Guide Note

A litter box is an indoor feces and urine disposal box, most often used for cats. The best way to get a cat to use a litter box is to change the litter type, location or litter depth until it appeals to the cat.¹

Fast Facts

1. Cats, ferrets, rabbits and puppies can be trained to use litter boxes^{2 3 4}
2. Warning: Pregnant women should not empty a cat litter box because of the risk of toxoplasmosis⁵
3. Use a gentle, non-toxic litter material for rabbits as they may eat a little³
4. Depth of the litter and location are common reasons cats don't use the litter box²
5. Use a baking soda underneath the litter to prevent odor¹
6. Scoop out the litter box once a day¹

1. Cats naturally like digging in sandy places when they eliminate.² There are two types of litter boxes, open and covered. Open boxes are cheaper and don't trap odors inside. They also allow cats to escape easily. Covered litter boxes hold in odor which may create an unpleasant environment. Covered boxes provide privacy for the cat, which can be appealing.¹
2. Change types of litter if the cat does not like it. Signs of not liking the litter are scratching or going right next to the box, standing on the edge of the box or putting just two paws in the box.¹
3. Avoid placing the litter box next to appliances as sudden sounds may startle the cat.¹
4. If a cat stubbornly goes in a certain place, consider moving the litter box to that location or nearby, until the cat gets used to it.¹
5. For cats who have trouble learning to go in a litter box, cages or rooms can be used. Keep the food and water far from the litter box. Be sure that there is nothing soft in the cage or room. When the cat begins to use the litter box, give it some time outside of the enclosed area.¹
6. Never punish a cat as this will create more aversion to the litter box.^{1 6}
7. Sometimes cats don't use the litter box because of medical reasons, such as urinary tract infections. If the cat avoids the litter box, strains when it needs to go or if it does not respond to other litter box adjustments, take the cat to a veterinarian.^{1 6}