How to Potty Train a Kitten So It Doesn't Go on the Carpet

Most cats you purchase from a pet store or rescue from a shelter will already be litter box trained. However, if you bring a kitten in from off the street or your cat has kittens, you may need to train your kitten to use a litter box, instead of the carpet. Luckily, cats prefer naturally sandy areas to use as a toilet, which makes the litter in a litter box inviting. With a little effort, you can easily teach your kitten to use the litter box.

Things You'll Need

  • Small room
  • Litter box
  • Litter scoop
  • Fresh litter
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your kitten and the litter box in the same small room, such as a bathroom or laundry room until, she is litter trained.

    • 2

      Spend time in the room with your kitten. Do not just leave her alone. Observe her in the room and learn her signs that indicate she needs to go potty. Commonly kittens will scratch or squat in a corner.

    • 3

      Pick your kitten up and place her in the litter box when she shows signs she needs to go. Praise her for using the box.

    • 4

      Use a litter scoop to remove soiled litter once daily, or more often if needed. Add fresh litter to the litter box each time you clean it out.

    • 5

      Change the litter in the box completely at least once a week. At your weekly cleaning, mix 1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water together. Use this mixture to rinse the inside of the box. This will help freshen the box. Allow it to completely dry before adding fresh litter.

    • 6

      Allow time out of her small room once she is using the litter box. Every day, allow her to explore the rest of the house. Make sure you monitor her during this time to make sure she is not trying to use the carpet in the rest of the house as her toilet.

    • 7

      Add a second litter box to your home in the location in which you will have it permanently. During her free time, take her to that litter box any time she gives signs she is about to use the carpet.

    • 8

      Remove the first litter box only after she has proven she can use the permanent litter box, accident free, when she has free roam of the house. However, if you have multiple cats, you may want to keep a second litter box so the one doesn't get full so quickly.