How to train a kitten to use a litter box – step-by-step instructions

At first, teaching a kitten to use a litter box can seem difficult, but with the correct method, it’s a straightforward process. Since cats are naturally clean creatures, most kittens will pick up new skills fast with a little instruction.

The secret is to be persistent and patient. By creating the ideal environment and providing guidance to your kitten, you can aid in the early development of positive habits. It all comes down to making the environment cozy and recognizable so they can use the litter box with assurance.

We’ll walk you through every step of kitten training in this guide, from picking the best litter box to rewarding good behavior. Your kitten will become an expert litter box user with a little time and effort.

Step-by-step instructions

Now that you know the fundamentals, you can help your kitten develop a new, very helpful habit: using a tray to relieve himself.

1. Place the filler in a quiet and secluded place in your home. This should not be a passage or a corridor, as well as places near doors where people often go. The ideal place is a bathroom or toilet that is always open and the cat has access to the filler around the clock.
2. The best time for the first visit to the new toilet will be an interval of 20-40 minutes after the kitten eats. Take it and put it with its paws directly into the tray with filler.
3. Stroke it, say something affectionate, and then step back and let it look around and sniff a new place for it.
4. If the kitten is ready, it will do all the necessary things. After the procedure is completely completed, praise it and bury the waste with a fresh layer of filler. Waste should not be removed due to the importance of the presence of the smell of waste in the toilet area. Cats feel this smell and it’s easier for them to find a toilet place. Nevertheless, you can’t completely leave the toilet untouched. Kittens and adult cats are very demanding on cleanliness and will not go to the dirty tray.

Crucial! Be careful not to treat the kitten too harshly. If he uses the restroom inappropriately and you are unable to get him used to the tray, you should express your displeasure to him in a polite manner. When the kitten makes a mistake, approach him, gently tap his nose with your finger, and explain to me what went wrong (this is how cats correct their misbehaving kittens). After that, gently explain that you must use the restroom right now while carrying it to the tray.

Do not chastise the cat if it passed the toilet more than an hour ago as this will lead to a misunderstanding. He won’t recall the mistakes he made. It is imperative to communicate the error as soon as possible, but as we mentioned earlier, do so in a very polite way that avoids yelling and using physical force.

We train kittens at different ages

Please indicate your kitten or cat’s age so that we can provide you with recommendations for your case that are more pertinent and useful.

Kitten up to 3 months

Training a kitten that is up to three months old to use a tray for toileting is slightly more challenging than training an older cat. This age group trains more slowly. Although it will probably take you seven to ten days instead of three, you can train any cat.

It is best to put the tray in the room where your tiny kitten spends the majority of their time.

It is crucial to put the tray containing filler in the bedroom or hallway where the tiny kitten spends the majority of its time if it is a small kitten. After the kitten has learned to use the toilet in two to three weeks, you can progressively move the tray to a more private area for it and a convenient location for a person, like the restroom or toilet.

As soon as the kitten starts to move around the room on its own, observe its behavior closely. As soon as you see that the kitten has stopped and is alert, move it directly, without making any movements, to the tray. This is a clear indication that it is considering using the restroom.

Kitten from 3 to 6 months

When teaching a kitten to use the tray, this is the best time to do it. If you just follow the directions, you’ll be successful. And never forget that giving your pet gentle care is far more crucial than punishing it.

Cat from 6 months

It is more difficult for an older cat to pick up new habits. It will take more time, patience, and endurance for the kitten to learn where to go. Additionally, six months is a good age to start training a cat to use the bathroom in addition to the tray. However, if the cat has never even used the tray, you must begin very gently, starting with the essentials.

The key to teaching a kitten to use a litter box is to be consistent, patient, and to create a cozy environment. Initially, locate the litter box in a peaceful, convenient area and promptly acquaint the kitten with it. To encourage use, gently put the kitten in the box after meals or naps. To keep the litter hygienic and appealing, clean it frequently. When they use the box, rewards like praise or treats will help to strengthen the habit. Most kittens will quickly pick up on things given enough time and encouragement.

Why does a cat walk past the tray?

Sometimes a cat, even an adult one, will approach the tray, but it will instead go to the nearby toilet.

Fundamental causes:

1. The kitten doesn"t like the filler. It has an unpleasant smell, it can be either chemical or the smell of waste.
2. You don"t like the smell of the litter box itself, perhaps you washed it with a chemical or chlorine, which the kitten does not tolerate.
3. The sides of the litter box are too high and the kitten is uncomfortable jumping so high. The toilet should be accessible.
4. And the kitten may just be very young and not understand how to go to the toilet correctly. Continue to train and over time its behavior will improve.

Get rid of the causes; that should assist. If not, talk to the veterinarian; the kitten might be experiencing discomfort.

Training the cat to the toilet

Hold off on potty training the kitten until it is six months old. At this point, the animal can safely complete the entire process in the toilet without needing the litter box. Additionally, confirm that your toilet’s design keeps the animal safe in the event that it unintentionally falls into the water. Consider whether it is worthwhile to teach the cat to use the restroom if it is unable to escape the water with sufficient ease. Alternately, use the unique toilet attachment that is available for purchase in the store; more about it below.

1. Start by moving the tray to the toilet.
2. As soon as the cat starts going to the right place regularly, put a book or a stack of newspapers 2-3 cm high under the tray every 1-2 days in the first days, and then up to 5-8 cm per day.
3. Thus, on about 10-15 days the tray will be at the height of the toilet. Leave the tray on the closed toilet lid for a couple of days.
4. If the cat has gotten used to going to the right place, periodically remove the tray, open the toilet lid and leave a little filler on the bottom (if provided by the design).
5. It will take some time for the cat to get used to the toilet and the absence of a tray. It may take a week to train, or it may take 2-3 months. Be patient and do not scold the cat for not succeeding right away. On the contrary, be polite and affectionate with him. He feels a good attitude and will be more willing to learn new things.

The best spot for the cat’s litter box is in the toilet’s corner. Additionally, potty training is a requirement that must be met.

Take note! Take note of the cat-specific toilet attachments available at pet supply stores. This method of toilet training a cat is quicker and simpler, and because the grate prevents the cat from falling into the water by accident, you will also keep it safe. It will be necessary to remove the attachment when using the restroom, and don’t forget to replace it when you’re done.

Nothing works

Take a look at our second article on the subject, "How to wean a cat from shitting in the wrong place," to get some fresh advice on how to handle this situation.

Now let’s discuss some more tips for teaching a kitten or an adult cat to use a litter box.

Once more, be mindful of your filler and litter box. To avoid a chemical odor in the litter box, use the most neutral filler and avoid washing it with special cleaning supplies. Allow a special location to smell better than a restroom; cats find this more agreeable than a chemical smell. Additionally, you can choose the best litter box for your cat by reading our article on how to choose a litter box for a cat, which includes a rating system.

It takes time to teach an adult cat to use a litter box. Exercise more emotional self control and accept the possibility that it could take your cat up to a month to completely adjust to a new habit. Throughout this period, follow the strategy and guidelines provided in the article to ensure the cat adjusts to its new surroundings. Everything was covered in the above instructions.

The rugs and carpets are where the kitten pisses. Applying a lemon, orange, pomelo, or other citrus fruit scent to certain areas can serve as a temporary fix for unwelcome bathroom excursions in inappropriate locations. Cats will no longer use this area for their toilet needs because they dislike the odors there.

There’s no time to teach the kitten to use the potty. It’s crucial to take the kitten to the litter box frequently when it’s young. However, if you are short on time, frequently at work, or need to miss work for another reason, consider purchasing a cat toilet training spray from a pet supply store.

What should I do if the kitten eats litter? This behavior could be caused by various factors, such as a deficiency of minerals or a simple misinterpretation brought on by aging. Whatever the situation, begin by doing the following:

1. Buy him corn litter. It is harmless, absorbs moisture well. When it gets into the stomach, it dissolves easily, since it is made from corn. The only downside is that it is expensive. But you will only need it for the first time, until the kitten understands that it is not necessary to eat litter.
2. For prevention or in cases where the kitten eats too much litter, take it to the vet. There, they may give recommendations on buying mineral complexes and vitamins.
3. You can also cover the litter box with a grid that will block access to the filler itself. The mesh should be fine so that the kitten does not fall through and does not experience discomfort when on such a grid. However, this point should be the last on the list. Little kittens should be trained to the filler.

My cat uses flower pots as restrooms. It’s a natural reaction for cats to like the smell of dirt. There are two ways to frighten them off:

1. Cover the surface of the soil with small stones. This will reduce the smell of the soil, and will not harm the plants.
2. You can put an orange or lemon peel on the surface. Cats do not like the smell of citrus fruits.

At first, teaching your kitten to use the litter box might seem difficult, but with perseverance and patience, they will pick it up quickly. You can set up your kitten for success by taking a few easy steps, like selecting the appropriate litter box, putting it in a peaceful area, and acclimating them to it gradually.

Pay close attention to your kitten’s behavior and give them praise when they use the litter box properly. If mishaps occur, maintain composure and tidy up without taking offense as it might frighten or perplex them. Over time, positive reinforcement will create better habits.

Your kitten will quickly become accustomed to using their litter box on a regular basis with the right direction and encouragement. It all comes down to keeping things stress-free for you both and making the process simple for them.

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