People usually land on litter-training advice in the same moment: a new kitten has arrived, and the first accident has already happened. The goal is simple—help your kitten find the tray quickly, so your home stays clean and your kitten builds a steady, low-stress routine.
Most kittens learn fast when the set-up is right: an easy-to-enter tray in a quiet spot, a litter that feels acceptable underfoot, and calm repetition after meals and naps. When things go wrong, it’s often a clue—about the tray, the location, the litter, or sometimes a health problem that needs a vet’s attention.1, 2
What kittens are already wired to do
The burying instinct (and why it helps you)
Cats tend to scratch, dig and cover their waste. In a home, that instinct works in your favour: the litter provides the texture and depth they need to complete the behaviour, so the “right spot” makes sense to them.1, 2
When to start
Many kittens begin learning litter habits from a young age, often by watching their mother or simply through routine. When you bring a kitten home, expect a short settling period—your job is to make the tray easy to find and easy to prefer, especially in the first few days.2
Set up the litter area before you start teaching
Choose a tray your kitten can enter without effort
Start with a large, open tray. For kittens, low sides matter—tiny legs shouldn’t have to climb. As a general guide, the tray should be big enough for your cat to turn around and squat comfortably (often described as about 1.5 times your cat’s length).1, 2
Pick a litter that won’t put them off
For many kittens, unscented litter is the safest starting point. If your kitten came from a breeder, shelter or foster home, begin with the same litter they were already using, then change gradually if you need to—sudden switches can lead to avoidance.1, 2
Place the tray where it feels safe
Cats prefer privacy without being trapped. Put the tray in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot, away from food and water, and away from noisy appliances. Try not to keep moving it around once your kitten has started to use it—consistency helps them map the house.1, 2
How many trays you actually need
Even with one kitten, two trays often prevents problems—especially in larger homes. In multi-cat homes, the usual rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra, placed in separate locations (not lined up together like a bank of toilets).1, 2, 3
The step-by-step routine (simple, repeatable)
1) Show the tray at the moments that matter
For the first week, quietly place your kitten in the tray:
- within about 30 minutes after meals
- after naps
- after energetic play
You can gently scratch the litter with your fingers to draw attention to the texture and the digging motion, then give your kitten a little privacy.1, 2
2) Reinforce what you want—don’t punish what you don’t
If your kitten uses the tray, offer calm praise or a small reward. If there’s an accident, avoid scolding. Punishment can make toileting feel unsafe, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to build.2, 4
3) Clean mistakes properly so the “wrong spot” doesn’t linger
Clean accidents promptly and thoroughly so the smell doesn’t draw your kitten back. If accidents repeat in one location, block access temporarily and add a tray closer to the area while your kitten is still learning.2
Common problems (and what they usually mean)
Litter tray avoidance
When a kitten avoids the tray, it’s often one of these practical issues:
- The tray is too dirty (some cats will refuse a soiled tray).
- The spot is too exposed (busy hallway, barking dog, washing machine).
- The tray feels awkward (too small, sides too high, covered tray that traps smells).
- The litter is unpleasant (strong scent, rough texture, or a sudden change).
Start by returning to basics: large open tray, quiet location, unscented litter, and a steady routine after meals.1, 2
Multi-cat tension around trays
In homes with more than one cat, conflict can be subtle. One cat may simply sit in a doorway and the other decides it’s not worth the risk. Spread trays across the home, keep them physically separated, and aim for “one per cat, plus one”.2, 3
Health checks: when it’s not training
Warning signs to take seriously
See a veterinarian promptly if you notice:
- straining or crying in the tray
- very frequent urination or only passing small amounts
- blood in urine or faeces
- sudden, persistent toileting outside the tray
These signs can point to medical problems, and urinary blockage is an emergency—especially in male cats.1
Keeping good litter habits as your kitten grows
Clean little and often
Scoop at least daily. Do a full change and wash the tray regularly (often weekly), then rinse well. A clean tray is not a luxury for cats—it’s part of whether the toilet feels usable.1, 2
Update the tray when your kitten outgrows it
Many kittens start in a low-sided tray, then need a larger one as they grow. If litter scatter becomes a problem, try a bigger tray with higher sides (still with an easy entry), rather than switching to a cramped covered box that some cats dislike.1, 2
If your kitten is enclosed, keep the tray well away from food and water
If your cat is kept in an enclosure for any period, place the litter tray away from feeding and watering areas. This spacing matches basic welfare guidance and also improves tray use.5
Final thoughts
Litter training is mostly habitat design and gentle repetition. Make the tray easy to reach, pleasant to use, and reliably clean. Your kitten will usually take it from there—quietly, instinctively, as if they’ve always known where the “right place” is.2
References
- RSPCA Pet Insurance Australia — Training your cat to use a litter tray
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray? (Updated 30 May 2024)
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — What do I need to know about multi-cat households?
- British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) — Position statement on aversive training methods
- Agriculture Victoria — Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Cats
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom