How to toilet train a kitten (and what to do if your adult cat needs help too)

Litter trays aren’t exactly dinner-table conversation. But they are a big part of everyday life with a cat. 

Whether it’s a tiny kitten figuring things out for the first time, or an adult or senior cat who’s suddenly doing things a little differently, litter tray troubles are more common than many pet parents realise. With the right environment, a bit of patience, a little detective work, and advice from a vet, most litter tray issues can be resolved successfully. 

Here’s how to help cats of all ages feel confident and relaxed when it comes to using their litter tray. 

Table of contents 

1. How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray?

2. Toilet training tips for kittens

3. The best litter tray set-up for cats

4. Why is my cat urinating outside the litter tray?

5. Need extra support with unexpected vet bills?

How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray? 

Most cats learn to use a litter tray very early in life, often without any training at all. 

That said, those first few days after bringing your kitten home are an important adjustment period. A little gentle guidance and reassurance can make a big difference while they’re learning. 

Placing your kitten in their litter tray about 30 minutes after meals or naps can help, as these are the times they’re most likely to need to go. Gently scratching the litter with your fingers can also encourage them to dig and bury. 

When they get it right, offer plenty of praise. If there’s an accident, try not to make a fuss. Punishment can create anxiety around toileting, which often makes problems harder to resolve. 

A calm approach, a steady routine, and lots of kindness are key to establishing good litter tray habits. 

Toilet training tips for kittens 

Kittens are still learning how the world works, including where it’s safe and appropriate to go to the toilet. Setting them up well from the start can help build confident, consistent habits. 

These simple tips can help make the process easier for you and your kitten: 

• Keep things predictable 

Try not to move the litter tray around while your kitten is still learning. Familiarity helps them feel secure. 

• Make it easy to get in and out 

Low-sided trays are much easier for little legs to manage, especially in those early weeks. 

• Let them dig 

A shallow but generous layer of litter allows kittens to practise their natural digging and covering instincts. 

• Stay relaxed 

A calm, quiet home helps kittens feel safe, which supports healthy toileting habits. 

• Offer privacy  

Place litter trays in quiet, private, and easily accessible areas, away from food and water. Keep them clear of noisy or vibrating appliances like TVs, washing machines or dryers, as this can frighten cats and put them off. 

• Keep the toilet area clean 

Cats like to keep clean. Faeces and urine need to be removed daily, and litter trays emptied and cleaned regularly. 

Most kittens learn quickly. If they’re struggling, it’s usually the environment that needs adjusting. Try making a few small changes in line with the advice above, and if problems persist, have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying health concerns. 

The best litter tray set-up for cats 

Cats are naturally thoughtful about where they eat, sleep and go to the toilet. And when it comes to litter trays, small details can make a big difference to how safe and comfortable they feel. 

Creating the right set-up helps support your cat’s natural instincts and can encourage relaxed, reliable litter tray use day after day. 

Location matters 

Where you place the litter tray can influence whether your cat feels at ease using it. 

Ideally, the location should be: 

• Quiet and private (a peaceful corner can work beautifully) 

• Tucked away (for example, beside or between furniture) 

• Easy to reach, day and night 

• Well away from food and water 

It’s important that your cat can access their tray 24/7. A closed door or blocked path might not seem like much to us, but for a cat it can be stressful, and it may even lead to accidents outside the tray. 

Once you’ve found a spot that works, try to keep it consistent. Frequent changes can be unsettling, especially for anxious or adult cats. 

The right number of trays 

Cats feel most comfortable when they have easy access to a toilet space that feels calm and unhurried. Offering more than one tray gives them choice and flexibility, especially in busy or multi-cat households. 

A helpful rule of paw is: 

• One cat should have at least two trays 

• Each additional cat needs at least one extra tray 

• All trays should be in different, physically separated places 

This helps avoid queueing, competition, and territorial tension. 

Tray size and style 

Size and design can affect how settled a cat feels using their tray. 

The tray needs to be large enough for your cat to comfortably dig, turn around, and squat in. As a general guide, it should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat. For example, if your cat measures around 50cm from nose to tail, their litter tray should be at least 75cm long. 

There are a variety of litter trays available, from simple open trays to covered boxes (with or without a flap). Different cats prefer different styles, and some even like having more than one type to choose from (some cats may choose to urinate in an open tray and defaecate in a covered one, for instance). 

When choosing a style, keep in mind: 

• Open trays suit most cats 

• Covered trays work for some, but not all 

• Older cats may need lower sides if jumping or stepping becomes difficult 

Automated or self-cleaning litter trays aren’t advised. While they’re often marketed as convenient, unexpected movements or noises can frighten or stress cats. Some designs have also been linked to safety concerns. For your cat’s comfort and wellbeing, a simple tray that’s cleaned by hand is the safest and most reliable option. 

Litter preferences 

What’s under your cat’s paws matters more than you might think.  

Many cats have strong preferences when it comes to litter, so it can help to consider: 

• Unscented litter, which is usually best. 

• Texture: Some cats prefer a fine, sandy feel, while others like pellets or crystals. If it feels uncomfortable under their paws, they may avoid the tray altogether. 

• Clumping litter: Not suitable for young kittens, as ingesting it poses risks. 

• Silica-based litters: Some reports have linked these to health concerns for both cats and humans. 

• Depth: Cats need to dig and bury, so be sure to fill the tray to a depth of 3-4cm. 

It’s perfectly fine to trial different litter types to see what your cat prefers. Just keep in mind that their tastes can change over time, especially as their health or physical needs shift. 
 

Cleanliness counts 

Cats like their toilets clean, just like we do. 

To keep things fresh and inviting: 

• Scoop out any waste daily 

• Refill litter regularly to maintain the depth 

• Give the tray a thorough clean at least once a week (the exact frequency may vary depending on your cat’s needs and how many cats are sharing the tray/s) 

• Always use cat-safe cleaning products and only refill the tray with litter once fully dried 

• Don’t leave soiled litter for too long, as this may put your cat off using their tray 

A clean tray isn’t just nice, it’s essential. 

How to tell if your cat is happy with their litter tray 

If your cat digs confidently, turns around comfortably and uses their tray consistently without any issues, that’s usually a good sign they’re happy with it.  

Scratching at the walls near the tray or at the sides of the tray itself can be a clue that something isn’t quite to their liking. It may be the litter texture, the depth, the tray size, or even its location. If you notice this behaviour, try changing one thing at a time and see whether your cat seems more settled. 

A contented cat will use their tray with ease. When they don’t, it’s usually their way of asking for a little help. 

Why is my cat urinating outside the litter tray?

When your cat suddenly changes their toileting habits and starts toileting outside the tray, it’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing this as soon as possible.  

Changes like this are often a sign that something deeper is going on, and they deserve careful attention. 

Medical conditions 

Health issues affecting the bladder, kidneys, hormones, joints, or nerves can all influence toileting behaviour. Pain, urgency, or reduced mobility can make it harder for cats to reach or use the tray in time. 

That’s why veterinary advice should always come first. 

Your vet can investigate and rule out medical causes before any behavioural treatment is considered. If a health issue is involved, cat insurance can help cover eligible vet bills for diagnosis and treatment, which is especially important for adult cats who may need ongoing treatment. 

An important note: 
If your cat is straining to urinate or unable to pass urine, this can be a life-threatening emergency, particularly for male cats. Seek veterinary care immediately. 

Behavioural causes 

If medical issues have been ruled out, the problem may be behavioural. 

Common triggers include: 

• Stress or anxiety 

• Changes at home, such as new pets, people, or moving house 

• Dislike of the tray type, size, location, litter, or depth 

• Difficulty accessing the tray, especially if it’s been moved or isn’t always available 

• Territorial marking 

Supporting a cat who is toileting outside of a litter tray requires a multi-faceted approach. Some steps that may help include: 

• Adding extra trays 

• Switching to lower-sided trays 

• Trying different types of litter 

• Placing a tray temporarily where accidents occur, then moving it gradually 

• Keeping the litter tray as easily accessible, pristine, and inviting as possible 

• Creating a safe space for toileting, such as a quiet, dimly lit room or secluded area with minimal household activity 

• Reducing stress by enriching their environment (think vertical spaces, scratching posts, toys, activity feeders and gentle play) 

• Using pheromone diffusers around your home to promote a sense of calm 

In some cases, your vet may recommend seeking the advice of a reputable clinical animal behaviourist.  

Need extra support for unexpected vet bills? 

Changes in toileting habits are often your cat’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. And when vet visits are needed, unexpected costs can catch even the most prepared pet parent off guard. 

RSPCA Pet Insurance helps support pet parents with customisable cover, so you can focus on what matters most: Helping your cat feel comfortable, supported, and well again. 

If your cat’s toileting issue has a medical cause, our cover can help with eligible vet bills for diagnosis and treatment. And because we know behaviour and wellbeing are closely linked, you can also choose to add cover for behavioural conditions to your policy, offering extra peace of mind if anxiety or stress is part of the picture. 

Please note that behavioural cover is optional and subject to a 6-month exclusion period, along with other policy terms. Inappropriate urination may fall under behavioural conditions depending on the underlying cause. 

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online. 

Disclaimer 

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References 

[1] RSPCA Australia. How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-do-i-encourage-my-cat-to-use-a-litter-tray

[2] RSPCA Australia. Why is my cat urinating inappropriately? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/behaviour/why-is-my-cat-urinating-inappropriately