May 11, 2026 Back Home

How Do Cats Know How to Use the Litter Box?

One of the many benefits of getting a cat (or two) is that you typically don’t have to potty train! Because cats for the most part know how to do their business in the box.

Dogs and humans need our help, but cats seem to know exactly what they’re doing from the moment they’re born. But, how do cats know how to use the litter box?

CATs INSTINCTIVELY KNOW HOW TO USE THE LITTER BOX

Knowing how to use the litter box is an intrinsic trait all felines share because it helps them survive in the wild.

Wild cats have to hide the sight and smell of their poop to prevent it from attracting predators. Our domestic kitties still have that instinct and evolved to confine their mess to litter boxes we humans keep clean.

And while a stinky litter box just smells like a stinky litter box to us humans, cats can tell the difference between their mess and another cat’s. Their urine and feces contain pheromones that act as chemical scent markers.

CATS ALSO LEARN BY OBSERVATION

Cats knowing how to use the litter box is an inherent trait, but they also learn when they are new kittens by watching their moms use the litter box!

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While the instinct is certainly there, a kitten will oftentimes need a little shove in the right direction.

How to litter train a kitten

During the first three to four weeks of a kitten’s life, their mom has to stimulate them to pass urine and feces.

After these first few weeks, you can introduce them to a litter box. If you’ve adopted a kitten after the customary 8 weeks, you’ll most often find that the cat is well adjusted to litter box culture.

Most kittens will automatically know what to do, but some might need a little more time to become comfortable. Just be patient! Every kitten is different and will develop on their own time.

ANOTHER LITTER INSTINCT: THE Post-Poop Zoomies

Zoomies Explained: The Inside Scoop on the Famous Feline Frenzy
Curious why your cat is going crazy? It’s called the Zoomies, and it’s a common behavior that veterinarians refer to as FRAPs.

Have you ever wondered why your cat gets the post-poop zoomies? That’s instinctual too!

It’s not a smart survival tactic to hang around your toilet and wait for predators to find you, so cats have to get as far away from the evidence as possible.

Theories say some cats might even experience a euphoric sensation if a certain nerve is stimulated when they poop. Cat behaviorists nicknamed this burst of energy “poophoria!”

Best Litter for training kittens

For young kittens, you have to be careful with the type of litter you provide. Kittens are similar to human babies in that they like to put everything in their mouth, so you need a natural, fragrance-free litter.

Non-clumping litter is also recommended so the kittens don’t ingest clumped litter.

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Once a cat is a pro at using the litter box, there are different types of litter you can try:

Corn litter
Clay litter
Silica gel litter
Wheat litter

Clay litter is a popular choice but is known to create dust, aggravate allergies, and create a mess outside of the box. Natural litters, like World’s Best Cat Litter®, are naturally absorbent, dust-free, and lightweight.

What If A Cat Doesn’t want to use the Litter Box?

Cats are creatures of habit and they love a routine. So if your cat won’t use their litter box, it could be due to a few different reasons:

It needs to be cleaned more often
It’s not in a comfortable location
They don’t like the litter
They are stressed or anxious (like after a move)
They have a health concern (maybe a UTI)

And naturally, once you’ve ruled out environmental factors, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and a tailored solution.