Moving litter boxes

Question
We have three young Bengals [about 6 months] - we initially placed the kitty litter in a large room on 1st floorwhich could be closed off,whilst they became  used to us.  Now the cats have the run of the house, and we'd like to move the kitty litter to the laundry -which is downstairs.  We tried after the first 6 weeks and it became problematic [defecating where they shouldn't].  We now want to try again - any hints?
Thanks Catherine

Answer
Hi Catherine,

For three cats, you should have three litter boxes.  Cats are very clean creatures, and also like to feel they have their own space.  This will also serve the added purpose of being able to have them in multiple locations.  This way, you can have one downstairs and two up, or vice versa.  Also considr their age and bladder size comparable to the size of your home.  When they have to go, they have to go, and if they don't see it or it hasn't been long enough for them to remember where it is, they will go elsewhere.  My foster Neira which is now my cat had the same problem, and I solved it by keeping one upstairs and one down.  I have five cats to four boxes, two jumbo sized ones downstairs and two normal sized ones upstairs.

Also keep in mind that when cats defecate anywhere other than the litter box, it is either due to a medical or behavioral problem.  What litter are you using?  Did you switch right before the problem started?  You should observe their behavior when they go to the bathroom.  For example, if one cat stalks the others when they use the box and you only have one, they will no longer want to use the box.  If it's medical, it can only be diagnosed by a vet.  I recommend trying three boxes in different locations first.  Please be sure that you show them each where they are and praise them for just being in the box.  The more positive you make the litter box, the more likely they are to return there.  Please let me know how this goes and if you have any further questions.  Good luck!

Best regards,