If you have an indoor cat, one who refuses to go out in bad weather, or one with limited access to outside, a litter tray is essential. Litter training kittens and cats is relatively simple and with this helpful guide your furry friend will be using the tray confidently in no time!
A cat’s natural instincts will usually find them wanting to go to the toilet outside, but many cats like or need to have a litter tray indoors too. It’s usually best to start with cat toilet training from a young age, but older cats can still be taught to use a litter tray. In fact, they may even find it beneficial as they may be more sedentary, their joints could be stiffer, and they may lack the same enthusiasm to energy to go outside.
If you’re new to litter training kittens or cats, you may be wondering where to start. That’s why we created this guide to tell you everything you need to know, from what you’ll need to get started to how to get your new kitten accustomed to using the tray.
Getting the perfect cat litter tray
If you have got your kitten from a breeder and/or they have been raised in the home, they are probably already used to using a litter tray or a different area/surface for toileting. Cats are extremely clean animals and mother cats will generally teach their kittens go to the toilet away from the sleeping area.
Cats like to hide the evidence of their toileting and so gravitate to soft surfaces where they can bury or cover pee and poo. This instinct to dig and bury kicks in at around seven weeks of age.
The secret to litter training kittens is to build on this natural instinct and make the litter tray the best, easiest and most appealing place to toilet.
If you’re just starting out litter training kittens, ensure you use a low-sided plastic trays at first for easy access. When they’ve grown a bit, you can swap to a larger and deeper tray (although still with easy access) to give them enough room to turn around, find the perfect spot, and prevent kicking up and scattering the litter all over your home.
Once they are older and they are using their litter tray confidently and reliably, if you want to minimise odours and spillage while also giving your adult cat more privacy during toilet time, a covered tray could be more suitable. Most will enjoy the extra secrecy when doing their business, but some cats may be nervous about the enclosed space due to the fact that they only have one exit point if a threat appears.
You should also never use a covered or hooded litter tray when cat toilet training as the flap and big step in may be too many hurdles for your kitten to navigate at first.
An older cat will appreciate a lower sided tray that is easier to get in and out. If you have a multi-cat household, do not expect cats to share a litter tray. Each cat needs their own litter tray – with at least one extra.
Choosing the right type of cat litter
Each cat is an individual and you’ll find many will have a preference for the type of cat litter in their tray. What you might think is appealing might not be what your cat prefers – so be guided by them in this. To start with, it could be a bit of trial and error! Getting this right is incredibly important when litter training kittens or cats as if they don’t like it, they won’t go in it!
Most cats seem to prefer soft, small-grained litter (that doesn’t hurt their paws to walk on), that is dust free, that doesn’t have a strong (or any) scent, and that they can easily dig in. Most owners prefer litter that clumps, is easy to clean and absorbs smells. That is a good starting point for your first choice.
This type of litter is convenient as it will clump into balls when it comes into contact with liquids, this makes it easy to scoop and can help to save money as it ensures you’re only scooping out dirty litter.
You should consider using a dust free litter if your cat has an enclosed litter tray as dust won’t be thrown into your cat’s face when they’re busy burying their business.
These litter types are great as they absorb liquids extremely fast and they’re generally quite cheap – they won’t eliminate smells though.
This is a popular option as it absorbs well and can help with odour control somewhat, however it is more expensive than other options.
These are good if you’re looking to absorb liquids and odours fast, but this type is one of the most expensive cat litter options.
It’s usually better to avoid this type as they can upset your cat’s sensitive nose and put them off using the tray altogether.
If you need to change the type of litter you use for your preference, do it slowly so that it doesn’t come as a surprise to your cat and put them off. Follow the instructions on the litter packaging for recommended depth of litter, making sure that your cat has enough to dig with. If you want to catch any loose debris, place some newspaper beneath the tray.
Where to put the litter tray
The general rule is that there should be one litter tray per cat, plus an extra one in your home. Put each tray in a quiet area where they can go to the toilet in peace, avoiding busy hallways or near noise sources such as a washing machine. You should also choose a spot away from where they eat and drink. They tray must be easily and constantly accessible from the areas where you kitten will spend most of their time.
If you have a dog in your household, you will need to situate the trays out of the reach of your canine friend. Not only will the presence of the dog totally inhibit your cat from using the tray but, unpleasant as it sounds, cat poo is an enticing treat for dogs (being virtually pure meaty protein!).
When you’re litter training a kitten, always make sure that the tray can be easily accessed, especially if your cat spends all of their time in the house. As cats are very clean animals, once toilet trained and if they have no access to the outdoors, they will hold on as long as possible if there’s nowhere for them to go, which can be very uncomfortable and lead to health problems.
3 steps to litter training kittens and cats
If you’ve recently got a new kitten or are trying to teach an older cat how to use the tray, follow these 3 simple steps for litter training:
1. Know the signs when they’re ready to go
Adult cats will probably need to poop every 12-24 hours while kittens will be closer to three times a day. Once again, every cat is an individual though, but it won’t take you long to work out your own cats routine.
The first thing you’ll need to do when cat toilet training is to keep an eye on them and watch for the signs of when they need to go. You’ll probably see them sniffing, scratching or crouching on the floor.
A kitten will usually need to use the toilet straight after eating and/or drinking, when they wake up from a snooze, or after a play session.
2. Put them on the litter tray
At these times, or whenever you spot the telltale signs, simply lift them up (scooping them – not with your hand under their stomach) and gently place them in the tray. Then move away from them and let them get on with it. Soon your kitten will start to associate going to the toilet with being in the tray and will start to make their own way there.
3. Praise their success
After they’ve successfully used the tray, give them lots of praise and a tasty cat treat too. They’ll soon learn to think of the litter tray in a positive manner and will be using it confidently in no time.
Expect accidents to happen
When litter training kittens and cats, expect accidents to happen! It may take a while for them to confidently use the tray, but if you’re patient, consistent and don’t expect instant results, it’ll soon happen. Never punish them for going elsewhere in the home, simply quickly clean it up with an enzyme-based cleaner and keep up with your cat toilet training.
If your kitten or cat has been litter trained for a while and they suddenly start to urinate in the house, take them to the vet as it could be a sign of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or an indicator of pain. These need immediate veterinary attention, diagnosis and treatment.
The importance of cleaning the cat litter tray
If you want to avoid accidents in your house and ensure success with your cat’s toilet training, make sure that you’re cleaning their tray regularly. As clean creatures they won’t want to use a litter tray that they’ve soiled in a lot – or with some cats they will not want to use it if they’ve been in it just once.
Clean out the soiled litter at least once a day (ideally more), but you may need to do it more depending on how many cats you have and how often they use the tray. Get into the habit of checking it a couple of times a day – and cleaning up any time you pass and spot that it has been used. This will keep your cat happy and your house not smelling like a cat toilet!
You should also completely empty the tray and wash it out with hot water and detergent at least once a week. Avoid using disinfectants as these can be toxic to cats.
If you’re pregnant, never handle soiled litter as there’s a risk of toxoplasmosis – an infection that can be passed from you to your unborn baby. It is less likely in totally indoor cats than outdoor or semi-outdoor cats, but it is an extremely serious issue that can result in complications for your baby (including vision problems, developmental delays, deafness and neurological disorders). Have someone else do this chore, and make sure the tray is cleaned out several times a day. If you have no choice but to do this yourself, make sure you wear long surgical/rubber gloves and a mask that covers both your nose and mouth – and immediately wash your hands with soap and hot water afterwards.
For more information on caring for your new kitten, read our guide on how to stop cats scratching furniture.
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