How to Litter Train a Kitten

As you introduce a new kitten to your home, prepare for how you will handle litter training. 

The good news is that cats typically take quickly to “potty training.” However, if you aren’t proactive, you may wind up needing to break bad habits. 

Choose a Litter Box Style

You may need to experiment to find the best fit for you and your kitten. Some cats are more amenable to litter boxes equipped with a curtain, dome, or plastic cover. 

Others prefer litter boxes that are kept in an elevated location or away from busier parts of the home. The best litter box style is the one that will help your cat feel comfortable.

Choose a Litter Type

You may need to try out a few litter types to discover your kitten’s preference. Some litters are more environmentally-safe than others, as well. 

Here are several common litter types:

• Clumping clay. Scoopable litter makes litter box cleaning easier. However, clumping clay litter is heavy, dusty, and non-biodegradable. 
• Non-clumping clay. Some cats like non-clumping litter better, and it is the most affordable litter type available. However, because it doesn’t clump, odors are often more prevalent, and it is also heavy. 
• Silica gel. Highly absorbent silica gel crystals disguise odor, is nearly dust-free, and cats don’t track it outside the box as frequently. However, this substance is toxic to cats, who can ingest it when cleaning their feet. It is also more expensive. 
• Environmentally-friendly litter types include recycled paper, pine, corn, wheat, walnut shells, and grass. Each of these is made from a degradable material. These types of litter can be challenging to find and are sometimes harder to scoop. They may be worth a try, however, especially if you are concerned about the environmental impact of clay and silica litters. 

Choose a Litter Box Location

Ideal litter box locations include privacy and accessibility. Choose a tucked-away spot like the corner of a guest room, an open closet, or a bathroom. Make sure your cat can easily find the box and that you have room to scoop or change the litter.

Litter Train Your Kitten

Most of the time, once you show a cat to the litter box, they will start using it right away. To be on the safe side, it is a good idea to place your kitten in the box a few times a day at first to be sure they get the idea.

If your kitten does use the bathroom outside the box, be sure to clean it up right away. Use a product that removes the scent of urine and feces completely so your kitten won’t use that spot again.

When your cat uses the box successfully, reward them with a cat treat or a nice petting session with plenty of encouraging words. Cats are notoriously food-motivated and usually respond well to human praise. They will want to keep pleasing you.  

Maintain the Litter Box

Cats prefer a clean litter box. They are far more likely to urinate or defecate outside the box when it needs scooping or changing. It’s easier to scoop daily than to deal with an overflowing box, and your cat will be happier, too. 

You will also need to thoroughly clean the litter box every few weeks. Dump the litter and scrub the box out in a utility sink with hot, soapy water. 

Special Considerations

If you have more than one cat, purchase multiple litter boxes. Cats are territorial and may refuse to share, instead finding a spot away from the box. 

If you have small children in the home, take extra care to find a private, out-of-reach spot for the litter box. Your kitten may be naturally wary of energetic kids and less likely to use a box that is in a high-traffic area. It’s also important to keep young children out of the litter box for hygiene reasons. Some litter is also dangerous if swallowed.  

Pregnant women should not change or scoop cat litter. Feline feces may contain a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis infection, a rare, but serious condition.