Start with the right box placement and setup

Most cats will use a litter box if it is in the right place and kept clean. Put the box in a quiet, low-traffic area away from where your cat eats and drinks — cats naturally separate their bathroom from their living space. Avoid placing it near loud appliances like washers or furnaces, which can startle your cat mid-use.

The box itself should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably. A general rule is that the box length should be 1.5 times your cat's body length. If you have multiple cats, the standard recommendation is one box per cat, plus one extra — so a two-cat household should have three boxes. Place them in different locations so your cat always has an accessible option.

Use unscented litter at least 2 to 3 inches deep. Many cats prefer fine-grained, clumping litter, though some prefer non-clumping or crystal litter. If your cat is new to your home, match the litter type to what they used before, then switch gradually if you want to change brands.

Key Takeaways

  • Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location away from food, water, and loud appliances.
  • Scoop the box daily and do a full litter change at least once a week to prevent avoidance caused by cleanliness issues.
  • If your cat is not using the box, take them to a veterinarian first to rule out medical problems like urinary tract infections.
  • Confine a new cat to a small space with the litter box for the first few days so they learn its location before exploring the whole home.
  • If your cat has already chosen another spot to eliminate, clean that area thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner to remove scent markers.

Keep the litter box clean every single day

Scoop out clumps and solid waste at least once daily, preferably twice if you are home. A dirty box is the most common reason cats stop using it. Many cats will not use a box with more than one or two clumps in it, and some are even pickier.

Change the litter completely and wash the box with mild soap and water once a week. Do not use strong-smelling cleaners or bleach — the smell can deter your cat. Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains. If the box is stained or has absorbed odor, replace it with a new one.

Confine a new cat to a small space at first

When you bring a new cat home, do not let them roam the entire house right away. Confine them to one room — a bedroom or bathroom works well — with their litter box, food, water, and a hiding spot. This teaches them where the box is before they have a chance to explore and find other places to go.

Keep your cat in this space for at least three to five days, or until you see them using the box consistently. Once they are reliably using it, you can gradually open up access to other rooms. If at any point they stop using the box, go back to confining them to a smaller area.

Rule out medical problems with a veterinary visit

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box or is having accidents outside it, schedule a veterinary appointment before trying anything else. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and digestive issues can all cause litter box avoidance. Your veterinarian can run tests to rule out these conditions.

Older cats and cats with arthritis may also avoid the box if it is too high or too hard to climb into. A box with lower sides or a ramp can help. If your cat is overweight, your veterinarian can discuss diet and exercise options that may improve their mobility.

Clean soiled areas with enzymatic cleaner

If your cat has already eliminated outside the box in a specific spot, that area now smells like a bathroom to them. Regular cleaners will not remove the scent — you need an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down the urine or feces at a chemical level. Products made for pet urine work best.

Soak the affected area thoroughly with the enzymatic cleaner and let it sit for the time recommended on the bottle, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Do not rinse when ready; let it dry completely so the enzymes can work. Once dry, the scent should be gone and your cat will be less drawn back to that spot.

Offer box options if your cat is picky

Some cats prefer covered boxes; others hate them. Some like boxes with lids that have entry holes; others want completely open boxes. If your cat is avoiding the box, try offering two or three different styles in the same location and see which one they prefer.

Similarly, if your cat dislikes the litter type, try a different one. Keep a box with your current litter and a box with an alternative side by side. Once you identify what your cat prefers, you can switch all boxes to that style and type.

Use positive reinforcement when your cat uses the box

When you see your cat using the litter box, give them quiet praise or a small treat when ready after they finish. Do not interrupt them while they are in the box — that will make them associate it with disruption. The reward should come right after they leave.

Never punish your cat for accidents outside the box. Punishment teaches them to hide when they eliminate, not to use the box. If you catch them in the act, gently place them in the box and let them finish there, then reward them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cat peeing outside the box but pooping in it?

This usually means your cat finds the box acceptable for one function but not the other. Try adding a second box in a different location — some cats prefer separate spaces for urination and defecation. Also check that the box is large enough and clean enough; cats are often pickier about where they urinate.

Can I use a covered litter box?

Covered boxes work for some cats but not others. Some cats feel trapped or claustrophobic in them, while others prefer the privacy. If your cat is avoiding the box, try removing the cover or lid. You can always add it back once your cat is using the box reliably.

How often should I completely change the litter?

Change the litter completely and wash the box at least once a week. If you have multiple cats or a cat with digestive issues, you may need to change it twice a week. Scoop daily regardless of how often you do a full change.

What if my cat uses the box sometimes but not always?

Inconsistent use usually points to a medical issue, a dirty box, or a location problem. Start by scheduling a veterinary visit to rule out illness. Then check that you are scooping daily and that the box is in a quiet, accessible spot. If the problem continues, try adding a second box in a different location.

Is it normal for kittens to take time learning the litter box?

Most kittens learn to use the box naturally by watching their mother or other cats, but some need gentle guidance. Place a kitten in the box after meals and naps, when they are most likely to need to go. Reward them when they use it. If a kitten is having repeated accidents, see a veterinarian to rule out parasites or other issues common in young cats.