Get the box and the spot right first
Cats are naturally inclined to bury waste, which is why most kittens take to a litter box with little teaching. The job of training is really to remove the reasons they'd avoid it. Use one box per cat plus one extra, in a quiet spot with easy access — not next to food or a loud washing machine. An open box is less intimidating than a covered one for many cats, and the litter should be 2–3 cm deep. Unscented, clumping litter is the safe default; heavily scented products put some cats off.
Kittens under about four weeks can't control their bladder well, so start training once they're eating solid food. Place the kitten in the box after meals and naps, and praise (don't reward with food) when they use it.
When a cat stops using the box
A cat that was reliable and suddenly stops is telling you something. Rule out pain first: urinary tract disease, crystals, constipation and arthritis all make the box unpleasant. A vet visit comes before any training fix. Once medical causes are cleared, look at the environment — a new pet, building work, a dirty box, or a box moved to a high-traffic area can all trigger avoidance.
Retrain by returning to basics: scoop daily, wash the box with mild soap (no ammonia — it smells like urine to a cat), and place the cat in it after meals. If they've chosen a substitute spot, clean it with an enzymatic cleaner and put a box there temporarily, then slowly move it back.
Mistakes that make it worse
Never punish a cat for accidents — it raises stress and makes the problem worse. Don't put the box in a spot only reachable by jumping past a dog or through a cat flap they fear. And don't assume an older cat 'forgot': at every age, a new lapse deserves a vet check first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I litter train a kitten?
Once they eat solid food (around 4 weeks), put the kitten in the box after meals and naps and praise when they go. Keep the box low-sided, easy to reach, and scooped daily.
Why did my cat stop using the litter box?
Usually medical (urinary pain, constipation, arthritis) or environmental (stress, dirty box, location). See a vet before retraining — most sudden lapses are a health signal, not defiance.
How many litter boxes do I need?
One per cat, plus one extra, in quiet, accessible spots. For multiple cats this prevents resource guarding and box avoidance.
More cat training guides
- How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Furniture (Without Declawing)
- How to Stop a Cat From Biting — Play Bites and Fear Bites
- How to Walk a Cat on a Leash — Harness Training Step by Step
- How to Train a Cat to Stay Off the Counters
- How to Train a Cat to Come When Called (Recall)
- How to Train a Cat to Sleep at Night (and Stop the 3 a.m. Zoomies)
- How to Clicker Train a Cat — Positive Reinforcement That Works