Most cats naturally use a litter tray, making litter training one of the easiest aspects of cat ownership. However, kittens, newly adopted cats or cats adjusting to a new home may need a little time and encouragement to develop good litter tray habits.
Providing the right environment and understanding your cat’s natural instincts will help them feel confident using their litter tray from the very beginning.
Why Cats Use Litter Trays
Cats are naturally clean animals.
In the wild, they instinctively dig, toilet and bury their waste to help avoid attracting predators and to keep their living area clean. A litter tray allows pet cats to display this natural behaviour indoors.
If your cat suddenly stops using their litter tray, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right and should never simply be dismissed as bad behaviour.
Choosing the Right Litter Tray
Not all litter trays are the same, and some cats can be surprisingly particular about what they use.
When choosing a litter tray, look for one that:
- Is large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably.
- Has low sides if you have a kitten or older cat with mobility issues.
- Is easy to access.
- Is sturdy and easy to clean.
Some cats are happy using covered litter trays, while others prefer open trays where they can easily see their surroundings. If you’re unsure, an open tray is usually a good place to start.
Choosing the Right Cat Litter
Cats often develop preferences for certain types of litter.
Many prefer an unscented, clumping litter with a soft texture that feels comfortable under their paws. Strongly scented litters may smell pleasant to us but can be overwhelming for a cat’s sensitive sense of smell.
If you decide to change litter, introduce the new type gradually to avoid putting your cat off using the tray.
Where Should You Put the Litter Tray?
Location is just as important as the tray itself.
Place the litter tray somewhere:
- Quiet and private.
- Easy for your cat to access.
- Away from food and water bowls.
- Away from noisy appliances such as washing machines.
Cats like to feel safe when toileting, so avoid busy areas where they may be disturbed.
If you have more than one cat, provide multiple litter trays in different locations to help prevent competition.
How Many Litter Trays Do You Need?
A good rule is to provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra.
For example:
- One cat = two litter trays
- Two cats = three litter trays
- Three cats = four litter trays
This gives each cat plenty of choice and helps reduce stress or conflict within the household.
Helping Kittens Learn
Most kittens quickly learn to use a litter tray by watching their mother or through natural instinct.
When bringing a kitten home:
- Show them where the litter tray is.
- Place them in the tray after meals and naps.
- Allow them to explore without forcing them.
- Praise them calmly when they use it successfully.
Avoid scolding or punishing accidents, as this can make kittens anxious and less likely to use the tray.
Keep the Litter Tray Clean
Cats are very clean animals and may avoid using a dirty litter tray.
To encourage regular use:
- Remove soiled litter every day.
- Replace litter as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Wash the tray regularly using warm water and a pet-safe cleaner.
- Avoid strong-smelling disinfectants, which may discourage your cat from using the tray.
A clean litter tray is one of the best ways to prevent toileting problems.
What If My Cat Stops Using the Litter Tray?
If your cat suddenly begins toileting outside the litter tray, it’s important to find the underlying cause rather than assuming it’s a behavioural problem.
Common reasons include:
- A dirty litter tray.
- A change in litter type.
- Stress or changes in the home.
- Competition with another cat.
- The tray being in an unsuitable location.
- Pain or an underlying medical condition.
Urinary tract infections, bladder problems and arthritis can all affect litter tray use.
If the behaviour starts suddenly or your cat appears to be straining, urinating frequently or showing signs of discomfort, contact your veterinary surgeon promptly.
Never Punish Your Cat
Cats do not toilet outside the litter tray to be spiteful or naughty.
Punishing your cat can increase stress and may make the problem worse.
Instead, identify the cause, make any necessary changes to the litter tray setup and seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned about your cat’s health.
Good Habits Start with the Right Environment
Most cats can be successfully litter trained when they’re given the right setup and a little patience.
Providing a suitable litter tray, keeping it clean and placing it in a quiet location will encourage your cat to use it confidently throughout their life.
At the NSPCA, we encourage owners to remember that changes in litter tray habits are often your cat’s way of telling you something is wrong. Paying attention to these changes and seeking advice early can help protect both your cat’s health and wellbeing.
