Last Updated: 19/02/2026
How to Litter Train Your Cat
Litter training is usually straightforward thanks to a cat's natural instincts. Our vet-guide covers everything from choosing the right substrate to hygiene tips and advice for transitioning outdoor cats to an indoor lifestyle.
Author: Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Reading Time: 10 minutes - short read
Bringing a new feline friend home is an exciting time, but wondering where they’ll "do their business" can be a source of stress for new pet parents. Fortunately, cats are instinctively clean animals with a natural drive to bury their waste. Whether you are teaching a tiny kitten the ropes or helping an older outdoor cat adjust to life inside, the process is often simpler than you might think. By setting up the right environment and understanding your cat's preferences, you can make toilet training a positive, stress-free bonding experience for both of you.
When to start litter training
Kittens will usually start learning to use a litter tray around 4 weeks of age thanks to their mothers, and so the good news is that by the time you adopt your new feline friend they will likely already be toilet trained!
If your kitty still needs a bit of a helping hand, then don't fear as litter box training is generally quite straightforward, and most cats pick it up quickly due to their cleanliness and natural instincts to cover their tracks after toileting. In any case, it's best to start getting your kitten into a routine with litter training as soon as they arrive home.
If your cat was formerly an outdoor cat then they can be a bit trickier to litter train, however their innate instincts should kick in quickly. To help ease their transition:
- You can initially use outdoor soil as your cat's litter substrate until they are used to going in the box
- Then gradually increase the amount of cat litter and reduce the amount of soil until your cat is solely using the cat litter.
Each cat has their personal preferences when it comes to their toileting - including size, location and accessibility of their litter boxes as well as the type of litter.
Ensuring your cat has their preference of litter box and litter type helps promote regular toileting habits, decreases stress and prevents the development of urinary issues.
Choosing the perfect litter box and placement
Finding the right setup is key to a happy cat and a clean home. Every cat has their own quirks when it comes to their "bathroom" preferences, so it often pays to keep these factors in mind:
Choosing the right box
- Style preferences: Cats can be picky! You may need to experiment with hooded, open, or extra-spacious trays to see what makes your kitty feel most secure.
- Kittens: Opt for a tray with low sides so those tiny legs can climb in and out with ease.
- Senior or arthritic cats: Choose a larger tray with a very low entry lip. Avoid any designs that require climbing stairs, as this can be painful for stiff joints.
- Large breeds: Ensure the tray is big enough for your cat to comfortably enter, stand, and turn around in completely. It should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat, from nose to tail-tip.
Perfect placement and numbers
- Location, location, location: Place trays in quiet, low-traffic areas away from loud appliances like washing machines. Most importantly, keep them well away from food and water bowls.
- The golden rule: Provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. For example, if you have two cats, you should have three trays.
- Multi-storey homes: Ensure there is at least one tray available on every level of your house.
- Safe access: In multi-cat homes, place trays in areas with two-way access. This prevents "bullying" where one cat might guard or block the entrance, forcing the other to go elsewhere.
Selecting the best litter type
When bringing a new kitten home, try to use the same litter and tray they are already familiar with to help them settle in. You can transition to a different type later. For young kittens, avoid clumping clay or crystal litters, as these can be dangerous if ingested; tofu or paper options are much safer.
Clumping vs non-clumping
- Clumping: Bonds with urine for easy removal of waste. While often more expensive upfront, it lasts longer and makes daily cleaning simpler.
- Non-clumping: Absorbs urine without forming clumps, often requiring more frequent full tray changes.
Choosing your litter substrate
If you're unsure where to start, many cats prefer unscented clay as it mimics the feel of natural soil.
- Clay: Highly popular and mimics nature. Clumping versions absorb liquid rapidly, though it can be dusty and prone to tracking.
- Crystal: Made from silica gel to lock in moisture and odours. It requires less frequent cleaning but is unsuitable for kittens who might eat it.
- Tofu: A biodegradable, plant-based option made from soybean fibre. It’s gentle on paws and safe for kittens.
- Corn: An eco-friendly, absorbent choice with great odour control. Ensure the bag is kept sealed to prevent mould.
- Paper: Made from recycled newspaper. It is scent-free and eco-friendly, though some cats may find the texture unappealing.
- Wood: A compostable option made from pine. Its natural scent provides excellent odour control without artificial fragrances.
To find out everything you need to know about the best litter type for your feline friend, have a read of our comprehensive guide: A Complete Guide to Cat Litter.
Litter box hygiene
Cats are fastidious creatures, so maintaining a pristine litter box is essential for their well-being. A clean tray encourages regular habits, prevents unpleasant household smells, and reduces stress - a key factor in avoiding feline urinary issues.
Maintenance and cleaning
- Daily scooping: Remove waste at least once or twice a day. Clumping litter can make this task easier, and keeping a sturdy scoop nearby makes this quick and easy.
- Weekly deep clean: Aim to completely empty and wash the box once a week. Use a mild detergent, then rinse and dry thoroughly before adding fresh litter.
- Ideal depth: Maintain a litter depth of at least 5 to 8cm. This allows your cat to follow their instinct to bury waste and ensures urine is fully absorbed.
- Annual replacement: Replace the plastic litter box once a year. Over time, scratches from your cat's claws create small grooves that trap bacteria and stubborn odours.
- Litter liners: Consider using liners to protect the tray from scratches and make the emptying process much faster.
Multi-cat considerations
- Increased frequency: In households with multiple cats, you will need to scoop and change the litter more frequently to keep up with the extra use and prevent territorial stress.
Pregnant women need to take extra care when it comes to the litter box due to the risk of toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can be shed in cat faeces. While it often causes only mild, flu-like symptoms in healthy adults, it can be very serious for an unborn baby.
To stay safe during pregnancy, it is best to follow these precautions:
- Hand over the duty: If possible, have another family member take over the daily scooping and cleaning of the litter box.
- Wear protection: If you must change the litter yourself, always wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterward.
- Scoop daily: The parasite typically becomes infectious 1 to 5 days after being passed in the faeces, so removing waste every single day reduces the risk of exposure.
- Cover up outdoors: Wear gloves when gardening, as outdoor cats may use garden beds as a toilet, and wash all home-grown produce carefully.
Introducing your cat to the litter box
Patience and consistency are the most important tools when teaching your cat where to go. Moving is a big adjustment, so giving your feline friend time to explore and learn their new routine is essential for success.
Setting up for success
- Preparation: Have the litter box set up in its permanent location before your cat arrives. To avoid confusion, try not to move it once they have been introduced to the spot.
- Limit the space: Initially, confine your new kitty to a smaller, restricted area of the house. This makes it easier for them to find the box and helps them feel more secure as they transition.
- The introduction: Show your cat the box as soon as they arrive home. Place them gently inside the tray to allow them to sniff and explore the texture of the litter.
Encouraging the habit
- Timely reminders: Place your kitten in the box at times they are most likely to need it, such as immediately after waking up, eating, drinking, or finishing a play session.
- Positive reinforcement: When your cat uses the tray correctly, offer praise, a small treat, or a favourite toy to reward the behaviour.
- Watch for cues: Look for signs that your cat needs to go, such as sniffing the floor intently or circling. If you spot these behaviours, gently move them to the litter box and provide a little privacy.
- Hygiene matters: Cats are more likely to return to a box that is kept fresh, so ensure you are scooping regularly during the training phase.
Training usually takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Every cat learns at their own pace, but staying positive and providing the right environment will ensure they become a pro in no time.
Learn more about How to Toilet Train a Kitten.
Common training challenges
Accidents may happen during the toileting training process, and if your kitten goes to the toilet in the wrong place, it is best to ignore it - remember, never to punish your kitten for toileting inappropriately as this is not only detrimental to the bond between you two, but may actually delay their learning process.
Simply clean the soiled area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner which neutralises the odour and also reduces the likelihood of your cat using that place to toilet again.
As mentioned above, cats can be quite particular about the conditions in which they're willing to toilet, and if your cat doesn't seem to be adapting to toilet training then run through this troubleshooting checklist as your cat may not like:
- The type or size of the litter box (remember kittens and older cats may have difficulty getting in and out of the tray)
- The type, texture or smell of the litter
- The location of the litter box
- Not having enough trays available
- The level of cleanliness of their litter trays
Remember, you may need to experiment until you find the right combination of factors to appease your kitty!
Stress and anxiety are common causes of toileting troubles, and as mentioned before, moving into a new environment can be stressful in itself. Feliway is a great way to help reduce anxiety in cats, particularly when they are settling into their new homes. Feliway has been shown to reduce signs of stress in cats including urinating outside the litter box.
If you have adopted an adult cat and they are not desexed, this can contribute to inappropriate urination. Desexing your cat can have a positive impact on inappropriate toileting if they are doing so for reproductive or territorial reasons, and has several other health benefits as well.
If you are still struggling with toilet training your cat with the above measures, please consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
FAQs
Litter training is a journey that rewards patience and consistency. By providing a clean, accessible, and private space, you are setting your cat up for lifelong success. Remember that every cat is an individual; what works for one might not work for another. Stay positive, keep the tray fresh, and soon enough, your cat's bathroom habits will be second nature.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Veterinarian, MANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr Jacqui graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011 and has worked in various small animal practices around Melbourne. Dr Jacqui loves witnessing the human-animal bond, and feels privileged that she is in a profession which allows her to make a difference to so many people and their loved ones. Dr Jacqui has a special interest in Feline Medicine, and attained her Membership Qualification in Feline Medicine with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2022.
Accidents may happen during the toileting training process, and if your kitten goes to the toilet in the wrong place, it is best to ignore it - remember, never to punish your kitten for toileting inappropriately as this is not only detrimental to the bond between you two, but may actually delay their learning process.
Simply clean the soiled area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner which neutralises the odour and also reduces the likelihood of your cat using that place to toilet again.