Litter Box Training
Good news: cats instinctively bury their waste, so litter box training is usually straightforward. Most kittens learn from mom or figure it out naturally. Your job is to set up the box for success — right location, right litter, kept clean. Problems usually mean something's wrong with the setup.
🎯 Training Approach
Provide Enough Boxes
One per cat, plus one extra. Cats are territorial and don't like sharing. In a multi-cat home, box competition causes problems.
Location Matters
Quiet, accessible, not near food. Cats feel vulnerable when eliminating. A box in a scary location (loud basement, next to dog crate) won't get used.
Keep It Clean
Scoop daily. Full litter change weekly. Cats are fastidious — a dirty box is like a gas station restroom. They'll find somewhere cleaner (your bed).
Use Unscented Litter
Cats have sensitive noses. Strong floral scents designed to please you may repel them. Unscented, fine-grained litter is most accepted.
💡 Key Training Tips
One box per cat, plus one extra
Place in quiet, accessible locations
Scoop daily, change litter weekly
Don't place near food or water
Use unscented litter - cats have sensitive noses
⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌Not enough boxes for multi-cat homes
- ❌Covered boxes that trap odor (cats notice!)
- ❌Scented litter that bothers sensitive noses
- ❌Box in noisy/scary location
- ❌Infrequent cleaning
✅Signs of Progress
- ✓Your cat responds faster to cues
- ✓They offer the behavior without being asked
- ✓Less frustration for both of you
- ✓The behavior generalizes to new environments
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cat peeing outside the box?▼
Covered box or uncovered?▼
How deep should the litter be?▼
My kitten won't use the box. Help!▼
Need More Training Help?
Our AI can answer specific questions about your cat's behavior and training challenges.