Start by placing the new box next to the old one

The fastest way to get your cat to use a new litter box is to set it up in the same spot as the old one before you remove the old box. Cats navigate by smell and location, so a box that appears in a familiar place feels safer than one that shows up somewhere unexpected. Leave both boxes side by side for three to five days so your cat can investigate the new one without pressure.

During this time, your cat will likely use whichever box feels right to them. Some cats switch when ready; others test the new box a few times before committing. Watch for your cat approaching, sniffing, or scratching in the new box—these are signs they are getting comfortable with it.

Key Takeaways

  • Place the new litter box next to the old one for several days before removing the old box, so your cat can investigate it in a familiar location.
  • Fill the new box with litter your cat already knows—switching litter brands at the same time as the box makes the change harder.
  • If your cat ignores the new box, try adding a small amount of used litter from the old box to make it smell familiar.
  • Never move the old box away until your cat has used the new one consistently for at least a week.
  • If your cat avoids the new box after a week, check the size, depth, and location—cats often reject boxes that are too small or in noisy areas.

Use litter your cat already knows

Changing the litter box and the litter type at the same time confuses cats and makes them less likely to use the new setup. Fill the new box with the same brand and texture your cat has been using. If you eventually want to switch litter brands, do that after your cat is fully comfortable with the new box—not before.

If your cat seems hesitant about the new box even with familiar litter, scoop out a small amount of used litter from the old box and mix it into the new one. The familiar smell signals to your cat that this is a safe place to go. This trick works especially well for cats that are cautious or older.

Add a scent marker if your cat is reluctant

Some cats need extra encouragement to try a new box. If your cat has not used the new box after two or three days, rub a small amount of used litter or a soiled paper towel from the old box onto the bottom of the new one. The scent tells your cat that other cats (in this case, themselves) have already used this spot, which makes it feel legitimate.

You can also place a small piece of your cat's fur or a blanket they sleep on near the new box. This combines their own scent with the box location, making the whole setup feel like part of their territory rather than an invasion of it.

Check the box size, depth, and location

Cats reject new litter boxes for practical reasons, not just habit. The new box may be too small—your cat should be able to turn around and crouch comfortably without their body touching the sides. If the box is too shallow, your cat may kick litter out and decide it is not worth using. Most cats prefer boxes that are at least 1.5 times their body length and 4 to 6 inches deep.

Location matters as much as the box itself. If you have moved the new box to a different room or a noisier area, your cat may avoid it. Cats like litter boxes away from their food, water, and sleeping areas, but they also need a quiet, low-traffic spot where they feel safe. If the new location is near a furnace, washing machine, or a door that slams, your cat will likely hold it rather than use the box.

Give it a full week before moving the old box

Even if your cat uses the new box once or twice, do not remove the old box right away. Cats are creatures of habit, and one successful trip to the new box does not mean they have fully switched. Leave both boxes in place for at least seven days after you first see your cat use the new one consistently—meaning at least once a day for a week.

After a week of consistent use, you can remove the old box. If you remove it too soon and your cat reverts to looking for the old box, you have just made the transition harder. Patience at this stage prevents accidents and stress.

Move the box gradually if you need to change its location

Once your cat is using the new box reliably, you may want to move it to a different room or spot. Do this slowly—shift the box just a few inches every day or two. Your cat will follow it because they have already bonded with that specific box. Moving it too fast (more than a few feet at a time) can confuse your cat and send them back to the old location.

If you need to move the box to a completely different area of your home, move it in stages over one to two weeks. This gives your cat time to learn the new route and feel confident finding it. If your cat starts having accidents near where the old box used to be, you have moved too fast—move the box back a few feet and slow down the transition.

Watch for medical issues if your cat refuses the new box

If your cat consistently avoids the new box even after a week, and the box is the right size and in a good location, a medical problem may be the cause. Cats with urinary tract infections, arthritis, or digestive issues sometimes refuse to use a new box because they associate it with discomfort or because they cannot reach it easily. An older cat may struggle with a box that is too high or has sides that are too tall.

If your cat is having accidents outside the box or straining to go, contact your veterinarian. Once any medical issue is ruled out, you can focus on adjusting the box itself—trying a lower-sided box, adding a step stool, or placing it in an easier-to-reach location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take a cat to use a new litter box?

Most cats will use a new box within the first few days if it is placed next to the old one and filled with familiar litter. Some cats switch when ready; others take a week or more. If your cat has not used the new box after two weeks, the box size, location, or litter type may be the problem.

Should I punish my cat for not using the new box?

No. Punishment makes cats more anxious and less likely to use any litter box. If your cat has an accident, clean the spot thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner so the scent does not linger. Focus instead on making the new box more appealing through location, size, and familiar litter.

Can I use a completely different litter type in the new box?

It is possible, but it makes the transition harder. Cats prefer consistency, so switching the box and the litter at the same time doubles the change. Use the same litter your cat knows for at least the first week, then gradually mix in a new type if you want to switch.

What if I have multiple cats?

The rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra. If you are adding a new box, place it in a different location from the old one so each cat has options. Some cats are territorial about litter boxes, so having multiple boxes in different areas reduces conflict and gives each cat a place they feel safe using.

Is it normal for a cat to use the new box but still have accidents?

If your cat is using the new box but still having occasional accidents, the box may be too small, too far away, or in a location your cat does not feel safe reaching quickly. You can also try adding a second box in the area where accidents are happening, then gradually move it closer to the main box over time.