Cats are very particular about what they like and dislike. and cat behaviour expert Jackson Galaxy has shared the 'golden rule' all owners should follow when it comes to their pets' toilet habits15:29, 05 Aug 2026If you're looking to get a cat, there are lots of things to consider, such as what breed to get, to adopt or get from a reputable breeder, and if you can keep them indoors or let the roam outside.‌But there are also several things you need to prepare in your home to allow them to settle in and make your house feel like their home too. This include getting them a bed, a claw tree, toys, and several other items to care for their needs. While it might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you're a first-time cat owner, several experts will share their advice for free to help you and your cat settle in.‌To help people become the best possible owners for their cats, pet behaviour expert Jackson Galaxy, who is best known as the presenter of TV show 'My Cat From Hell', has shared what he believes is the 'golden rule' when it comes to looking after your cat.‌Posting on his TikTok account, where he boasts more than two million followers, he said: "When it comes to litter boxes, embrace the code of litter boxes."He went on to spell out exactly what this means, as cats are far more particular about their litter trays than you might think.What is the 'golden' code of litter boxes?While many homes might just have one cat litter box, Jackson went on to urge people to get more, as he explained his 'golden rule' of litter boxes.‌"Embrace the golden rule of litter boxes, which is for each cat you have, you have a litter box, plus one. One cat, two litterboxes. Two cats, three litter boxes. It works," Jackson explained.Content cannot be displayed without consentCats can be very particular about their toileting habits, so a suitable area where they can do their business happily is important to their well-being.‌While many cat owners known to place it somewhere where the cat would have privacy while doing their business, while also keeping it clean and making sure it's a suitable size, depth, and use the right cat litter, Jackson said this might not always be 'enough'.Instead, he stressed the importance of positioning the litter trays in different areas of your home, rather than simply placing them next to one another. He explained: "Still doesn't count. I call litter boxes the king of scent soakers. Scent soakers are this thing that symbolise the sanctity of territory."Where your cat walks by it, it's almost like you walking by your mantle and you see all the pictures of your family. You walk by and you're all proud of your family."‌He went on to explain that the same rule applies to cats and their litter trays, as well as many of their other belongings.Jackson said: "So when you spread out your litter boxes, put them in places where your first thought is 'what's good for my cat' and not 'I don't want to look at a litter box'.""I promise you, it'll change your life," he added.‌RSPCA's advice on litter boxesAccording to the RSPCA, the most important rules regarding a cat's litter box is to place it in a private and quiet area of your home, where your cat can be left alone when it needs to use it.You should also make sure it stays clean, by spot cleaning it everyday, and replacing the litter about once a week. If the litter tray ends up dirtier than they'd like, they might start using the rest of your home as a toilet instead.Most cats will have different preferences on what type of litter tray they prefer. Some might prefer a covered one with a door, while others one a simple tray. The size, depth and shape of your cat's litter tray need to allow them easy access with plenty of space for turning freely.Article continues belowIf you have more than one cat, make sure you provide enough litter trays, with the RSPCA's following Jackson's 'golden rule' of having one litter tray per cat, as well as one extra, scattered around in different parts of your home.If your cat has occasional accidents at home, this could indicate stress or anxiety. It's important not to punish them, as it's often counterproductive, they won't understand and it may make them more stressed.