Getting your cat to use a litter box should be a snap, as most prefer to meticulously cover their waste. Kittens usually learn the ropes from their moms before adoption, but those that don’t are still born with a strong instinct to dig and bury.

If your new feline friend has trouble mastering the litter box, the following tips can help.

Training A Cat Or Kitten To Use The Litter Box

1. Make sure your cat is old enough to use a litter box.

Most kitties are not adopted until they are at least six weeks old. If you have taken in a younger kitten, they may not be ready to use the litter box. “Bottle babies”—those hand-raised by humans—must be at least four weeks old before beginning their litter training.

2. Choose the right box and litter.

For kittens under six weeks, choose a temporary litter box with a low lip so they can easily climb in and out. Older cats prefer a roomy litter box where they can dig and maneuver. As a general rule, the box should be one and a half times the length of your cat from nose to tail base.

It is also important to select an unscented, low-dust cat litter that will not irritate kitty’s eyes and respiratory system. We recommend World’s Best Cat Litter for its safe, natural clumping ability and odor control.

3. Placement is key when litter training a cat.

Take care in selecting where to place your kitty’s litter box. When it comes to potty training, cats need safety, privacy, and consistency. Choose a low-traffic area of your home free from loud appliances and day-to-day racket.

Once you choose a spot your cat likes, avoid moving the litter box. This could cause stress or confusion.

4. Follow the one plus one rule.

According to experts, you should have one litter box for each cat in your home, plus one extra box for good measure.

5. Show your cat their litter box(es) right away.

As soon as you bring your kitty home, set them in their litter box so they can inspect the area and get a good sniff of their new “bathroom.’

6. Create a litter training schedule.

Teaching a kitten to use the litter box requires that you know when they are likely to go. First thing in the morning, right before bed, after each meal, and when waking from naps are good times to place your kitty in the box for potty breaks.

7. Spay or neuter your cat.

Even fully litter-trained cats may spray urine outside the box if they are not neutered. Most vets suggest kittens have this procedure between four and five months of age.

8. Never punish your cat.

When learning how to litter train a cat, avoid punishing them for accidents. Scolding and other negative reinforcement techniques can lead them to develop harmful associates with the litter box and seek out other areas of your home for their potty needs.

9. Keep it clean.

Cats despise dirty litter boxes. Some even refuse to use a box with a single clump of waste, so be sure to scoop your kitty’s litter daily and replace it as needed.

Before applying fresh litter, clean the box with a cat-safe cleanser such as mild dish soap or white vinegar. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.

How Long Does It Take To Litter Train A Kitten?

Cats are tidy creatures by nature, but that’s not the only reason they bury their business. In the wild, dominant felines mark their territory via pheromones in their feces. Leaving their waste exposed is a sign of their authority. Weaker, smaller cats instinctively bury their urine and feces so as not to pose a challenge.

With these impulses ingrained in their behavior, kittens tend to litter train quite quickly.

How To Teach An Older Cat To Use The Litter Box

Unlike young kittens, older cats typically enter your home fully litter trained. The exceptions may be feral cats or those used to living outdoors. In these cases, it may help to initially fill the litter box with soil from outside.

Cats are creatures of habit, so they should seek out this familiar substrate. Once they get used to using the litter box, you can gradually introduce cat litter into the soil until you’ve successfully made the switch from all soil to all litter.

Reasons A Litter-Trained Cat Might Stop Using The Box

Some cats bring finicky to a whole new level. If your previously litter-trained cat suddenly stops using their box, it could be a number of things.

Are you cleaning the litter often enough? Have you recently moved the box or placed a noisy appliance nearby? Has your brand of litter changed? Maybe your cat needs a larger litter box or more privacy. You might have to make several tweaks before you learn your kitty’s litter box preferences.

If you have a senior cat or one battling health problems, there could be a medical reason behind their litter accidents. Are they prone to urinary tract infections? Do they have to jump or climb stairs to access their box?

If they have sore joints due to osteoarthritis, the sides of the box may be too high for them to comfortably climb in and out. In this case, Dr. Kent recommends a large tray (larger than any commercial litter box) with short sides and shallow litter for ease of use.

Pizza proofing boxes—such as this one from Amazon—can be used temporarily or permanently. To help your cat make the adjustment, try adding Cat Attract powder to World's Best litter. In Dr. Kent’s experience, 80% of cats will use this setup if they have stopped using their regular litter box.

Armed with these tips, you should have everything you need to potty train your new kitten or help your older cat adjust to using the litter box.

How To Get Your Cat To Use A Litter Box In 9 Easy Steps