How to litter train your kitten

Bringing home a kitten is pure joy – tiny paws, playful pounces, endless cuddles. But alongside all the fun comes a few important lessons, and litter training is one of the first big ones.

Luckily, most kittens pick it up quickly. With the right setup, a bit of patience, and some consistency, your little fluffball will be confidently using the litter tray in no time!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to litter train a kitten. From choosing the right spot and type of litter to handling accidents and keeping things clean, we’ll help you set your feline friend up for toilet time success.

When to start litter training

First thing’s first – how do you litter train a kitten?

Litter training can actually begin earlier than you might think! Most kittens are typically ready to start at around 3-4 weeks of age. At this stage, they begin gaining control over their bladder and bowel movements, making it the perfect time to introduce good toileting habits.

Early exposure to a litter tray helps kittens understand where to go and builds a routine that sticks. Even if they don’t get it right straight away, having the tray nearby and accessible encourages curiosity and learning.

Rescue kittens or older cats might need a little extra patience and retraining, especially if they’ve never used a litter tray before. The key is to watch for some of those natural cues, like sniffing or circling a spot, and gently place them in the tray at the right time.

Don’t forget that typically the earlier you start, the smoother things tend to go!

Choosing the right litter and tray

When it comes to litter, kittens can be surprisingly fussy! It’s worth finding the right match early on. There are several types to choose from, including clumping, non-clumping, recycled paper pellets and crystal litter. Each has its pros and cons, but the key thing to consider is texture and scent.

Most furry friends do best with unscented, soft-textured litter to begin with. Strong fragrances or coarse materials can be off-putting, especially when they’re just learning the ropes.

Tray style also matters. Open trays with low sides are ideal for young kittens, as they’re easy to get in and out of. Hooded trays offer more privacy but are usually better suited to older, more confident cats.

Place multiple trays around the house in quiet and easy-to-reach spots – one per cat, plus one extra is a good rule of thumb. Scoop daily and give trays a thorough clean regularly. Keeping things fresh and tidy helps encourage consistent use and keeps unwanted odours at bay.

Step-by-step guide to litter training

Teaching your kitten to use the litter tray doesn’t have to be messy business. With a little patience and the right routine, your tiny fluffball will be a toileting pro in no time. Here’s how to potty train a kitten:

1. Set the stage early
Once your kitten is around 3–4 weeks old and starting to gain bladder control, introduce the litter tray. Let them sniff, paw, and explore since it’s all part of the learning experience.

2. Pick your moments
Pop your kitten in the tray after meals, naps or a big play session. These are prime times for bathroom breaks and help them make the connection.

3. Celebrate the wins
When they get it right, give gentle praise or a tiny treat. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence (and makes them feel like a superstar).

4. No drama over accidents
Missed the tray? No big deal. Clean up with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove any lingering smells and carry on. Kittens respond best to calm and kind guidance!

5. Stick with it
Keep trays in the same quiet spots, clean them regularly, and be consistent. The routine will soon click.

Bonus tip: Give them some privacy! Most kittens prefer to do their business without an audience, so leave them to it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even the most well-meaning kitten parents can make a few missteps when it comes to litter training. Here are some of the usual suspects, and how to steer clear of them when it comes to your feline friend:

• Using scented or harsh litter: Strong smells and gritty textures can turn your kitten off. Stick to unscented, soft litter that’s gentle on little paws.
• Placing trays near food or noisy spots: Keep trays far from food bowls and in quiet, low-traffic areas.
• Not cleaning trays often enough: Kittens have high standards. Scoop daily and give trays a proper clean regularly to keep things fresh and inviting.
• Scolding after accidents: Punishing your kitten for a mishap won’t help. Stay calm, clean the area with an enzyme-based cleaner, and try again.

The key to success? Understanding kittens are learning, and it takes time. Be patient, keep their space clean and cosy, and don't forget to celebrate the little wins along the way!

What if my kitten refuses the tray?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, toilet training doesn’t go to plan and your kitten might avoid the litter tray altogether. Don't worry, there’s usually a reason behind it.

• Medical issues: Medical issues including urinary tract infections can make toileting uncomfortable, so it’s always worth checking with your vet if the problem continues.
• Stress or recent changes in their environment: Big changes such as a new pet, loud noises or a change in routine can also throw off their toilet habits. Keep things calm and consistent while they adjust.
• Tray aversion: This could also be another common culprit when it comes to toilet training your cat. The litter might feel strange under their paws, or the tray could be too small, smelly, or placed somewhere too noisy or exposed.
• Switch it up: Try experimenting with different litter types, move the tray to a quieter spot, or offer extra trays around the house to give your kitten more choice.

The biggest tip is to be patient – which is easier said than done! Watch their behaviour closely, stay calm, and always offer encouragement. With time, most kittens find their groove, and their tray.

Toilet training vs. litter training: What’s right for your cat

Toilet training means teaching your cat to use your human toilet instead of a litter tray. It sounds fancy and it does cut down on scooping, but it’s not as easy as it looks, and not every cat is on board with the idea!

Cat litter training is way more natural and flexible. Most cats take to it like pros, following their instincts while keeping your home tidy and smelling fresh. Plus, vets warn that toilet training can make it tricky to spot changes in your cat’s health since you can’t check their waste as easily.

For most pet-parents, sticking with good old litter training is the winner. It can be easier to train a cat to use a litter – it’s kinder to your cat, and better for keeping an eye on their wellbeing. Plus, it means fewer unexpected toilet clean ups for you!

How to train your kitten

Litter training your kitten is all about consistency, the right setup, and plenty of patience. By observing your kitten’s unique needs and adapting your approach, you’ll set them up for success.

Keeping a regular routine and a clean, inviting litter area makes a huge difference. Remember, most kittens learn quickly when they feel safe and supported.

Protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing every step of the way with Buddy Pet Insurance, because great care starts with peace of mind for your furry friend.

31 Oct 2025