Litter Box Training Tips for Rescue Cats

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we know that adopting a cat is exciting—but that excitement can quickly turn to confusion when your new feline friend starts eliminating outside the litter box. Don’t panic! Litter box training is often easier than people think, especially when you understand what your cat is trying to tell you. Whether you’re adopting your first kitten or welcoming an older rescue into your home, these litter box training tips can help set you both up for success.

Understanding Litter Box Training: It’s Not About Revenge

We hear this one a lot: “Is my cat doing this out of spite?” The short answer is no. Cats do not eliminate outside the litter box to upset you. In fact, litter box issues are almost always the result of stress, an environmental factor, or a medical problem. Punishing your cat won’t fix the issue—in fact, it often makes it worse.

Instead, think of litter box training as a communication tool. If your cat is avoiding the box, they’re trying to tell you something.

Step One: Rule Out Medical Issues

Before adjusting the box or litter, take your cat to the vet for a full exam. Many cases of inappropriate elimination stem from treatable medical conditions like urinary tract infections or inflammation. Signs like straining to urinate, licking their genitals excessively, or visible blood in the urine should be addressed immediately.

Also important: Are your cats spayed or neutered? Unaltered cats are more likely to mark territory. Spaying or neutering often helps reduce this behavior and supports better overall litter box habits.

Step Two: Make the Litter Box More Appealing

Once medical issues are ruled out, it’s time to re-evaluate your cat’s litter box setup. Litter box training starts with giving your cat a space that feels safe, clean, and comfortable.

Number of Boxes Matters

The general rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. If you have two cats, you should have three boxes. These should be spaced out in different areas—not lined up in a row. Cats value choice and privacy!

Litter Preferences

Cats can be surprisingly picky. Unscented, fine-grain clumping litter tends to be the favorite, but you may need to experiment. Some cats prefer paper pellets, pine shavings, or even sand. If your cat is declawed, softer textures like paper litter (e.g., Yesterday’s News) or wood shavings may be more comfortable for sensitive paws.

Tip: Change litter types gradually. Add a small amount of the new litter each time you scoop until the switch is complete.

Litter Box Style and Size

Many commercial litter boxes are too small. Try using a large plastic storage container instead. Avoid boxes with high sides if your cat is older or has mobility issues. Also, skip the hoods—covered boxes trap odors and limit visibility, which can make cats feel unsafe.

Litter Box Training Through Better Placement

Cats crave quiet, low-stress environments. Don’t place litter boxes near noisy appliances, in tight corners, or next to food and water. Your cat should feel like they can come and go without being startled. High-traffic areas, kids, or other pets hovering nearby may be enough to make them seek out alternative places to go.

If you must move a litter box, do it gradually—just a few inches a day—so your cat can adjust.

Cleanliness Is Key to Litter Box Training

Cats are clean freaks. Some won’t use a box if it’s been used even once. Scoop boxes daily (more if you have multiple cats), and wash the box weekly with a mild, unscented soap. Avoid bleach or ammonia—they can actually mimic the smell of urine. Vinegar soaks are a safe and effective way to control odor.

If your box is scratched and retaining odor, it’s time for a replacement. Set up the new box alongside the old one to give your cat time to transition.

Getting Back on Track: Retraining a Cat Who’s Stopped Using the Litter Box

Sometimes cats need a little reset. Here’s how to restart litter box training:

• Add more boxes in appealing locations
• Clean soiled areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner
• Block access to previous elimination spots, or place food there as a deterrent
• Cover tempting surfaces with foil, plastic, or sticky tape
• Try calming products like Feliway pheromone sprays or diffusers

If your cat still won’t use the box after trying all this, reach out to your veterinarian about behavior-modifying medications or ask about a referral to a feline behaviorist.

Resources on feline behavior

Cat behavior can be quite complex. If you’d like to know more, the following books can be very helpful:

• Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett
• Your Outta Control Cat by Christine Church

If you’ve tried everything and are still unable to determine the cause of your cat’s behavior, consider consulting a cat behaviorist. Here’s how:

• To learn more about finding a certified behaviorist, talk to your vet or try Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.
• Look up members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Veterinarians who are board-certified in behavior have undergone extensive training and education in animal behavior.
• You can find a behavior consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

When you’re ready to foster or adopt a rescue cat of your own, keep Cincinnati Animal CARE in mind!