Bringing home a new cat or kitten comes with many joys — and a few challenges. One of the first lessons your feline friend needs to learn is where to go to the toilet. Luckily, cats are naturally clean animals, which makes litter training easier than most owners think.

Here are five tried-and-tested steps to help you litter train your cat successfully — without the stress.

1. Start with a Health Check

If your cat avoids the litter tray or has accidents around the house, the first thing to rule out is a medical issue. Conditions like urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, or digestive discomfort can make using the litter tray painful or confusing for your pet.

Book a quick visit to your vet before assuming the issue is behavioural.

Pro Tip: Use Pacha Litter, which helps monitor changes in your cat’s urine by detecting irregularities in colour. It’s an easy way to spot early health concerns at home.

2. Choose a Calm and Comfortable Spot

Cats like privacy — just like humans. Avoid placing the litter tray next to noisy washing machines or in busy corridors. Instead, choose a quiet, easily accessible area that feels safe.

If you live in a multi-cat household, make sure each cat has their own litter tray plus one extra. This helps prevent competition and territorial stress.

Quick Tip: Keep food and water bowls well away from the litter area. Cats instinctively avoid eating near their toilet zone.

3. Pick the Right Litter

The type of litter you use can make or break your training efforts. Cats have sensitive paws and noses, so harsh textures or strong scents can put them off.

Opt for a soft, absorbent, and low-dust litter like Pacha Litter. It traps odours, reduces mess and keeps the tray fresh — making it far more inviting for your cat.

Scoop waste daily and replace all litter at least once a week. A clean tray encourages consistent use and helps your cat feel comfortable and secure.

4. Try Different Trays and Depths

Cats, like people, have preferences. Some prefer open trays with lots of space, while others feel safer with covered or hooded boxes.

You might also experiment with the depth of the litter — some cats prefer to dig deeply, while others are happier with a thinner layer. Observe your cat’s habits and adjust accordingly.

If your cat is hesitant to use a new box, sprinkle a bit of their used litter into the clean tray to help them recognise it as “their spot.”

5. Stay Calm, Consistent and Positive

Accidents happen — especially during the early days of training. The most important rule is never punish your cat. Shouting or scolding only increases anxiety and may worsen the problem.

Instead, clean the area thoroughly using an enzyme-based cleaner to remove any lingering scent. Ordinary cleaners with ammonia can actually encourage repeat marking.

When your cat uses the tray correctly, reward them with a treat, praise or gentle affection. Positive reinforcement helps build lasting good habits.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cat continues to struggle with litter training, here are a few adjustments you can try:

• Add more trays: Give your cat multiple options around the house.
• Adjust placement: Move the tray to a quieter, more comfortable spot.
• Check stress levels: Cats can regress if they’re feeling anxious after a move or household change.

Remember — consistency and patience are key. Every cat learns at their own pace.

Final Thoughts

Litter training your cat is about understanding their natural instincts and setting them up for success. By combining the right litter, calm environment, and daily maintenance, you’ll create a space where your cat feels confident and clean.

Top Tip: Keep their tray spotless and comfortable with Pacha Litter, and reward your cat when they get it right. With time, your feline friend will turn litter training into second nature — and your home will stay fresh and mess-free.