster as the cat will become reliant on other senses including its sense of smell.
When this happens, the cat ends up missing the litter box even if it is in the right part of the house.
2. Reduces Cat’s Anxiety
Cats are anxious animals and will not expose themselves to perceived threats.
With the nightlight on, the cat can walk around without worry. They will see what is in front of them and it will ensure nothing catches them off-guard.
If a cat gets scared of the room, it will refuse to go there. This is when the problems begin.
3. Keeps The Room Clean
Using a light near a cat’s litter box is key for keeping the room clean.
Sometimes, cats will walk near the litter box but refuse to go in because it’s dark. This causes them to simply focus on defecating in the room as long as it is away from where they rest.
This is a terrible spot to be in because you will have to clean up the mess later on. You have to make sure the cat is pooping inside the litter box and that is only possible with a light on. Otherwise, it might come down to luck and that is the last thing you want.
Keep things simple and make sure the room is clean as long as you are using light.
4. Safer for the Cat
The cat bumping into things is unsafe.
You want to ensure the cat doesn’t get thrown off by objects inside or near the room. It’s better to keep things simple and make sure you are protecting the cat from bumping into things.
This is why more and more cat owners illuminate parts of the house using nightlights.
These are easy to set up and are safer for the cat. In the end, this is what matters most as you want the cat to poop in the right spot and still have the ability to navigate through this part of the house easily.
Final Thoughts
Do cats need light to use a litter box?
Cats do require light to use a litter box and a simple nightlight will do. There should be enough illumination for the cat to see the litter box, go inside, and then defecate. Otherwise, some cats end up pooping outside the litter box.
The goal should be to illuminate multiple parts of the house so the cat can walk around easily. It should not be restricted in this regard as that is when the trouble begins.
Use a nightlight near the litter box and you will be good to go. It will get rid of these hurdles quickly and keep the cat safe.
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