Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My kitten eats litter. Is it safe and how do I litter train her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed

My cat is a 2 month old Persian cat and she isn't litter trained. Everytime I put her in the litter box after she has eaten food or drank water, she starts eating the cat litter and tries to get out of the litter box. I've read that cats want privacy and be alone when doing their business but I can't leave her alone because I'm scared she'll eat the litter and try to get out of the box. Is the non-clumping cat litter safe for her to eat? And how do I get her to stay in the box to poop and pee?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on June 30th, 2017

I would recommend that you have Gucci seen by your veterinarian. Eating non-food items such as litter can indicate an underlying medical problem such as parasites or nutritional deficiencies. Your veterinarian may recommend checking a stool sample or blood work to get a better idea what's going on. After it is determined that Gucci is healthy it is likely worth trying different types of litter such as cedar shavings or corn-based litter. It is very important that Gucci does not eat litter as this can cause an intestinal blockage.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my kitten eating litter? Is it safe and what can I do?

Clay or crystalline litter is not good if eaten as it can cause obstruction and some can be toxic if ingested. Place only a small scatter over newspaper in the tray until he learns how to use the tray more appropriately. Monitor for any vomiting or constipation

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my 5-week-old kitten eating litter instead of using the box?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This sounds behavioral and will likely go away over time. However, in the meantime while the behavior is occurring, I would recommend switching the type of litter or even consider spraying bitter apple onto the litter itself. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat keeps eating clumping litter. Why and should I worry?

I guess he just feels like it. This isn't a common problem among cats. In small amounts it is perfectly safe, but in larger amounts it could cause irritation to the GI tract or even an impaction. You might need to try another substrate for the litter box, such as shredded paper, packing peanuts, sand, a product called yesterday's news, etc.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is eating her new Breeze litter. Is this safe? What to do?

There is no specific product I know of designed for the purpose you have suggested. In general, we don't want to do something that might discourage the cats from wanting to use the litter box as you intended it to be. If you have a cat that is eating the litter, stop using it right away and switch to a different product, or a different medium (newspaper clippings, plastic litter, etc). Hope this makes sense.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat started eating litter. Is this harmful and how can I stop it?

This can be due to a nutritional or vitamin deficiency, or a serious disease like feline leukemia or kidney disease. Have Smog checked out by a vet to make sure everything is healthy, and feed him a high quality kitten food.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my kitten playing with and eating poop? What can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is unusual but can happen. This is probably out of boredom. You can try changing the litter material to see if she becomes less interested. Otherwise, you may change the litter box to a different place in the house. That may help. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat eats weird things like litter and tinsel. Should I worry?

Hello, thank you for your question about Snickers, she is a beautiful cat! I would recommend having Snickers seen by your veterinarian. Eating of litter and other objects, also called pica, can be a sign of underlying nutrient deficiencies or health problems. Your veterinarian can examine Snickers and discus further diagnostics such as systemic bloodwork. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share