How to Train Your Cat to Use the Litter Box

The Early Weeks

Tiny kittens need their mother to help them learn how to take care of themselves. If their mother uses the litter box, her babies will likely learn to use it too.

Mother Cat Knows Best: During the first six weeks, the mother cat started teaching her kittens how to clean themselves. She helps the kittens relieve themselves and then ensures they clean up afterward. She wants her kittens to become independent and able to take care of themselves.

Note: If your kitten is younger than 3 weeks old, they are too young to be litter trained. You will need to clean up after them as their mother would until they start weaning, which is around 4 weeks old.

Training Outdoor Cats

If the mother cat is an outdoor cat, training the kitten can be more challenging. An outdoor cat may not even know what a litter box is. In this case, the human caregivers need to take over and train them.

The instinct to find a sandy, granular area to relieve themselves comes naturally, especially if the adult cat is used to being outside.

Sometimes, kittens need help learning to use a litter box in a new environment. Here are some steps to help make their training as smooth as possible:

1. Show them where the litter box is: Take your kitten to the litter box as soon as you bring them home. Remind them regularly where the litter box is located.
2. Use a smaller box: A large box can intimidate young kittens. Start with a smaller box they can easily access.
3. Reward good behavior: When your cat uses the litter box correctly, give them a treat or a toy. This helps them associate the litter box with positive experiences.

Important Litter Box Factors

Choose the right size box: Wondering why your cat isn’t using the litter box? Remember that a large box can intimidate young kittens. And cats can be picky. So, take your time to choose the best litter box for your kitten.

A kitten’s first litter box is important. It should be low enough for them to step into. When Simba, the runt of his litter, used his first litter box, he had to make a little hop to get in. Instead, Simba started using a small baking pan, which worked perfectly for him.

Researchers recommend a litter tray size of 13 by 9 inches for kittens. As the kitten grows, the litter box should also gradually become larger. A good rule of thumb is that the box should be 1.5 times the size of your kitten.

A too-small litter box might result in accidents outside the box. Some owners may need to try a few options before deciding which works best.

Another crucial point is whether the kitten prefers a covered litter box. Initially, use an open box to observe how they go. Once they become pros, a covered box can offer privacy as they grow.

The perfect number of boxes: Determine how many litter boxes to use. For one kitten, one litter box is usually enough. However, some experts recommend having two boxes for one kitten. For multiple kittens, have at least three litter boxes. If you have a multi-level home and multiple cats, place a box on each level.

Where to Place the Litter Boxes

It’s tempting to keep the litter box “out of sight and out of mind.” However, avoid placing them in dark, hidden places like closets or corners. Cats don’t like feeling cornered when they need to go.

A quiet, well-lit area with little foot traffic is the best place for a litter box.

Choosing the Right Type of Litter

Taste test: Some kittens might try to eat the litter because they don’t know what it is. Eating litter can be dangerous and might indicate health issues like pica, a craving to eat non-food items. If your kitten has pica, they may have a vitamin deficiency or another health issue. It’s best to consult a vet.

Note: If a kitten is under three months, it’s normal for them to try to eat the litter.

Knowing this, avoid clumping litter for young kittens, as it can cause digestive issues if ingested.

The Invention of Cat Litter

Cat litter is a modern invention. Before WWII, people used sand or ashes, which didn’t work well. Today, there are seven types of cat litter available: clay, tofu, crystal (silica gel), paper pellets, walnut, pine pellets, and corn.

Clay: The oldest and most commonly used. However, it can be dusty and easily tracked through the house. Some consider it unsafe due to silica dust.

Tofu: Made from soybean fibers, it’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and dust-free. It clumps well and can be flushed, but it’s susceptible to mold.

Paper Pellets: Made from recycled paper, it’s environmentally friendly and less dusty.

Walnut: Made from crushed walnut shells, it’s lightweight but can still be tracked through the house.

Pine: Made from reclaimed lumber, it’s environmentally friendly but has a strong scent and can be uncomfortable for some cats.

Corn: Another eco-friendly option, but like tofu, it can mold.

Crystal: Made from silica gel, it’s highly absorbent and lightweight. It’s odorless and helps monitor health with color-changing properties.

The Ins and Outs of Litter Training

Show them the box: One of the most important steps is showing your kitten where the litter box is. Take them there as soon as you bring them home.

Reward good behavior: Give your cat a treat or toy when they use the litter box correctly. This reinforces positive behavior.

Daily cleaning: A clean litter box is crucial. Scoop daily to keep it clean and avoid any aversion to using it.

Training older cats: Older cats usually know how to use a litter box, but outdoor cats might need soil mixed with litter to transition. Gradually mix in more litter until they’re used to it.

Be patient: It takes time for cats to learn. Be consistent and patient.

Summary

Training your cat to use the litter box takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it. By choosing the right box, litter, and using positive reinforcement, you can ensure your cat becomes and stays litter trained.

Sources:

1. Booth, S. (2022, April 11). Common Carcinogens You Should Know.
2. Char, J. (2021, August 4). How to Choose a Litter Box for Your Cat.
3. Elliott, D. (2020, July 1). What Does It Mean When a Kitten Is Eating Litter?
4. Helmer, J. (2022, October 1). The Wildest.
5. Lovejoy, J. (2020, April 20). Litter Training Kittens 101: When to Start and How to Do It.