How to Potty Train Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are social, intelligent pets that make great candidates for potty training. While it's true that not every guinea pig can be litter trained, many will successfully learn as long as you have a little patience. Just remember that guinea pigs are unique individuals. Don't expect your fuzzy furball to take to the litter box as naturally as a cat or learn house-training habits as quickly as a dog. Potty training your guinea pig isn't an overnight activity, but it can be done.

What type of litter box does your guinea pig need?

The first step in setting your guinea pig up for success is choosing the type of litter box he'll like. The box should be easy to climb into while also being big enough for your guinea pig to move freely inside it. A cramped litter box might be ignored.

One option you might consider is the Kaytee Hi-Corner Litter Pan. This pan fits easily into small animal habitats but has elevated corners to keep things cleaner and help prevent outside scattering.

Some guinea pigs might prefer a little peace and quiet while they do their business. Place the litter box in an enclosed box or hideout, or fasten a hammock or blanket to drape over the litter box to create a private, safer spot for your guinea pig to use the bathroom. This may increase the likelihood that your guinea pig will use the litter box.

Where to Put the Litter Box

A good way to start potty training your guinea pig is by leaning into his natural instincts. Before you start litter training, pay attention to where your ball of fluff prefers to use the bathroom. It will likely be in the same corner of his enclosure. Guinea pigs like to be clean, so they prefer keeping their potty spots separate from the rest of their home.

Start by putting your guinea pig's litter box in his preferred corner. This is a great way to set your pet up for success.

Tip: Move any droppings he makes outside the litter box inside the box to help him learn. Be sure to remove the soiled bedding whenever your pet uses the bathroom outside the litter box to discourage him from using that spot as the bathroom.

Choose the Right Type of Litter for Your Guinea Pig

Fill your guinea pig's litter box with a substrate he'll enjoy using for his bathroom activities. Be sure the substrate you choose for the litter box is different from the bedding you use in the rest of your pet's habitat. Otherwise, your guinea pig might get confused and go to the bathroom in the wrong place.

Litter types that might work include products like small animal litter, aspen and kiln-dried wood shavings, paper bedding, or wood pellets.

Some options you might want to consider include:

• Kaytee Clean & Cozy line: This line offers something for every small pet parent, from the classic white paper to natural paper and even naturally scented options. Some products in the line offer 14 days of odor control, including Extreme Odor Control, Natural Paper with Extreme Odor Control, and Colors in Kaleidoscope, Sunset, and Plum. These are great options for the litter box because they neutralize odors to keep the space fresh.

• Kaytee Small Animal Critter Litter: Formulated specifically for small animals, it's pet-safe, 99.9% dust-free, super absorbent, and makes litter changing easy.

• Kaytee Aspen Bedding: Made with all-natural aspen shavings processed to eliminate dust and wood debris. Has no aromatic oils or inks.

• Kaytee Wood Pellets: 100% natural wood-based litter processed to eliminate dust and wood debris. It won't stick or cling.

Note: Do not use cat litter for your guinea pig's box. Common types of cat litter can cause respiratory and digestion issues in guinea pigs. Plus, the silica in cat litter can put your pet at risk of respiratory infections. Your piggie might accidentally eat the litter, and it could expand in his belly and cause blockages.

Make Litter Training Your Guinea Pig a Success

You can help your guinea pig reach success with a few simple tips. First, use food to motivate your guinea pig. Every time he goes potty in the corner where you set up the litter box, give him a favorite treat and praise him. If he uses a different spot, gently move him back to the litter box. Many guinea pigs will eventually associate good feelings with their litter box and start using it regularly.

Don't scold your guinea pig if he doesn't potty in the right place. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Harsh, loud words can have the wrong impact and hinder your training progress.

As mentioned before, guinea pigs like to be clean. This includes their litter box! If you let the box get too dirty, you'll undo all your hard work in training your pet. Keep the litter box as clean as you like your own bathroom to be (or maybe even cleaner). Every day, give the litter box a spot cleaning by removing visible excrement. Every week, dispose of the litter substrate and wash the litter box down with soap and water, then dry the box before replacing it in the habitat with fresh litter.

Litter Training Your Guinea Pig Takes Time

Potty training your guinea pig takes time and patience. But not every pet will necessarily take to the training. Some guinea pigs prefer to use the bathroom everywhere rather than in one place, and these can be tougher to litter train. If your guinea pig doesn't take to potty training, don't despair. Simply make sure you change his bedding frequently, about every three to five days, to keep your pet's home sanitary and safe.