How to Potty Train a Full Grown Cat

Cats are not hard to potty train. In fact, in most cases, cats do not need to be "trained" at all. You simply need to show the cat where the litter box is and nature takes its course. One thing cats do instinctively is bury their waste. If your cat is not using the litter box or has stopped using the litter box, however, there could be a problem with either the cat, the litter or the litter box.

Things You'll Need

  • Litterbox
  • Litter
  • Scoop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if your cat has a medical problem. If Ms. Kitty is not using the litter box, or has stopped using the litter box, take her to the veterinarian for a full lab workup. Cats in pain from a urinary tract or bladder infection associate the pain with the litter box. If they experience pain whenever they attempt to urinate, they will soon avoid the litter box, believing it to be the source of the pain. If your cat has an infection and is treated, usually any litter box issues will clear up with the infection.

    • 2

      Change your cat's litter. If Ms. Kitty is not using the litter box, it could be because she does not like the litter. If you do not keep the litter box clean, she will avoid it. If she is using something such as your bed, downy comforters, pillows or other deep or soft things, use more litter so as to make it softer and deeper. She is trying to bury it deeper. If she is using a surface that is relatively hard, such as a floor mat, rug or indoor-outdoor carpet, then use less litter. She prefers not to dig so deeply. Accordingly, try changing to different brands of litter. It's possible she has a preference for certain textures and fragrances available from different companies.

    • 3

      Move your cat's litter box if there are other cats in the house. A good rule to follow is there should be one litter box for each cat in the house, and an additional litter box "for the house." So if you have one cat, ideally you should have two boxes. Some cats like privacy when they eliminate, and will seek out a hidden area. You may need to have a litter box in such an area. Other cats, especially in multicat households, like to be more out in the open so they can see if they are about to be ambushed by another cat. This is a favorite game cats play, but it's not much fun for the cat being ambushed. If this is the case, you may need to place a litter box in a less-obscure area with 360 degree vision.