How to Litter Train a Kitten, Plus More Expert Tips
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Adding a pet to the mix is one of the most joyful things you can do for your family—and with a kitten, that means prepping the house with the right cat feeders, fun toys, the best climbing trees, comfortable cat beds, and more. But we also know that all of that love and affection comes with some work. Responsible pet ownership means teaching and training your new little kitty, as well as paying attention to their needs. And with a cat, part of that acclimation is knowing how to train a kitten to use a litter box.
Thankfully, litter training is actually one of the easiest things that a new cat owner can undertake. “Humans play zero role in litter training cats beyond offering the things a cat needs, though we often love to claim the credit,” shares Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Katenna Jones of Jones Animal Behavior.
That said, to make sure your feline is all set to become a litter box user, it’s important to know the basics. To bring you the most practical, honest advice, we tapped into our network of highly accomplished cat behaviorists to get their take on everything from how to choose the right type of litter, to what not to do when you’re training your adorable new kitten. Keep reading for their expert insights and pet tips.
How to Litter Train a Kitten
If you’re looking for advice on how to litter train a kitten fast, you’re in luck! “If you’re adopting a kitten from a shelter, it’s going to be old enough that it’s potty trained,” explains Kristiina Wilson, founder and Certified Cat Behaviorist at Cattitude Adjustment. “You’re only going to have to start from scratch if they don’t have a mom to show them the ropes.”
In that case, it’s best to make them feel comfortable with the litter box as soon as possible. Let your kitten explore the litter box right when you bring them home, and continue to place them inside right after meals or water. This will encourage them to go to the bathroom, since cats naturally have to go after eating, drinking, and waking. You can also gently take their paws and softly dig at the litter to show it’s a safe spot to bury waste. Always give lots of praise and positive reinforcement when they do it right.
Remember, cats are naturally vulnerable when they’re doing their business, so place the litter box where your kitten feels safe, quiet, and comfortable, suggests Wilson. Keep the litter box in a low-traffic, enclosed space (like a bathroom or closet they can easily access), and never place it directly next to their food and water dishes.
Pro tip: Have at least one more litter box than you do cats. In a solo-cat household, your kitten might want to urinate in one spot and defecate in another. And with multiple cats in the home, having extra litter boxes helps prevent territorial behavior.
How to Choose the Right Type of Litter
The best litter for your cat is whichever kind they will use consistently, and finding that magic fit might involve some trial and error. “Cats are all individuals, and some have strong preferences for texture, depth, or size,” Wilson says. “Litter is just one piece of a litter box puzzle.” Once you find something they like, stick with it—cats are creatures of habit.
For first-time litter buyers, Wilson suggests starting with a soft, fine-grained, and unscented litter, which simulates the natural substrates of dirt and sand. And since kittens are naturally curious, buy a litter that’s non-toxic in case they accidentally ingest it.
While you might prefer scented litter, your cat doesn’t. Instead of choosing a litter that masks the smell of urine and feces with artificial scents, be more consistent about emptying your litter box before it starts to smell.
How to Choose the Right Litter Box
First, make sure that the box is amply sized. “Cats tolerate a LOT, but most hate boxes that are too small or boxes with difficult top entry,” Jones says. “Some cats prefer automatic boxes because they can be cleaner, but most prefer basic ones.” In addition, small, aging, or injured cats need litter boxes with a low lip that’s easy to walk into.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Kitten?
“As long as it takes to put litter in a box and put the box on the floor!” Jones says. “Kittens naturally litter train themselves.” Because it’s part of their instinct to dig and bury their waste, it’s more about guiding them to the correct place to do it than it is teaching them how to do it in the first place.
Unless you’re fostering a kitten from birth, they’re likely coming to you already litter box-trained, shares Wilson. If they’re not taking to the process, it’s up to you to notice their signals and adjust accordingly. That could mean getting them a bigger litter box, moving the box location, changing their litter brand, or something else. If they continue having accidents out of their littler box, rushing going to the bathroom or missing the box, or avoiding the box entirely, it’s time to consult your vet.
What Are Common Litter Training Mistakes?
- Since your litter box is likely in a tucked away spot out of sight, it’s easy to neglect—especially if you’re busy. Make sure you scoop at least daily to keep things clean and to keep your kitten comfortable going there over and over again.
- If your kitten is struggling with training, you might need to reevaluate your litter box choice. “Younger cats need a lower lip so they can climb into the litter box easily,” says Wilson. “As your kitten grows, make sure that box isn’t too small for a large cat, especially one with long fur who doesn’t want to get their fur dirty.”
- Never use punishment as a way of training. Instead, reward your kitten for doing it correctly.
What Litter-Training Essentials Do I Need?
With the right supplies on hand, litter training can be a breeze. Below are our recommendations for the products you need to purchase when you have a new kitten in the household.
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Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
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