5 Common Litter Training Mistakes for Cats (and How to Fix Them)
Litter training is an important part of welcoming a cat or kitten into your home, and while most cats pick it up quickly, there are a few missteps that can turn toilet time into a stressful experience – for both of you! At Petdirect, we get pet, and we know how to make litter training easy, hygienic, and stress-free. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common litter training mistakes and how you can avoid them to help your feline friend feel confident and clean.
1. Choosing The Wrong Litter Box
Not all litter boxes are created equal – and not every cat likes the same style! A litter box that's too small, too deep, or has high sides can be tricky for kittens, senior cats, and smaller breeds like the British Shorthair. Conversely, some cats prefer hooded boxes for privacy. The key is finding the right match for your cat’s preferences.
Consider trying automatic litter boxes for easy cleaning or spacious open trays found in litter accessories. If you’ve just adopted a kitten, start with a low-sided, uncovered tray.
2. Placing The Litter Box In The Wrong Spot
Would you want to use the toilet next to your kitchen or laundry? Neither does your cat. Placing the litter box in a noisy, high-traffic or hard-to-reach area can make your cat avoid it altogether. Instead, choose a quiet, low-stress location with minimal foot traffic and easy access—especially for young kittens or older cats who might not move as quickly.
Keep the box away from food and water bowls—cats don’t like to eat near their bathroom. If needed, you can explore cat door options for better access to quiet areas like laundry rooms or spare bathrooms.
3. Not Cleaning The Litter Box Often Enough
Imagine walking into your bathroom and finding it hasn’t been flushed all day. That’s what it feels like for your cat if their litter box is left dirty. One of the most common litter training mistakes is not scooping often enough. Cats are naturally clean creatures, and if their toilet is unpleasant, they may go elsewhere—like that pile of laundry you left on the floor.
We recommend scooping daily and doing a full litter change once or twice a week depending on the type of litter. Clumping litters make clean-up easier, while options like Calibre or Kitty Fresh offer great odour control and low dust. You can also use cat stain and odour removers to sanitise the area during litter changes.
4. Switching Litter Abruptly
Cats tend to get attached to their favourite litter texture and smell. Changing brands or types suddenly—especially switching from clumping to non-clumping or clay to crystal—can cause toilet training regression.
If you do want to switch, do so gradually. Mix a small amount of the new litter with the old, increasing the amount of new litter over the course of 7–10 days. For finicky felines, look into high-quality options in our litter range that suit sensitive paws or help with odour control.
5. Using Litter As Punishment
Litter training should always be associated with safety and routine—not fear. If your cat has an accident, avoid scolding or placing them in the litter box as punishment. This creates negative associations and can make the problem worse.
Instead, calmly clean the accident with a stain and odour remover and reinforce good behaviour when they use the litter box. Consider using calming solutions if your cat seems anxious about toileting, especially after a house move or change in routine. Options like pheromone diffusers or calming cat treats can promote relaxation and positive behaviour.
Give Your Cat The Confidence To Go!
Litter training doesn’t have to be a stinky situation. With the right setup, consistency, and a little help from Petdirect’s extensive range of litter essentials, your cat can learn healthy habits in no time. Whether you're setting up for your first kitten or retraining an older rescue, we're here to help – because we get pet.
Ready to stock up on your litter must-haves? Explore our latest clean-up and litter collection, and enjoy the perks of our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver subscription—so you’re never caught out when nature calls.