How to Successfully Introduce Your Cat to a New Litter Box

Introducing a new cat litter box doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, you can make the transition smooth for both you and your cat.

Cats are creatures of habit, and any disruption in their bathroom routine can cause stress or accidents. A proper introduction ensures your cat continues to use the litter box consistently, helping to maintain hygiene and peace in your home.

This step-by-step guide covers how to get cats used to a new litter box, common challenges you might face, and proven strategies for transitioning successfully whether you’re replacing an old box, adding a second one, or moving it to a new location.

Why Cats Might Resist a New Litter Box

Even the most well-behaved cats can hesitate when faced with a new litter box. Cats thrive on routine, and even small changes in their environment can feel unsettling. By understanding the reasons behind resistance, you’ll be able to learn why your cat won't use their new litter box, while simultaneously becoming better prepared to troubleshoot and find solutions that will work for everyone.

Scent and Familiarity

Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. A brand-new litter box doesn’t carry the familiar odors of their old setup, so it may seem foreign or “unsafe.” To bridge the gap, many owners sprinkle in a small amount of used litter from the old box to help attract cats to a new litter box through scent association. Without this familiar smell, some cats may avoid the new box entirely.

Location Changes

You may be wondering: Can you move a cat litter box? The answer is yes, but with caution. If you place the new box in a high-traffic area, near noisy appliances, or in a space that feels exposed, your cat may resist. Privacy, quiet, and accessibility are critical. If the location feels stressful or inconvenient, your cat may choose a more “comfortable” spot in the house instead, leading to accidents.

Litter Type Differences

There are many different types of litter these days, which can easily affect your cat’s litter box use. Switching from a traditional litter to a different litter system (such as pellets or crystals) can completely throw off your cat. Differences in texture, dust level, or scent may cause hesitation, even if the new litter is more convenient for you. Some cats dislike scented litters altogether. When making a change, it’s best to follow a gradual approach to help your cat adjust at their own pace. See our piece on how to switch cat litter for more advice.

Box Type or Size

Cats can be surprisingly particular about the shape and size of their litter box. A covered box may trap odors, which some cats dislike, while others may appreciate the privacy. Entry height is also important – boxes that are too tall can be difficult for kittens, seniors, or cats with mobility issues to use. Similarly, a box that’s too small prevents your cat from turning around comfortably, making them less likely to use it. To ensure you find a litter box that is right for your cat, explore our Best Types of Litter Boxes guide.

Stress or Anxiety

Cats are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Moving furniture, introducing new pets, or even changing daily routines can cause stress. When anxious, some cats express their discomfort by avoiding the litter box. If your cat is stressed during the transition, patience and positive reinforcement are key. You can also learn more about cat anxiety to identify whether stress is the culprit and to learn tips on how to ease their overall anxiety.

Medical Issues

If your cat suddenly refuses to use any litter box, new or old, it may not be a behavioral issue at all. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or arthritis can make the litter box painful or difficult to use. In these cases, your cat may associate the box with discomfort and avoid it. Always consult your veterinarian to rule out health problems if resistance is sudden or persistent.

For more insights, see our Cat Not Using the Litter Box: Causes & Solutions article.

Key Considerations for the New Litter Box

Before you begin introducing a new cat box, it’s important to make sure it meets your cat’s needs. Cats are more likely to resist a setup that feels uncomfortable, hard to access, or is unfamiliar. By taking time to choose the right location, design, and litter, you’ll make the transition smoother and avoid common issues like your cat not using the new litter box or accidents around the home.

Location, Location, Location

Placement is one of the biggest factors regarding how to get cats to use a new litter box. Cats value privacy and safety, so the box should be placed in a quiet, low-traffic, and easily accessible location. Avoid placing it near appliances that make noise, like washers or dryers, and try to keep the litter box away from food and water dishes. Cats often instinctively avoid eliminating near where they eat.

For multi-cat households, follow the “number of cats + 1” rule. For example, two cats should have three boxes in separate parts of the home. This helps prevent territorial disputes and reduces the risk of litter box avoidance. It’s also good to have a litter box on every floor in order to assist with accessibility.

Choosing the Right Box Type and Size

When it comes to choosing the best type of litter box remember that not all litter boxes are created equal, and your cat may have strong preferences. One of the first choices is open versus covered. Covered boxes offer more privacy and may help contain odor, but some cats feel trapped inside them and may refuse to use them. Open boxes, on the other hand, allow for better airflow and are less intimidating.

Size is equally important. The litter box should be large enough for your cat to comfortably enter, turn around, and dig without feeling cramped. As a general rule, the box should be at least as long as your cat from nose to tail base. If you need an extra-large litter box for bigger breeds, many retailers have those available as well.

Entry height also matters; a tall box might help reduce litter scatter but can be difficult for kittens, senior cats, or cats with arthritis. In those cases, a low-entry litter box makes it much easier to use.

Picking the Right Litter Type

When it comes to litter, consistency is key. Cats tend to be creatures of habit, and a sudden change in litter type can cause confusion or resistance. If your cat is used to clay clumping litter, for example, and you suddenly introduce pellets, they may reject the new box. If you do want to switch to another type, whether due to convenience, odor control, or dust sensitivity – transition slowly. Start by mixing a small amount of the new litter with the old and gradually increase the ratio over a week or more. This slow introduction helps a cat become more familiar with a new litter box without overwhelming them.

It’s also important to avoid heavily scented litters unless you know your cat tolerates them. While these products can help reduce odors for humans, many cats find the strong fragrance off-putting, which may make them avoid the box. Unscented, low-dust formulas, such as Purina Tidy Cats® Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Litter, are often a safe starting point. 

For more tips, see our “Cat Litter Box Tips – Do’s & Don’ts of Litter” article.

Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing a New Litter Box

Transitioning your cat to a new litter box or a different type of litter can be easy if you follow a structured approach. This step-by-step guide shows you how to get cats used to a new litter box, reduce stress, and maintain good habits. 

Step 1: Initial Placement

• If replacing an old box: Place the new cat box directly next to the old one. This allows your cat to notice the new box while keeping the familiar environment nearby.
• If moving the box to a new location: Shift it slowly over the course of a few days toward the final spot. Rapid changes can confuse your cat and lead to accidents.
• Ensure the new location is quiet, private, and away from food and water. Multiple boxes? Follow the “cats + 1” rule mentioned above to make sure each cat has access.

Step 2: Litter Preparation

• Start with the same litter type your cat is already using. Familiar textures and scents make the new box more appealing.
• Sprinkle a small scoop of soiled litter from the old box into the new one. This acts as a cat litter attractant and gives the new box a familiar scent your cat associates with elimination.
• If you are switching to a new litter, mix it gradually with the old litter over several days to see if your cat will take to it or not.

Pro tip: For cats sensitive to scent, consider unscented, low-dust options like Purina Tidy Cats® Naturally Strong® Unscented Cat Litter or Tidy Cats® Lightweight Free & Clean® Unscented Multi-Cat Clumping Litter.

Step 3: Encouraging Use

• Gently place your cat in the new box after meals, naps, or play sessions, when they are naturally more likely to go.
• Never force your cat or hover over them. This can create negative associations.
• Reward successful use with praise, treats, or gentle petting. Positive reinforcement encourages repeated use.
• If your cat hesitates, try adding a small amount of old litter or lightly scratching the surface yourself to signal “dig here.”

Step 4: Maintaining Both Boxes During Transition

• Keep the new litter box meticulously clean and ensure that the old and new litter boxes are available during the transition. One way to help encourage cats to use the new box more is to maintain the old litter box a little less often. Cats are sensitive to unclean boxes, so having the two boxes maintained differently can help encourage them to use the new litter box over the old one.
• Do not remove the old box until your cat consistently uses the new one for several days, usually 3–7 days depending on the cat.

Tip: Clean the boxes daily, scoop waste promptly, and for Breeze® systems, replace pads weekly and pellets monthly. This ensures your cat’s new box is always inviting.

Step 5: Phasing Out the Old Box 

• Once your cat is confidently using the new litter box, remove the old one gradually.
• Continue to monitor for any reluctance, accidents, or signs of stress. If issues arise, review placement, litter type, and box size to troubleshoot.

By carefully managing placement, litter type, encouragement, and gradual transition, you can teach your cat how to use a new litter box successfully. Patience, positive reinforcement, and attention to your cat’s preferences are key to a stress-free transition.

Troubleshooting and Common Challenges

Even with careful preparation, your cat may show reluctance or resistance when adjusting to a new litter box. Here’s how to handle common challenges and how to attract cats to a new litter box:  

Cat refuses to use the new box: 

• Reevaluate placement: Make sure the box is in a quiet, private, and easily accessible area.
• Check box type and size: Your cat may prefer an open box, a lower entry, or a larger space.
• Reassess litter type: Some cats are sensitive to texture, dust, or scent. Gradual introduction helps.
• Consider adding another box in a different location to give options. 

Accidents outside the box: 

• Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove odors; lingering smells can encourage repeat accidents.
• AVOID PUNISHEMENT as this increases anxiety and can worsen avoidance behavior.
• Track timing and location of accidents to identify patterns or preferences.
• Consult a veterinarian if accidents persist, as underlying medical issues like urinary tract infections or constipation could be contributing factors. 

Multiple cats and new boxes: 

• Follow the “cats + 1” rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
• Some cats prefer a designated box; others are more flexible.
• Make sure boxes are spaced apart, especially in multi-cat households, to reduce stress and territorial issues.
• Try to have at least one litter box per floor for easier accessibility.  

Introducing a self-cleaning box: 

• Leave it unplugged initially, letting your cat explore and use it manually.
• Gradually activate the cleaning cycle once your cat is comfortable.
• Positive reinforcement with treats or praise can help your cat accept automated features.
• Monitor for signs of fear or avoidance, and revert to manual use, if necessary, before trying again. 

Reluctance after relocation or major changes: 

• If the box has been moved or the household environment has changed, return it temporarily to the previous location or reduce other stressors.
• Reintroduce gradually and continue using familiar litter or add a small amount of soiled litter from the previous location.
• You can also keep a litter box in the original spot and place another litter box in the new spot, so they have both options to assist them with the transitional phase from the old location to the new location.

Stress or anxiety-related avoidance: 

• Ensure there are safe, quiet spaces in your home for your cat to retreat to.
• Provide additional enrichment, like scratching posts and interactive play, to reduce general cat anxiety.
• Stick to a consistent cleaning and feeding schedule to maintain routine stability. 

Introducing a new litter box requires patience, observation, and a thoughtful, step-by-step approach. By paying attention to your cat’s preferences for location, box type, and litter, and by gradually transitioning to the new setup, you can minimize stress and maintain consistent litter box use. Positive reinforcement, careful monitoring, and clean, well-maintained boxes encourage your cat to adopt the new box confidently. Even in multi-cat households or when using self-cleaning systems, following best practices and addressing resistance early ensures a smooth transition. With careful planning and attention to your cat’s comfort, you can successfully introduce any new litter box, keeping your cat happy, healthy, and consistent with their bathroom habits.

For more expert tips on cat litter, explore our other litter behavior articles.