Good news for new cat parents: litter box training is usually the easiest part of having a cat. Most kittens arrive with the instinct already wired in, so your job is mostly to set the stage and then stay out of the way. Here is how to get it right from day one, plus what to do when an adult cat needs a refresher.
Why it is usually easy
Cats are instinctively driven to bury their waste in loose material. Picture a kitten who, within days of coming home, scratches at the litter and figures the whole thing out with zero lessons. That is the norm. Your role is simply to make the box obvious, accessible, and appealing.
Step 1: Set up the right box
- Use a box with low sides for kittens and senior cats so they can climb in easily.
- Make it big enough, about one and a half times your cat's body length.
- Follow the N+1 rule: one box per cat, plus one extra.
- Place boxes in quiet, easy-to-reach spots, away from food and noise.
A roomy, easy-clean box that will not trap odors, and it includes a scoop to make daily upkeep simple.
Shop nowStep 2: Choose a litter cats like
Most cats prefer unscented, soft, fine-grained litter that feels good on their paws. Fill the box about two inches deep. Skip heavy fragrances, because what smells fresh to you can be off-putting to a cat.
Step 3: Show them the box
- Right after bringing your cat home, place them gently in the box so they know where it is.
- Set them in it after meals and naps, which are common potty times.
- If they start scratching the floor or sniffing in circles, calmly lift them into the box.
- When they use it, offer quiet praise or a treat. Never punish accidents, since fear sets training back.
Step 4: Keep it clean
This is the secret to a cat who keeps using the box: scoop at least once a day, and refresh the litter fully on a schedule. A quick odor neutralizer between scoops keeps the box inviting.
Sprinkle-and-go beads that keep the box fresh between scoops, non-toxic and safe around cats and kittens.
Shop nowTroubleshooting accidents
- Going right next to the box? The box may be too dirty, too small, or the litter is not to their liking.
- Going in one specific spot? Clean it with an enzyme cleaner, not ammonia, so the scent does not lure them back, and consider placing a box there temporarily.
- Sudden change in a trained cat? Rule out a medical issue with your vet first, since it is the most common hidden cause.
For a deeper dive on setbacks, see our guide on why cats pee outside the litter box. During training, a washable pad can protect floors and favorite corners:
Absorbent, washable protection for floors and beds while your kitten learns the ropes.
Shop nowBe patient, they will get it
With a clean, well-placed box and the right litter, most cats train themselves within days. Browse our litter and odor essentials and everything else for your cat. Every purchase helps a shelter cat find a loving home.