How to Train an Older Cat to Use a Litter Box: 3 Easy Steps

Ever cleaned the floor for the fifth time because your senior cat won’t use the litter box?
I’ve been there—and it’s frustrating. My 12-year-old cat suddenly stopped using her litter box. I thought she was just being stubborn. But the real problem was stiffness, confusion, and uncertainty.

Older cats often face joint pain, stress, or simple habit issues. That’s why training requires trust, comfort, and calm consistency.

In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to train an older cat to use a litter box—step by step. Based on what truly worked for me.

What are the differences in litter box training for older cats?

I’ve trained kittens before. It was simple. But with my older cat, things felt different. She hesitated. She walked slowly. She missed the box more than once. That’s when I realized older cats face their own challenges—and they need a different approach.

Mobility and Pain Management in Litter Box Training

Older cats experience physical and mental changes that impact their litter box habits. In my case, I noticed several key issues:

• Arthritis or joint pain makes it difficult to step into a raised litter box.

A study shows that 92% of domestic cats showed radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease, with 91% having at least one joint affected.

And, according to Cornell University, over 90% of cats over age 12 develop arthritis. That explained why my cat wasn’t being difficult—she was simply uncomfortable.

• Less exercise can sometimes mean he can’t get to the litter box in time.
• Weaker eyesight causes confusion, especially in low-light areas.
• Deep-rooted habits from outdoor living or years of routine behavior.

To support her aging body, I made a few important changes:

• Switched to low-sided, open boxes for easy entry
• Avoided covered boxes, which trapped odors and made her feel boxed in
• Used soft, fine-grain clumping litter, gentle on her sensitive paws
• Placed boxes near her resting spots, so she didn’t have to travel far

These adjustments gave her comfort, restored her confidence, and dramatically reduced accidents. I think for senior cats, accessibility is everything.

Why older cats avoid the litter box

Not all senior cats forget their training. Some avoid the box because:

• It’s too high to climb into
• It’s placed too far from their favorite spots
• It smells different, or they don’t like the litter type
• They had one bad experience and now fear using it again
• Pain or discomfort from arthritis or stiffness
• Stress triggered by changes in their environment or routine
• Preference for previous bathroom spots, like corners or soil patches

Understanding this changed my approach. I stopped blaming and started supporting her.

“Cats don’t act out of spite—they act out of discomfort. If your senior cat avoids the litter box, it’s not punishment; it’s communication.”

— Dr. Sarah Ellis, feline behavior specialist, International Cat Care

See more: How to stop older cats from eating kitten food.

Common Medical vs Behavioral Reasons Older Cats Avoid the Litter Box

Reason	Type	Description	Suggested Fix
Arthritis	Medical	Pain when climbing into or out of the litter box	Use low-entry boxes, vet check-up
Urinary Tract Infection	Medical	Pain during urination may cause box aversion	Immediate vet care, prescription treatment
Vision loss or night blindness	Medical	Can’t locate the box or miss the target	Keep the box in visible, lit areas
Stress (e.g., moving house)	Behavioral	Change in the environment leads to avoidance	Restore familiar space, re-establish litter routine
Outdoor habits	Behavioral	Former outdoor cats don’t recognize a litter box	Use soil-based litter, place near the door
Dirty or smelly box	Behavioral	Cats are clean animals; they avoid unclean toilets	Scoop twice daily, change litter weekly

Why should I train an older cat (and what benefits will it bring)?

I used to think my senior cat would never change. She had her habits. But litter box training turned out to be one of the best things I did for both of us.
It made life calmer, cleaner, and less stressful. And I started noticing the real benefits right away.

Here’s what changed for the better:

• Cleaner home, fewer messes: My floors stopped smelling like cat pee.
• Better health tracking: I noticed changes in her bathroom habits—early signs of illness.
• Stronger bond with my cat: Training built trust.
• Life got easier: No more corner surprises or scrubbing.

See more: How to help a senior cat gain weight if you’re noticing a decline.

What types of litter boxes are the best for older cats?

Finding the right litter box setup made all the difference for my senior cat. She didn’t hate the box—she just couldn’t use it comfortably.

What size and style did I choose?

Older cats need comfort. They need space. And most of all, they need easy access.

Here’s what worked best for me:

• Low-sided, open boxes
• No lids or covers
• Wider boxes for easy turning
• One box per floor—plus one extra

These small changes helped her feel more confident and safe.

What kind of litter helps senior cats adapt?

I tested a few until I found what worked:

• Soft, fine-grain clumping litter
• Unscented options only
• Low-dust or alternative litters like paper pellets
• Gradual switching over 5 days

Cats prefer unscented, fine-grain clumping litter and low-sided, open boxes, especially as they age. Over 75% of surveyed cats avoided boxes that were covered or had strong-smelling litter.

The right box and litter didn’t solve every issue—but they gave her comfort and helped reduce accidents quickly.

Comparison of Common Litter Box Designs for Senior Cats

Litter Box Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Open, Low-Sided Box	Easy entry for arthritic cats, better airflow	Less privacy may cause tracking	Most senior indoor cats
Covered Box (Enclosed)	Odor control, privacy	Hard to enter, traps smells, can cause fear	Younger or more mobile cats
High-Sided Box with Cutout	Good for cats who pee high, has an easier entry point	It may still be difficult for cats with limited mobility	Senior cats with occasional splashing
Disposable Cardboard Box	Affordable, easy to switch	Not durable, no odor control	Temporary or travel situations
Self-Cleaning Box	Low maintenance, hygienic	Expensive, may startle cats with noise	Tech-friendly homes (not all seniors adapt well)

Litter Box Placement: What Really Works

I used to assume any quiet corner would do. But with older cats, where you place the litter box can make or break the training.

Here’s what worked best for me:

• Quiet but visible spots – away from loud machines or heavy foot traffic
• Far from food and water bowls – cats dislike mixing toileting and eating spaces
• Next to favorite resting areas – so she had minimal distance to travel
• On each floor of the house – giving her easy access regardless of location
• Near entry points for outdoor cats – to make transitioning indoors feel familiar

When I brought in my former outdoor cat, I placed a soil-textured litter box by the door she always used. That subtle cue helped her adjust faster.

So, ease of access, location familiarity, and quiet surroundings were key factors. Once I made those changes, her litter box habits improved quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Train an Older Cat to Use a Litter Box

Training my senior cat wasn’t about forcing new behavior—it was about guiding her gently. Here’s the exact process that worked for us:

Step 1: Create a Calm, Confined Space

I started small—a quiet laundry room. I set it up with:

• A low-entry litter box
• Food, water, and her bed were in different corners
• Comfort items like her favorite toys and a familiar-scented blanket
• Cleaned the litter box twice daily

Within just a few days, she started using the box. I praised her gently each time.

Step 2: Gradual Expansion to the Whole Home

Once she was using the box regularly:

• I opened access to one new room at a time
• Guided her back to the box after meals or naps
• Cleaned up any accidents with enzyme cleaner
• Returned her to the confined space if needed

By the end of the first week, she was confidently exploring—and still using the litter box every time.

Step 3: Reinforce Good Habits

To make the training stick:

• Calm verbal praise after each use
• Tiny treats or head rubs
• Never punished accidents
• Tried clicker training for consistent positive feedback
• Maintained consistent routines
  

What challenges did I face—and how did I overcome them?

Medical problems

My vet found arthritis and a mild UTI. That explained her hesitation.

Fix it:

• Vet check-up before training
• Use low-sided boxes
• Keep the box close to where she rests

Box aversion

She hated scented litter and a dirty box.

Fix it:

• Scoop twice daily
• Use unscented, soft litter
• Offer a larger box

Stress

A move during training caused setbacks.

Fix it:

• Keep a quiet space
• Stick to the same setup
• Allow more time to adjust

How long did it take to train my older cat to use the litter box?

Here’s how it went for me:

• First 3–5 days: She used the box once or twice
• After 1 week: Fewer accidents, more consistency
• Within 2–3 weeks: Full habit developed

My experience says most older cats adapt within 2–4 weeks with routine and comfort.

How did I make senior cat litter training a lasting habit?

What worked best:

• Kept the box clean—scooped daily, changed weekly
• Didn’t switch litter or box style once she adapted
• Placed the box near where she slept
• Watched for behavior changes and contacted the vet when needed
  

What if I want to train an outdoor cat to use a litter box?

Outdoor cats are used to soft soil, sand, or grass. My friend’s cat had never seen a litter box before coming indoors. She scratched the floor instead of using the box. It’s not disobedience—it’s unfamiliarity.

They also pick their own “toilet spots.” That habit is hard to break.

If you want to train an outdoor cat to use a litter box, here are some things you can do:

• Start in a small, quiet space
• Use soil-like, natural litter
• Place some of his poop in the box
• Feed on a schedule to predict bathroom times
• Gently place him in the box when he showed signs
• Gradually expand access

Within 2 weeks, she will be fully trained.

FAQs

Conclusion

Training an older cat to use a litter box takes time, but it works—I’ve done it. Start small, stay patient, and give your cat the comfort and space they need. If you’re ready to make life cleaner and easier for both of you, follow the steps I shared. It made a real difference in my home.

Source: 

Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

Cornell University

National Library of Medicine (PubMed)