How do I housebreak my cat?

Cats are clean pets that use a litter tray to do their business. However, some cats still need to be house-trained when you bring them home. Cats naturally learn that their sleeping area must remain clean, and they quickly understand that they need to do their business elsewhere.

The mother cat plays an important role in this by taking her kittens on a tour and showing them how to use the litter tray. Sometimes, as the owner, you may need to house-train a kitten or cat yourself when you welcome them into your home. This is the case, for example, when you adopt a cat or kitten from a place where they are not used to using a litter tray.

As a new cat owner, you temporarily take on the role of 'mother cat' and help your kitten understand the litter tray. Introduce your kitten to the tray and the litter, so that they quickly grasp how it works and feel at home in their new surroundings.

What is soiling?

Litter training issues in cats refer to behaviour where a cat does not relieve itself in the correct place, such as the litter tray. Instead, the cat may urinate or defecate in other places in the house, for example on the floor, furniture or bedding. Litter box problems can have various causes, including medical issues such as cystitis, kidney disease or other health problems that cause pain or discomfort when urinating. It can also be caused by stress, anxiety or changes in the environment, such as moving house, introducing a new pet or another change in the household.

Five tips for house-training your cat

1. Choose the right litter tray for your cat

Choosing the right litter tray is an important first step in house-training your cat. Cats have different preferences when it comes to their 'toilet', and by taking this into account, you increase the chance that they will use the litter tray consistently. Make sure the litter tray is large enough so that your cat can easily turn around and dig. A tray that is too small can be uncomfortable and may cause your cat to do its business elsewhere. In a study that gave cats a choice between a standard-sized tray and a much larger one, cats consistently favoured the bigger option, so when in doubt, size up [1].

Open or closed litter tray? Most cats feel comfortable with an open litter tray without a door or lid. An open tray offers good ventilation and is easily accessible for your cat. A covered litter tray, however, can help keep unpleasant odours contained and may be more aesthetically pleasing in your home. Take a good look at what your cat prefers: some cats do not like the enclosed space of a covered tray.

2. Choose the right cat litter

Choosing the right cat litter is an important step in helping your cat feel comfortable using the litter tray. The ideal cat litter helps control odours and is easy to clean, whilst also being comfortable and safe for your cat.

Popular choices for cat litter. A popular choice is clumping cat litter, often made from bentonite clay, which forms clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This makes it easy to keep the tray clean, as you simply need to remove the clumps. However, this litter is less suitable for young kittens, as the clumps can cause problems if swallowed.

Non-clumping cat litter is another option that absorbs moisture without forming clumps. This type of litter is often made from clay or silica and is safe for kittens, although it needs to be replaced more frequently to stay clean.

Environmentally friendly alternatives. For those looking for an environmentally friendly alternative, there are organic cat litter options made from materials such as recycled paper, wood fibres, walnut shells or maize. These litters can not only be better for the environment, but also reduce the amount of dust and mess your cat can spread around the house.

Cats often prefer a sandy-textured litter without a strong odour. When making your choice, pay close attention to your cat's needs and try out different types to see which one he prefers.

3. Place the litter tray in a quiet spot

It is best to place the litter tray in a quiet room where your cat has a good view of the space. Cats naturally like to keep an eye on their surroundings. Choose a corner or room away from the routes you and other family members take. Avoid areas with a lot of noise, such as near the washing machine, boiler or children playing.

Ensure easy access. Make sure the litter tray is always easily accessible to your cat or kitten. Place the tray in a spot that is easily accessible, so your cat can reach it without any problems, even if they are still young or less mobile. Avoid locations that are difficult to reach or where doors can be closed, as this may discourage your cat from using the tray.

Quiet location. Also ensure the litter tray is not in a busy area where there are lots of people or loud noises, such as near the washing machine. A quiet and accessible location helps your cat feel safe, meaning they will be happy to continue using the litter tray.

4. Keep the litter tray clean

Many cat owners hate changing the litter tray and often put it off, but unfortunately, cats aren't happy about this at all. If the litter tray isn't cleaned regularly, they may decide to find another spot in the house to do their business. For cats, their litter tray is their toilet, and if it is too dirty, they will feel uncomfortable and relieve themselves elsewhere.

Cats are naturally very clean animals and have a need to keep their environment clean. They will quickly let you know if the litter tray isn't up to scratch, for example by urinating outside the tray. That's why it's important to scoop out the stool and urine from the tray every day.

This not only helps to keep odours under control, but also ensures that your cat feels comfortable and safe in its own toilet. A clean litter tray means a happy cat.

5. Be patient

It may take a while for your cat to become fully house-trained, especially if they are not yet used to the litter tray. Cats need time to adapt to new habits and environments, so give your cat the space to do this at its own pace. Stay patient and don't force the process.

Make sure the litter tray is always clean and accessible, and give your cat the opportunity to get used to using it. It may take a while, but with patience and consistency, your cat will eventually understand where to do its business.

How can you recognise healthy cat urine?

Healthy cat urine is generally clear, light yellow in colour and has a mild odour. A healthy cat drinks enough water, so the urine isn't too concentrated. If your cat's urine is darker or cloudy, this may indicate a problem, such as dehydration, an infection or kidney issues. A strong odour can also indicate a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder stones.

It is also important to monitor the amount of urine your cat produces. Healthy cats urinate regularly, but the volume should not be excessively high or low. If you notice that your cat is urinating unusually frequently or very infrequently, or if they are struggling to urinate, this may indicate a problem and it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

At what age can you start litter-training a cat?

Start house-training your cat or kitten as soon as possible. Kittens gain voluntary control over elimination and begin using a litter tray from around four to five weeks of age, initially learning largely by watching and copying their mother, so that age range is the natural time to start reinforcing the habit yourself [2].