02/09/2026
Toilet training tips for puppies and kittens
Toilet training takes time, consistency and plenty or patience. Accidents are a normal part of learning, but a good routine can help your new family member get the hang of things sooner.
Puppies
Take your puppy to their designated toilet area regularly, especially:
-First thing in the morning
-After eating or drinking
-After waking up from a nap
-After playing or excitement
-Before bedtime
Young puppies have small bladders and may need very frequent toilet breaks
Kittens
Most kittens naturally prefer to toilet in a litter tray. Make things easy by:
Providing a clean, easily accessible tray
Placing it somewhere quiet and private
Using a kitten-safe litter they are comfortable with
Having enough trays- a goog guide is one tray per cat, plus one extra
Scooping regularly to keep trays inviting
Reward the right behaviour
Praise and reward your puppy or kitten immediately after they toilet in the correct place. This helps them learn exactly what behaviour earned the reward.
Don't punish accidents
Scolding, rubbing their nose in it or punishing them can create fear and confusion and may encourage them to hide when they need to toilet.
Clean accidents thoroughly
Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner to remove lingering odours. If your pet can still smell where they have toileted before, they may be tempted to use the same spot again.
Learn their signals
Sniffing, circling, wandering away, scratching at the door, becoming restless or suddenly stopping play can all mean "I need to go to the toilet".
And remember, if a previously toilet trained pet suddenly starts having accidents, is straining, urinating very frequently , crying when toileting, or has blood in their urine or stool, contact your vet team on 08 8642 3308