Bringing home a new kitten should be full of cozy cuddles and silly zoomies—not mysterious puddles or poop outside the litter tray. If your kitten isn’t using the litter box, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore the most common reasons for this behavior, including expert insights from Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
Most common reasons your kitten isn’t using the litter box
The litter box isn’t clean enough
Kittens are naturally clean creatures. If the litter box smells bad or is full of waste, your kitten may look for a cleaner spot—like your rug. Scoop the litter box at least once a day and fully clean the box once a week with mild soap and water.
Wrong type of litter
Some kittens are picky about the feel or smell of their litter. Many prefer fine, unscented, clumping litter. If you’re adopting a kitten, it’s worth asking the previous caretaker or shelter what kind of litter they were using—keeping things consistent can help avoid unnecessary confusion or avoidance. Dr. Liff notes that switching to a different litter brand too quickly can backfire:
If a cat doesn’t like the feel or smell of their litter, that can cause avoidance, meaning they just won’t use it.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Poor location
Kittens want privacy, but not total isolation. A high-traffic hallway or right next to the food bowls? Not ideal. Choose a quiet, easily accessible spot, away from their food and water. Instead, place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible spot—like a guest bathroom, a corner of a laundry room, or a low-traffic bedroom. Just make sure the door doesn’t get accidentally closed!
The box is hard to get into
High-sided boxes might be tricky for young kittens. Try a shallow litter tray that’s easy to climb into.
Make sure they can easily get in and out of their litter box on their own—especially if they’re tiny
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Not enough boxes
A common mistake? Too few litter boxes. “Technically, you should have one box per cat, plus one,” Dr. Liff advises. So if you have two cats, that’s three litter boxes—ideally in different locations.
Medical issues
If your kitten suddenly stops using the litter box, it might be a health problem. Urinary tract infections, parasites, constipation, or kidney dysfunction can all cause pain or urgency relieve themselves.
Stress or environmental changes
Moving to a new home? Added a new pet? Kittens are sensitive to change. Stress can easily lead to litter box problems. Using a calming diffuser like Feliway can help, along with slow introductions to new pets or people.
Not properly litter trained
If your kitten was taken from their mother cat too early, they may not understand how to use the litter box. Gently place them in the box after meals or naps to help them learn. Over time, most young kittens catch on.
If it’s a training issue, they can absolutely outgrow it. But always check for medical problems first, just in case.
Dr. Stephanie Liff
Litter box training tips
Litter box learning takes a bit of trial and error—but don’t worry, it’s totally normal. A few simple tweaks can help things click for your kitten.
- Use a shallow litter tray: Young kittens may struggle with high sides, so start with a low entry box.
- Avoid covered boxes: Many kittens dislike enclosed spaces and may avoid the box if it feels too cramped.
- Try clumping or clay litter: These are often preferred by kittens because they’re soft underfoot and unscented.
- Don’t place boxes near food bowls: Kittens won’t want to use the bathroom where they eat—keep them in separate areas.
- Clean up accidents with enzymatic cleaner: This removes lingering smells that might attract your kitten back to the same spot.
- Consider pheromone sprays or diffusers: Products like Feliway can reduce stress-related litter box issues.
- Provide a variety of boxes in different locations: Especially helpful in a multi-cat household or larger home.
- Skip liners if they bother your kitten: These plastic sheets go under the litter for easy cleanup, but some kittens don’t like the crinkly texture or sound.
Medical vs. behavioral issue
If your kitten is missing the litter box, it’s important to figure out whether it’s a health issue or a behavioral one. Medical problems—like urinary tract infections, constipation, or parasites—can cause sudden changes in bathroom habits, even in previously trained kittens. These usually come on quickly and might include other signs, like straining or crying in the box.
If your kitten is straining or crying in the litter box—and especially if there’s little to no urine production—it could signal a urinary obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency. In this case, head to an emergency vet immediately to rule it out and get prompt treatment.
On the other hand, behavioral issues tend to develop more gradually. Stress, changes at home, or a dislike of the litter box setup are common causes. If your vet rules out a medical cause, it’s time to troubleshoot the environment and routines to get your kitten back on track.
How to clean up after accidents
Proper cleanup prevents repeat accidents. Here’s how:
- Use an enzymatic cleaner: It breaks down urine proteins and removes odors that attract your kitten back.
- Skip ammonia-based products: They smell like pee and may encourage re-marking.
- Blot—don’t scrub: Absorb as much as you can, then treat the spot. Scrubbing can set the stain.
- Clean soft items thoroughly: Wash bedding or fabric in hot water with pet-safe detergent.
Before we go…
Litter box problems can be frustrating—but with a little detective work, most kittens get back on track quickly. Whether it’s switching the type of litter, changing the type of litter box, or addressing a medical issue, your kitten just needs a bit of help (and maybe a cleaner box).
And if unexpected vet visits come up during this process? That’s where pet insurance can make a big difference. Whether it’s a routine checkup or something more serious, Lemonade Pet has you covered. Click below to get a free quote.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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