[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":170},["Reactive",2],{"tMK49sUrtv":3,"0MJw72GuB6":26,"_apollo:default":169},{"blogByHandle":4},{"articleByHandle":5,"__typename":25},{"authorV2":6,"title":9,"tags":10,"contentHtml":12,"handle":13,"publishedAt":14,"image":15,"seo":20,"__typename":24},{"name":7,"__typename":8},"Klaudia Habek","ArticleAuthor","Do Cats Need to Be Potty Trained?",[11],"cat care","\u003Cp>New to cat parenting? You might be wondering whether cats need potty training. The answer is no—not in the same way dogs do. Most cats come equipped with an incredible instinct to use the litter box from a very young age. Still, there are situations where a little extra help goes a long way, especially if you're welcoming a new kitten or adopting a rescue into your home.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Let’s break down the truth about cat potty training, when and why it might be needed, and how you can set your feline friend up for litter box success.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>When do Kittens Start Using a Litter Box?\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Unlike dogs, cats don't usually require extensive toilet training. Thanks to strong instincts passed down from their wild ancestors, most felines naturally seek out a soft, diggable surface to eliminate waste.\u003Csup>1\u003C/sup> This means many kittens will start using a litter box on their own by the time they’re 3 to 4 weeks old—no step-by-step “toilet train cat” guide is required.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>So, do you have to potty train cats? Not exactly. But that doesn't mean you won’t play a part in reinforcing those instincts or guiding them when they’re in a new environment. Understanding their natural litter behavior can help you support them better and avoid future issues.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>When Might a Cat Need Litter Box Training?\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Even though cats know how to use the litter box instinctively, some scenarios may call for a little coaching. Here are a few times when litter training becomes part of the routine:\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Kittens Learning for the First Time\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Young kittens learn a lot by watching their mother. If the mother cat uses a litter box, her kittens will often mimic her behavior. But orphaned kittens or those adopted before they fully observe these habits may need help learning where to go. That’s where gentle redirection and patience come into play.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Newly Adopted Cats Adjusting to a New Home\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Do you have to train cats to use the litter box if they’re older? Sometimes, yes. A cat transitioning from outdoor life—or a shelter—into your home might not immediately recognize a litter box as their “bathroom.” They may need encouragement and some positive reinforcement while adjusting to their new surroundings.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>5 Tips for Encouraging Good Litter Box Habits\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Whether you’re working with a brand-new kitten or \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/signs-your-new-cat-is-adjusting\" target=\"_blank\">helping an adopted cat settle in\u003C/a>, these simple tips can support healthy litter box behavior:\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>1. Choose the Right Box and Litter\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Cats can be particular. Some prefer open boxes, while others feel safer in covered ones. It may take a little experimentation to figure out what your kitty likes best. When it comes to litter, PrettyLitter is a great option. Our pet-safe formula is made with silica gel and provides \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/odorcontrol\" target=\"_blank\">advanced odor control\u003C/a>. Plus, our health-monitoring formula helps you keep track of your cat’s well-being by indicating potential health issues through \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/color-meaning\" target=\"_blank\">changes in color\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>2. Pick a Comfortable, Quiet Location\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Placement matters. Cats don’t want to eliminate near food or in noisy areas. If you are wondering \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/top-6-places-to-put-your-litter-box\" target=\"_blank\">where to place the litter box\u003C/a>, an ideal spot is a low-traffic corner of your home. Be sure the spot is always accessible, especially for kittens or senior cats who may not be able to travel far.\u003Csup>2\u003C/sup>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>3. Keep It Clean\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Cats are fastidious by nature. A dirty litter box can deter even the most well-trained feline. Scoop waste daily, fully change litter regularly, and wash the box with mild, unscented soap when needed. This helps prevent odor buildup and encourages regular use.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>4. Avoid Sudden Changes\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Switching the type of litter or moving the litter box to a new location can confuse your cat and cause them to eliminate elsewhere. If you need to make changes, do so gradually and with plenty of positive reinforcement.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>5. Watch for Medical Concerns\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If your \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/top-reasons-your-cat-is-not-using-the-litter-box\" target=\"_blank\">cat stops using the litter box\u003C/a> suddenly, it could be a sign of something more serious—like a \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/catuti\" target=\"_blank\">urinary tract infection\u003C/a> or another underlying condition. \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/cat-urinating-a-lot\" target=\"_blank\">Cats urinating a lot\u003C/a>, experiencing changes in stool, or showing signs of discomfort may need a vet checkup. It’s always better to rule out medical issues first.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>How PrettyLitter Makes Litter Box Training Easier\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Potty training may not be as demanding with cats as with dogs, but \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-cat-litter\" target=\"_blank\">choosing the right litter \u003C/a>makes a world of difference during those early stages of learning. PrettyLitter is designed with both you and your kitty in mind.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cstrong>Tracks Potential Health Issues:\u003C/strong> PrettyLitter uses color-changing technology that reacts to changes in urine pH, helping alert you to possible medical issues early on. For a new pet parent, that’s peace of mind packed into each scoop.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cstrong>Offers a Low-Dust, Cat-Preferred Formula:\u003C/strong> One big reason some cats avoid the litter box is dusty, harsh litter. PrettyLitter’s lightweight, \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/dust-free-cat-litter\" target=\"_blank\">low-dust formula\u003C/a> makes it easier for cats to breathe and move comfortably, especially those with sensitivities or new to litter box life.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>Your Next Step as a Cat Parent\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Cats do not need to be potty trained in the traditional sense—but they do need the right environment, tools, and support to build good habits. Whether you're helping a kitten learn for the first time or easing a rescue into their new home, patience, consistency, and a little help from PrettyLitter can go a long way.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Ready to make litter training easier (and cleaner) for you and your cat?\u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/get-started\" target=\"_blank\"> Get started\u003C/a> with \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.prettylitter.com/\" target=\"_blank\">PrettyLitter\u003C/a> and see why cat parents trust it for safe, odor-controlled, and low-maintenance litter box care.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Sources: \u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Pet Assure. Cats and their Ancestral Instincts. \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/cats-and-their-ancestral-instincts/\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.petassure.com/new-newsletters/cats-and-their-ancestral-instincts/\u003C/a>\u003Cb>\u003C/b>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Cats Protection. Toileting. \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting\u003C/a>\u003Cb>\u003C/b>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Dr. Ruth Roberts. Cat Training Tricks: Is Cat Training Like Dog Training? \u003Ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://drruthroberts.com/blogs/pet-blog/can-cats-be-trained-like-dogs-guide\" target=\"_blank\">https://drruthroberts.com/blogs/pet-blog/can-cats-be-trained-like-dogs-guide\u003C/a> \u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>","do-cats-need-to-be-potty-trained","2025-04-11T17:53:00Z",{"id":16,"src":17,"altText":18,"__typename":19},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/107794792584","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/Do_Cats_Need_to_Be_Potty_Trained_fcce33b5-c01b-40e7-a042-d39936f55717.jpg?v=1744912863","Do Cats Need to Be Potty Trained","Image",{"title":21,"description":22,"__typename":23},"Do Cats Need to be Potty Trained? | PrettyLitter","Wondering if cats need potty training? Learn how most cats instinctively use a litter box, and discover helpful tips for encouraging good habits.","SEO","Article","Blog",{"articles":27},{"edges":28,"pageInfo":165,"__typename":168},[29,44,52,65,78,91,104,119,135,152],{"node":30,"cursor":42,"__typename":43},{"id":31,"authorV2":32,"title":33,"tags":34,"excerptHtml":36,"handle":37,"publishedAt":38,"image":39,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/567202513032",{"name":7,"__typename":8},"Is Silica Cat Litter Safe? What Cat Parents Need to Know",[11,35],"cat health","\u003Cp>Curious if silica cat litter is safe? Learn the difference between amorphous and crystalline silica—and why PrettyLitter uses the safer option.\u003C/p>","is-silica-safe","2025-04-17T17:54:17Z",{"src":40,"altText":41,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/Is_Silica_Cat_Litter_Safe_e2b681ad-094e-44fe-a1de-872dbe5eefc1.jpg?v=1744912909",null,"eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjcyMDI1MTMwMzIsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NDQ5MTI0NTcwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MH0=","ArticleEdge",{"node":45,"cursor":51,"__typename":43},{"id":46,"authorV2":47,"title":9,"tags":48,"excerptHtml":49,"handle":13,"publishedAt":14,"image":50,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/567202578568",{"name":7,"__typename":8},[11],"\u003Cp>\u003Cmeta charset=\"utf-8\">Wondering if cats need potty training? Learn how most cats instinctively use a litter box, and discover helpful tips for encouraging good habits.\u003C/p>",{"src":17,"altText":18,"__typename":19},"eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjcyMDI1Nzg1NjgsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NDQzOTM5ODAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MX0=",{"node":53,"cursor":64,"__typename":43},{"id":54,"authorV2":55,"title":56,"tags":57,"excerptHtml":58,"handle":59,"publishedAt":60,"image":61,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/567202545800",{"name":7,"__typename":8},"Amorphous vs. Crystalline Silica in Cat Litter: What’s the Difference?",[11],"\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cspan>Learn the difference between amorphous and crystalline silica. Explore why PrettyLitter’s pet-safe formula uses amorphous silica.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp> \u003C/p>","amorphous-silica-vs-crystalline","2025-04-09T17:53:00Z",{"src":62,"altText":63,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/Amorphous_vs._Crystalline_Silica_689a3bdb-874a-4c5b-8587-8fa988f60b51.jpg?v=1744912813","Amorphous vs. Crystalline Silica","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjcyMDI1NDU4MDAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NDQyMjExODAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6Mn0=",{"node":66,"cursor":77,"__typename":43},{"id":67,"authorV2":68,"title":69,"tags":70,"excerptHtml":71,"handle":72,"publishedAt":73,"image":74,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/567021830280",{"name":7,"__typename":8},"Are Cats Low Maintenance? What to Expect With Cats",[11],"\u003Cp>\u003Cmeta charset=\"utf-8\">Wondering if cats are low maintenance? Learn what it takes to care for a cat, from feeding and grooming to litter box maintenance.\u003C/p>","are-cats-easy-to-take-care-of","2025-03-21T19:20:00Z",{"src":75,"altText":76,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/shutterstock_2468063163_1857f16c-d44e-41eb-9042-30285bf30902.jpg?v=1744140021","Are Cats Low Maintenance?","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjcwMjE4MzAyODAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NDI1ODQ4MDAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6M30=",{"node":79,"cursor":90,"__typename":43},{"id":80,"authorV2":81,"title":82,"tags":83,"excerptHtml":84,"handle":85,"publishedAt":86,"image":87,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/566592995464",{"name":7,"__typename":8},"When is the Right Time to Neuter Your Cat?",[11],"\u003Cp>\u003Cmeta charset=\"utf-8\">Learn the best age and benefits of neutering your cat, plus tips on timing, health factors, and aftercare for a happy, healthy feline.\u003C/p>","when-is-the-right-time-to-neuter-your-cat","2025-01-21T18:00:00Z",{"src":88,"altText":89,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/When_is_the_Right_Time_to_Neuter_Your_Cat_5e11edf5-3f6a-41e4-afe4-729192b60c1c.jpg?v=1738776786","When is the Right Time to Neuter Your Cat","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjY1OTI5OTU0NjQsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3Mzc0ODI0MDAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6NH0=",{"node":92,"cursor":103,"__typename":43},{"id":93,"authorV2":94,"title":95,"tags":96,"excerptHtml":97,"handle":98,"publishedAt":99,"image":100,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/566154854536",{"name":7,"__typename":8},"How to Maintain a Fresh-Smelling Home, Even with Cats",[11],"\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your home smelling fresh with cats. Discover cleaning tips, odor-neutralizing products, and how PrettyLitter helps control odors for a fresher home.\u003C/span>","how-to-keep-home-smelling-fresh","2024-10-10T09:00:00Z",{"src":101,"altText":102,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/How_to_Maintain_a_Fresh-Smelling_Home.jpg?v=1730108545","How to Maintain a Fresh-Smelling Home","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjYxNTQ4NTQ1MzYsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3Mjg1NTA4MDAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6NX0=",{"node":105,"cursor":118,"__typename":43},{"id":106,"authorV2":107,"title":109,"tags":110,"excerptHtml":112,"handle":113,"publishedAt":114,"image":115,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/9352740900",{"name":108,"__typename":8},"Miranda Vargas","How to Save Money on Cat Litter with a Subscription",[11,111],"Lifestyle","\u003Cmeta charset=\"utf-8\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience the convenience of a cat litter subscription. Learn why it's time to make your life easier with PrettyLitter today.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>","have-you-tried-a-cat-litter-subscription-well-its-time-you-do","2023-03-02T21:11:48Z",{"src":116,"altText":117,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/3_copy_1_e4c4b55c-cf19-433f-b5a8-e9404759bac0.jpg?v=1626457183","cat litter subscription","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo5MzUyNzQwOTAwLCJsYXN0X3ZhbHVlIjoxNjc3NzkxNTA4MDAwLCJvZmZzZXQiOjZ9",{"node":120,"cursor":134,"__typename":43},{"id":121,"authorV2":122,"title":124,"tags":125,"excerptHtml":128,"handle":129,"publishedAt":130,"image":131,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/9310863396",{"name":123,"__typename":8},"Sam Masai","Cat Litter Crystals: The Facts",[11,126,127,111],"Cat/Kitty Tips","drdewire","\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover the facts about cat litter crystals. Learn about the benefits of crystal litter and how it compares to traditional cat litter options today.\u003C/span>","cat-litter-crystals-the-facts","2023-02-03T09:30:00Z",{"src":132,"altText":133,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/silica_gel_cat_litter_7ff7b6d7-87df-4259-a8cf-284ae8bc42b0.png?v=1718036958","Crystal cat litter","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo5MzEwODYzMzk2LCJsYXN0X3ZhbHVlIjoxNjc1NDE2NjAwMDAwLCJvZmZzZXQiOjd9",{"node":136,"cursor":151,"__typename":43},{"id":137,"authorV2":138,"title":139,"tags":140,"excerptHtml":145,"handle":146,"publishedAt":147,"image":148,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/29996351549",{"name":123,"__typename":8},"Natural Remedies for Feline Stress",[141,142,11,143,144],"behavior","cat behavior","Health","ochoa","\u003Cmeta charset=\"utf-8\">\u003Cspan>Remember how fun it was to spook your friends or siblings as a kid and call them \"scared-y cats?\" As entertaining as that was - or still is - an actual anxious cat is no laughing matter. Helping your cat deal with stress is essential to his well-being. There are many natural ways - such as cat calming spray - to treat your fur baby's anxiety.\u003C/span>","natural-remedies-cat-calming-spray","2019-02-20T23:17:00Z",{"src":149,"altText":150,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/shutterstock_557464609_1_62f8a386-cd27-4abf-b313-fd26957bbe6f.jpg?v=1720038677","cat behind door","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjoyOTk5NjM1MTU0OSwibGFzdF92YWx1ZSI6MTU1MDcwNDYyMDAwMCwib2Zmc2V0Ijo4fQ==",{"node":153,"cursor":164,"__typename":43},{"id":154,"authorV2":155,"title":156,"tags":157,"excerptHtml":158,"handle":159,"publishedAt":160,"image":161,"__typename":24},"gid://shopify/Article/29728079933",{"name":123,"__typename":8},"Polycystic Kidney Disease: How to Prevent & Detect It",[11,35,143,144],"","polycystic-kidney-disease-how-to-prevent-pkd-in-cats","2019-01-16T08:00:00Z",{"src":162,"altText":163,"__typename":19},"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0997/4496/articles/shutterstock_565969024_b108a6ab-df24-4c7c-8787-e82a0e733088.jpg?v=1720049499","cat with vet","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjoyOTcyODA3OTkzMywibGFzdF92YWx1ZSI6MTU0NzYyNTYwMDAwMCwib2Zmc2V0Ijo5fQ==",{"hasNextPage":166,"__typename":167},true,"PageInfo","ArticleConnection",{},1752858039180]