How to Litter Train a Kitten

Kittens bury waste instinctively. Litter training is mostly about giving them an obvious, pleasant place to do it.

Setup

A low-sided tray a kitten can climb into, in a quiet spot away from food. Fine unscented clumping litter about 4 cm deep.

Prompting

Place the kitten in the tray after meals and naps. Do not hold it there. Let it scratch and leave when it wants.

Accidents

Never punish or rub the nose in it. Clean with an enzymatic cleaner so no scent marker remains inviting a repeat.

If it persists

Try a different litter, an uncovered tray, or a different location before assuming it is behavioural. Rule out infection in any kitten straining or crying in the tray.