Kitten litter box training 101

Welcoming a new kitten into your whare and whānau is an exciting time, but just like any young critter, they need a bit of guidance when it comes to toileting. 

Thankfully, cats are naturally clean creatures with an instinct to bury their waste. This behaviour is rooted in both hygiene and survival, as covering scent helps avoid detection by predators. That’s why most kittens will naturally seek out a litter box, especially when it mimics a soft, diggable substrate. 

With the right set-up and support, litter box training is often a smooth process. This guide with Dr. Rosalind Holland (BVSc, MVM, MANZCVS), will walk you through how to toilet train a kitten, including everything from choosing the right cat litter box to managing accidents without stress.

When to start litter box training

Despite their instincts, your kitten will still need a bit of guidance, especially in a brand-new environment. According to Dr. Holland, “It’s never too early to start litter box training. As soon as your new kitten arrives home, show them the litter box and let them have a good exploration and sniff.”

To set your kitten up for success early on, introduce them to the home first by confining them to a single room with all their essentials: 

• Food
• Water
• Bedding 
• Somewhere to hide
• Toys and a scratching post
• Litter tray

“Housing your kitten in a smaller space initially can help them figure out where all the important things are and reduce the risk of accidents,” Dr. Holland says.

Make sure this room is 'cat-proofed' from escape or potential toxins (such as common houseplants).

Once the litter box is in place, avoid moving it. Sudden location changes can confuse your kitten and delay progress.

Choosing the right litter box  

Not all litter boxes are created equal, especially for tiny kittens. Steer clear of models with high sides or covered tops early on. “Initially, avoid litter boxes that are hard to get into,” Dr. Holland advises. “Once your kitten is fully trained, you can transition to these if you want to.”

 Look for something that is:

• Shallow and easy to climb into
• Open-topped for ventilation and visibility
• Big enough for your kitten to turn around comfortably

As your kitten grows, be sure to transition them to an adult-sized litter tray, which should be one and a half times the length of your cat’s body.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many cats prefer uncovered litter boxes, as covered ones trap odours and can make your cat feel vulnerable to ambush if in a multi-cat household.

Where to place the litter box  

The location of your litter tray matters more than you might think.

Choose a quiet, private spot that’s easy to access and far away from food and water bowls. Avoid thoroughfares, noisy areas or places where your kitten might feel cornered.

Once your kitten has access to the rest of the house, ensure there’s a litter box available on each floor (if you have a multi-level home) so your kitten doesn’t have to go far when nature calls.

If you are a multi-pet household and have a canine companion, keep the litter tray somewhere that your dog can’t access. This will prevent them from rummaging through a used litter tray and ingesting something they shouldn’t!

How many litter boxes do you need?

The general rule for litter boxes is simple: one per cat plus one extra. This may sound like overkill when you’ve only got one kitten, but having options is key, especially during toilet training or in a new environment.

Here’s why it helps:

• Your kitten may have a preference for one spot over another
• If one tray gets soiled, there’s always a clean alternative
• Some cats like to pee and poop in different boxes
• It reduces the risk of accidents caused by a blocked path or a closed door
• It minimises territory disputes and reduces the likelihood of spraying if you already have multiple cats

What type of litter should you use?  

There are plenty of options, from clay and recycled paper to wood pellets and crystals. Avoid scented litter, as cats have sensitive noses and can be put off from using the litter tray, if a smell offends them.

Dr. Holland notes: “Different cats (and owners) have different litter preferences. However, clumping litter is more likely to stick to feet and fur and can be a challenge for small kittens, so I would tend to avoid this when they are young.”

SPCA also recommends not using clumping litter until your cat is at least 4 months old due to potential stomach issues if ingested.

If your kitten has previously been toileting outdoors or in foster care, they may not recognise the cat litter you provide straight away. Dr. Holland suggests using a small amount of soil from your garden or the familiar litter at first to help ease the transition.

Why avoid litter box liners

While it may seem like litter box liners would make cleaning easier, many cats dislike the texture and scent. Liners can shift under your kitten’s paws, which may discourage them from using the tray altogether. Skip the liners in favour of regular scooping and deep cleaning.

How to keep the litter box clean

Cats are fastidious animals, and kittens are no exception. “Cats can be very fussy and don’t like using a dirty box,” Dr. Holland says.

Follow this simple routine:

Daily

• Scoop out solids and wet clumps
• Top up with fresh litter if needed

Weekly

• Empty all litter
• Wash the tray with hot water and mild soap

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can mimic the smell of urine and confuse your kitten.

If they have an accident outside the tray, clean the area thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner, which removes trace scents of urine (even ones you can’t smell, but your cat can). “This helps your kitten learn not to keep using that location,” Dr. Holland explains.

Set your kitten up for success to avoid future accidents. If your kitten toilets on bedding or laundry, keep these items off the floor. If your kitten keeps toileting in the same spot, place a litter box in the location.

Final tips for success

As you get to know your kitten, keep an eye out for common toileting cues like sniffing the floor, circling, or squatting. If you spot these signs, gently place your kitten in the litter tray to help reinforce the connection. Positive reinforcement, like soft praise or a small treat, can go a long way in building good habits.

Stay consistent with your routine, keep the environment calm and predictable, and avoid punishing mistakes. Accidents are a normal part of learning, especially in a new home. Instead of reacting with frustration, focus on gently guiding your kitten back to the right spot, and your kitten will be confidently using the litter tray in no time.

Litter training is just the beginning of a healthy start. Consider protecting your kitten with SPCA Pet Insurance, in case they become unexpectedly sick or accidentally injured. Get a quote today and enjoy peace of mind for years to come.