Getting a new litter box can make life easier for you and your cat—but some cats don't immediately agree.
If your cat refuses to use a new litter box, don't worry. Cats are creatures of habit, and even a small change in their bathroom setup can make them hesitant. The key is to make the transition gradual and help your cat feel comfortable with the new box.
Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help your cat adjust to a new litter box.
Why Do Cats Refuse to Use a New Litter Box?
Before changing anything, it helps to understand why your cat may be avoiding the new litter box.
Cats may dislike a new litter box because of:
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A different size or shape
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A new location
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A different entrance or height
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A new type or texture of litter
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Strong odors or scented litter
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A covered design that feels enclosed
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A self-cleaning mechanism that makes unfamiliar sounds
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Changes to their usual routine
For some cats, simply replacing a familiar litter box with a completely different one can be enough to cause hesitation.
The goal isn't to force your cat to use the new box. Instead, give them time to investigate and gradually build a positive association with it.
Step 1: Keep the New Litter Box in a Familiar Location
When possible, place the new litter box where your cat's old box was located—or somewhere nearby.
A familiar location can make the change feel less dramatic.
Choose a quiet area that is easy for your cat to access. Avoid placing the box next to loud appliances, in a high-traffic area, or somewhere your cat could feel trapped.
If you eventually want to move the litter box to another location, make that change gradually after your cat has started using the new box.
Step 2: Use the Same Litter at First
One of the easiest ways to make a new litter box feel familiar is to keep the litter the same.
If your cat has always used unscented clumping litter, for example, don't change the litter at the same time you introduce a new box.
Changing multiple things at once makes it difficult to know what your cat dislikes.
Once your cat is comfortable with the new litter box, you can gradually transition to a different type of litter if necessary.
Step 3: Add Some Familiar Scent
Cats rely heavily on scent when navigating their environment.
If you're replacing an old litter box, you can transfer a small amount of clean, used litter from the old box into the new one. The familiar scent can help your cat recognize the new box as an appropriate bathroom area.
Don't add dirty waste just to create a smell. The goal is simply to preserve a familiar scent while keeping the new litter box clean.
Step 4: Let Your Cat Explore the New Box
Don't place your cat inside the new litter box and expect them to start using it.
Instead, allow them to investigate it at their own pace.
Your cat may sniff the box, walk around it, or step inside without using it. That's completely normal.
You can encourage curiosity by placing the box in an accessible location and allowing your cat to approach it freely.
Avoid punishing, forcing, or repeatedly placing your cat inside the box. These actions can create a negative association with the litter box.
Step 5: Make the New Box Comfortable
Pay attention to the physical design of the litter box.
Your cat should have enough space to enter, turn around, dig, and eliminate comfortably.
Consider:
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Size: Is the box large enough for your cat?
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Entry: Can your cat easily get inside?
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Height: Is the entrance comfortable, especially for older cats?
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Privacy: Does your cat prefer an open or enclosed environment?
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Stability: Does the box move when your cat steps inside?
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Noise: Does the box make unfamiliar sounds?
If you're introducing a self-cleaning litter box, these considerations become especially important because your cat may need time to become familiar with its movement and sounds.
Step 6: Keep the Old Litter Box Available for a While
If possible, don't immediately throw away the old litter box.
Place the old and new boxes next to each other and allow your cat to choose.
This gives your cat a safe fallback option while they investigate the new box.
Once your cat consistently uses the new litter box, you can gradually remove the old one.
For particularly cautious cats, this transition may take several days or even a few weeks.
Step 7: Reward Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement can help your cat develop a good association with the new litter box.
When your cat investigates the box, enters it, or uses it successfully, you can offer praise or a small treat afterward if your cat responds well to rewards.
Keep the experience calm and positive.
The goal is to make the new litter box feel like a normal, safe part of your cat's environment.
Step 8: Keep the New Litter Box Clean
Once your cat starts using the new box, cleanliness becomes important.
Cats may avoid a dirty litter box even after they've accepted it.
Remove waste regularly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations for the box.
For busy cat parents, a self-cleaning litter box can reduce the amount of daily scooping required while helping maintain a consistently cleaner litter area.
How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Get Used to a New Litter Box?
Every cat is different.
Some cats will investigate and use a new litter box immediately. Others may need several days or longer to become comfortable.
Don't rush the process.
If your cat is still using the old box, eating normally, and otherwise behaving normally, giving them more time is often the best approach.
However, if your cat completely stops using the litter box, repeatedly urinates or defecates outside the box, or shows signs of pain or illness, consult your veterinarian.
Introducing a Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Switching from a traditional litter box to a self-cleaning litter box can be a bigger change because your cat may notice new sounds, movement, and cleaning cycles.
A gradual transition can help.
Start by allowing your cat to become familiar with the new litter box while it is not actively running, if the manufacturer's instructions allow this. Once your cat is comfortable entering and using it, follow the manufacturer's instructions for activating the automatic cleaning function.
For a product such as the homerunPET CS106 Self-Cleaning Litter Box, the transition should always follow the product's specific setup and safety instructions.
The most important thing is to let your cat become comfortable at their own pace.
What If Your Cat Still Refuses to Use the New Litter Box?
If your cat continues avoiding the new box, go back through the basics.
Ask yourself:
Did the location change?
Try a quieter, more familiar location.
Did the litter change?
Return to the litter your cat previously accepted.
Is the box too small?
Choose a larger box that allows comfortable movement.
Does your cat dislike the design?
Consider whether they prefer an open, enclosed, low-entry, or different style of box.
Is your cat showing other symptoms?
Sudden litter box avoidance can sometimes indicate a medical problem. Contact your veterinarian if you notice changes in urination, straining, blood in the urine, constipation, pain, or other unusual symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Helping your cat adjust to a new litter box doesn't have to be difficult. The key is to make the transition gradual, keep familiar elements whenever possible, and give your cat plenty of time to adjust.
Start with the same litter and a familiar location, let your cat explore the new box freely, and keep the old box available during the transition. Once your cat consistently uses the new box, you can gradually remove the old one.
And if you're switching to a self-cleaning litter box, remember that your cat's comfort comes first. A little patience during the transition can help create a cleaner and easier litter box routine for both of you.
Ready to make litter box maintenance easier?
Explore the homerunPET CS106 Self-Cleaning Litter Box and discover a smarter way to manage your cat's daily litter routine.