Help your new cat feel confident with the right litter tray setup. Learn how to choose a tray, solve common toileting problems and support your cat as they grow.
A great litter tray setup helps your cat feel safe, confident and comfortable. Most cats will naturally choose the right place to toilet when their environment supports them. Getting this right early on helps prevent accidents, keeps your cat happy and makes life easier for both of you.
Why the right setup matters
Cats care a lot about where they toilet. A clean, well-sized and well‑placed litter tray gives them a reliable option indoors, especially while they’re settling in.
Many cats will naturally choose to toilet outside because it fits their instincts, so giving them outdoor access can help prevent accidents indoors.
Even if your cat prefers going outside, it’s still recommended to offer a good indoor setup. This is especially helpful during bad weather, times of stress, or for ill or older cats.
Understanding your cat’s natural instincts
Cats prefer to toilet somewhere quiet, private and safe. They like space to turn around in the tray, dig and cover their wee and poo. They’re also very clean animals, so strong smells, noise or a cramped tray can put them off. Kittens usually start using a litter tray from around 4–5 weeks old, and most will continue to use one happily if the setup meets their needs.
Choose the right litter tray
The right litter tray is one your cat feels comfortable using.
Size and shape matter
- Choose a tray large enough for your cat to stand, turn around and dig. A good guide is at least 1.5 times your cat’s length from nose to base of tail.
- Many trays labelled “large” are still too small for adult cats, so check the measurements rather than the label.
- Start kittens with a small, low‑entry tray, then move them to a full‑sized adult tray once they can climb in easily.
Tray style and comfort
- Avoid covered trays if possible, as they can trap smells and limit visibility.
- Automated or self‑cleaning trays can be off‑putting due to noise, movement or smell.
- Use a soft, unscented litter that’s gentle on paws. Most cats like a soft sand-like surface.
- Stick to one type of litter once your cat is using it confidently.
- Avoid plastic liners or newspaper, as these can catch on claws and feel uncomfortable.
Set up the ideal litter tray location
Placement is just as important as the tray itself. Aim for:
- A quiet, low‑traffic area
- A space away from food, water and resting places
- A spot that’s always accessible, especially for kittens
- One tray per cat, plus one extra, in multi‑cat homes
- A spot away from large windows where other cats can look in from the outside.
Be mindful of rooms that seem quiet to humans but aren’t to cats. Utility rooms with washing machines or dryers can be stressful due to sudden noise and vibration.
If your home has multiple floors, offer a tray on each level so your cat never has far to go.
Helping your cat use the litter tray
Most cats will use a litter box naturally when the setup feels right. You can support them by:
- Showing them where the tray is as soon as they arrive home.
- Keeping the tray clean and inviting.
- Avoid forcing your cat into the tray or trying to make them dig. Comfort and consistency are the key.
Daily and weekly litter tray maintenance
A clean tray encourages good habits. Aim to:
- Scoop out soiled litter at least once a day
- Keep enough litter depth for digging – at least 3-4 centimetres
- Wash the tray weekly with mild, unscented dish soap
- Replace all litter regularly to prevent smells.
Avoid strong‑smelling cleaners and disinfectants such as bleach, as these can deter your cat.
Common litter tray challenges and how to solve them
Even with a good setup, some cats may still have the occasional toileting issue. Here are some common situations you might face, and what you can do to help.
My cat is having accidents around the home
This can feel stressful, but it’s often your cat’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. Any change in a cat’s toileting routine should be checked by a vet, as there may be a medical reason they’re avoiding the tray. It’s important to rule out pain or other health issues first. Once your cat has been given the all‑clear, look at their toileting setup. Review the steps above to check your set up. Never punish or use harsh methods towards your cat as this can make problems worse.
My cat won’t use the litter tray at all
If your cat is avoiding the tray, they may not like something about the setup. Try switching to a softer litter, removing the lid from a covered tray or offering a larger tray. Cats are sensitive to smell and texture, so small changes can make a big difference. Make sure the tray is in a quiet, low‑traffic spot away from doors and windows. And for multi‑cat homes, remember the golden rule of one tray per cat plus one extra.
My cat toilets just outside the tray
This can mean the tray is too small or the sides are too high. A larger, open tray gives your cat more room to turn and dig comfortably. For kittens or older cats, a low‑entry tray can make getting in and out much easier.
My cat used the tray before, but now they’ve stopped
Changes at home, new pets, loud noises or even a different brand of litter can unsettle your cat. Think about anything that may have shifted in their environment and adjust where you can. If the change is sudden or your cat seems uncomfortable, speak to your vet to rule out medical issues.
Encourage outdoor toileting
Once your cat is settled, confident and fully vaccinated, many cats prefer to toilet outdoors.
If your cat chooses to go outside, make sure your garden feels safe. Cats like quiet places where they can hide and watch what’s going on. They also feel safer when they have sheltered spots or somewhere to get up high.
You can support this by:
- Letting your cat explore outside at their own pace
- Providing hiding places or raised areas so they can check their surroundings
- Keeping an indoor tray available, even if they start to toilet outdoors, especially in winter or during changes at home
- Providing a sheltered outdoor toileting area with soft soil or sand.
Outdoor toileting can be a natural and enriching choice for many cats, but they should always have an indoor option too.
