How to Introduce a New Litter Box to Your Cat
By Petmate | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Switching to a new litter box doesn't have to stress your cat. Follow these simple steps to make the transition smooth and keep your cat using the box consistently.
Quick answer
Place the new litter box next to the old one for a few days, then gradually move the old box away. Keep the same litter type and add a scoop of used litter to the new box so it smells familiar. Most cats accept the change within a week.
Why cats resist a new litter box
Cats rely heavily on scent and routine. A new box may feel unfamiliar or smell wrong, especially if it has a hood, a different shape, or a new material. Understanding this helps you plan a slow transition instead of a sudden swap.
Some cats are particular about entry height. A lowered entry point, like the one on the Petmate Basic Hooded Cat Litter Pan, can help older or less mobile cats, but a cat used to an uncovered pan may need time to accept a hooded design.
Choosing the right litter box for your cat
Pick a box that matches your cat's size and habits. High walls reduce scatter but can feel confining to a nervous cat. A rimmed design, such as the Arm & Hammer Large Rimmed Wave Litter Box, helps hold liners in place and reduces scatter while keeping entry low. If your cat kicks litter, a hooded box may be a better fit.
Step-by-step litter box transition
- Place the new box next to the old one: Set up the new litter box in the same area as the current one, a few feet apart. Keep the same litter type and depth. This lets your cat explore the new box without losing access to the familiar one. Common mistake: removing the old box immediately. Keep both boxes for at least 3–4 days.
- Add familiar scent to the new box: Scoop a small amount of used litter from the old box and mix it into the fresh litter in the new box. The familiar smell helps your cat recognize the new box as a safe bathroom spot. Checkpoint: if your cat avoids the new box after 2 days, add more used litter or rub a clean cloth on your cat's cheeks and wipe the box rim.
- Gradually move the old box away: Each day, move the old box a few feet farther from the new one, toward its final location or out of the room. Your cat will start using the new box more as the old one becomes less convenient. Verdict: once your cat uses the new box consistently for 2–3 days, you can remove the old box. If accidents happen, slow down and keep both boxes longer.
Litter boxes that ease the transition
- Petmate Basic Hooded Cat Litter Pan: The Petmate Basic Hooded Cat Litter Pan has a lowered entry point for easy access, a removable door for privacy, and high walls with a hood to keep litter inside. The lowered entry helps cats of all ages step in comfortably, while the hood and high walls reduce mess. The removable door lets you start without the door if your cat is nervous about enclosed spaces.
- Arm & Hammer Large Rimmed Wave Litter Box: The Arm & Hammer Large Rimmed Wave Litter Box features a low front for easy entry, a reinforced rim that holds liners in place, and built-in antimicrobial protection with Microban. If your cat is used to an open pan, this rimmed design feels familiar while offering extra durability and less scatter. The antimicrobial protection helps keep the box cleaner during the adjustment period.
