How to Litterbox Train a Kitten

Kittens generally learn to use a litterbox early on, while they're still with their mother. They're usually litter trained by week 3 or 4, when you'd likely be taking them home. They do not take the same kind of training as puppies do, so any problem behavior usually tends to relate to preference.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitten
  • Litterbox
  • Litter
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Instructions

  1. Training

    • 1

      Put the litterbox in a quiet, less-trafficked area. Cats are very private when it comes to doing their business.

    • 2

      Bring your kitten to the litterbox a few times throughout the day, whenever you think it would typically use it. The best times are in the morning, after meals and at night. If necessary, rub their paws in the litter so they get a feel for it. It is OK if your kitten jumps right back out without passing anything.

    • 3

      Have more than one litter box. The rule of thumb here is one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. This might seem excessive, but buying an extra litter box is better than buying a new sheet set. If you have a house with multiple levels, make sure you have at least one litter box on each level.

    • 4

      Find a litterbox that your kitten will use. This may take some trial and error. Some cats favor covered litter boxes and some cats don't. Electronic litter boxes are great, but if your cat refuses to go near it, it is just money well wasted.

    • 5

      Some cats simply refuse to use a litter box with a liner. Remove it if that seems to be the kitty's preference.

    • 6

      Choose the appropriate litter, perhaps trying multiple brands before you find the kind that your kitten likes. Some cats won't go anywhere near scented kitty litter, while others don't seem to have a problem with it. Find one your kitty likes and stick with it.