Unlike dogs, cats don't defecate as freely. You need to provide them with cat litter and a litter box to help them eliminate properly. However, simply providing these things doesn't guarantee a smooth process; many other factors can also affect a cat's littering habits.
Of the four major aspects of cat life—eating, drinking, and eliminating—two involve the litter box, so we cannot underestimate its importance. 
1. Choose the right cat litter for your cat
There are many types of cat litter available: pine, clay, corncob, newspaper, etc. Which one is best isn't really up to us; we need to observe our cats' reactions after using it. It's important to note that it's best to avoid scented litter. Scented cat litter is purely for fulfilling our needs; cats are quite sensitive to smells, and overly strong odors may negatively impact their respiratory system.
2. Clean the cat litter box regularly.
Cat excrement has a stronger odor than dog excrement, and cats are generally cleaner animals. If the litter box isn't cleaned for a long time, it will definitely develop a strong smell, causing the cat to avoid it and refuse to use it.
3. Pay attention to the placement of the litter box.
A common mistake is placing the litter box in a location that isn't secluded enough. Cats don't want to be disturbed when they're relieving themselves, and if the litter box is constantly exposed to noise, it can cause them to refuse to use it. Try to keep the litter box away from noisy appliances like televisions and washing machines.
Keep it away from busy areas. If you have children or dogs, the litter box should be in a place where they can't easily wander in, but your cat can come and go as it pleases; it shouldn't be too secluded.
4. Choose a suitable litter box
Size: The litter box should be the right size, not too small. Ideally, the cat should be able to turn around easily inside the litter box.
Height: Most users probably use open litter boxes, while some owners may choose closed litter boxes. However, older owners are better off choosing open litter boxes. Other options are up to personal preference.
5. If you have multiple cats, you can prepare two more litter boxes.
If you have multiple cats, it's best to prepare two litter boxes and not let all the cats share one: some cats may not like sharing a litter box with other cats, and they may not like the scent left by other cats.
If your cat suddenly starts urinating or defecating inappropriately (assuming there haven't been any major changes in your home, such as getting a new cat, moving, or changing the litter box), it's best to take your cat to the vet for a checkup. Cats may experience incontinence due to illness, so ruling out medical issues first allows you to consider what might be causing the problem. Avoid paper litter if possible, as it's harder to clean, tends to stick to the litter box, and isn't very effective at controlling odors.
