How to Train Your Cat to Go Potty

Whether you are training a young kitten or an older cat, the litter box needs to be appealing. Put 2 litter boxes in separate areas. For a cat that used to go outside, place one of the litter boxes near the door. The other litter box can be placed in a quieter, out of the way area that your cat has easy access to and is comfortable with.

Make sure the litter box is appropriate. You may like a covered litter box, but in all reality, cats often don’t. A cat may feel confined and trapped, with no way of escape. Covered boxes also hold the odor inside, making the space offensive and less appealing to use. Thinking of buying an electronic self-scooping box? The noise and movement may frighten a cat.

The litter you place in the box can make a difference as well. If you are training an outdoor cat, mixing a little dirt in with the litter and slowly phasing the dirt out of the box as the cat becomes trained often works. Don’t use scented litter to train a cat; their sensitive noses may be turned off by the perfume.

Choose two types of litter and put each one in a separate box. Your kitty will let you know which one they prefer by using it. Remember, keep the litter clean and easy to access. Don’t place the box high, making a kitten or older cat needing to jump into it.

Show your cat the litter boxes, and feel free to pick your cat up to place them near the box now and then. When you bring your cat home for the first time, have the litter boxes already set up. Let your new kitty know where the boxes are immediately upon arrival home and give them reminders throughout the day.

Put a schedule in place. When your cat first wakes in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and when waking from a nap are good times to try.

Yes, cats do like a pristine litter box and it should be scooped every day. But when in training mode, leave some urine and feces in the box to draw your cat to the scent. If you see your cat sniffing or heading to a corner, place them in the litter box.

Reward your cat’s successes with a treat or playtime. As soon as they pee, praise them, and offer them a tasty cat treat. Playtime as a reward is good as well. After your cat uses the litter box, take them to another room, and engage in play with their favorite toy.

Show your cat the litter box periodically throughout the day. Ensure your kitty has plenty of fresh water and food in a location away from the litter box.

If your rescue cat or new kitten is not picking up the use of the litter box or is consistently having accidents throughout the house, a visit to the veterinarian may be in order. An underlying illness like a bladder infection can cause a cat to eliminate in places they normally would not.

Remove stressors so that your kitty can relax when going potty. Is there a dog hovering nearby? Are there noises from the kitchen like banging pans and clanging dishes that may startle your cat when in the litter box? Ensure a private and quiet spot.

Is your cat displaying behavior that suggests they need to be neutered or spayed? Cats will sometimes spray urine in the house as a way to mark the space as their territory. Discuss with your vet if getting your cat neutered or spayed is appropriate age-wise.

Use an enzymatic cleaner to wipe up accidents. This product can be bought at the pet supply store. It is the only way to completely remove the scent of urine and feces. You may not sense the odor, but your cat’s keen nose does!

Don’t punish your feline for peeing outside of the litter box. This may stress your cat and cause the training efforts to regress.