Kittens are inherently inclined to use a litter box, which makes learning how to litter train a kitten pretty straightforward. Get step-by-step advice for how to train your kitten to use the litter box.
Unlike puppies who require ongoing house training, most kittens have an innate desire to cover their waste and will seek out loose material—like dirt or scoopable litter—on their own. Still, a gentle nudge in the right direction can make a big difference when it comes to litter training kittens.
What You’ll Need to Litter Train a Kitten
Kitten litter box
Kitten litter
Scooper that allows you to sift waste from the box
Plastic or compostable bags to place the waste
How to Litter Train a Kitten: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Where to Put the Litter Boxes
When it comes to litter training, location is everything. Cats like privacy and easy access, so low traffic areas that are effortless to find and step into are best. Many pet parents put litter boxes in their bathroom, a quiet corner of a bedroom or living area, or a closet with the door open.
If you have multiple floors in your home, put a litter box on each floor—that way, your cat won’t have to climb the stairs when it’s go-time. Again, it’s all about making this as easy as possible for your kitten.
The space should feel safe to your kitty, with plenty of visibility so they can monitor their surroundings as they go. (Going to the bathroom puts your kitten in a vulnerable position, so you’ll want to make sure they feel comfortable letting their guard down.)
Finally, do not place litter boxes next to your kitten’s food dishes. Hey, would you want to eat every meal right next to your toilet? Neither does your kitten.
2. Show Your Cat the Litter Boxes
Take your kitten to their litter box as soon as possible—it should be the No. 1 thing you do when you first bring them home. Continue to place them in the litter box a few times per day to help them remember where it’s located.
3. Scoop the Litter Box Once Daily
There’s a good chance that your kitten will use the litter box right away. To make sure they keep coming back, it’s important to scoop your litter box one or two times per day. Dirty litter boxes can be stressful for cats of all ages, including kittens, and can deter them from using it.
4. Be Patient
Your kitten may have a few accidents, so be patient with them as they learn the ropes. If your cat does go outside of the box, don’t scold them. They won’t understand why they’re being punished, and could even learn to be fearful of you as a result.
Cats tend to return to the same place repeatedly to do their business, especially if it smells like their waste. For that reason—and because you don’t want your home smelling like a dirty litter box—thoroughly clean up any accidents, ideally with an enzyme cleaner that will remove their scent as much as possible.
For most kittens, the steps above are all it takes to become fully litter trained. By encouraging your kitten’s natural instincts, ensuring they have everything they need for success, and indulging any quirky preferences they may have, you and your cat are on your way to a lifetime of litter box success. Good luck!
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