Litter Training Guinea pigs and rabbits

Litter Training

Can Guinea Pigs Be Litter Trained?

Yes—guinea pigs can be litter trained to a degree! While they naturally go to the toilet throughout their cage, with time, patience, and a consistent routine, many guinea pigs learn to use a litter box more often.

Some owners even find that their piggies do most of their business in the litter tray, which can make cleaning a little easier. Just keep in mind that accidents will still happen — guinea pigs won’t be perfectly litter trained, but they can definitely improve with a little guidance.

What is the Best Method?

There are a few different ways to litter train guinea pigs, but the method below is one many Australian owners have found success with:

What you’ll need:

• A litter tray or Ozzy Kitchenette
• Newspaper
• Chipsi or Carefresh Natural / Ultra bedding

Shop Litter Trays

Litter Training Steps

Step 1

Line your litter tray / kitchenette with newspaper and top with your chosen bedding. If you have quite a few guinea pigs together, you may need two litter trays.
Step 2

Only offer food in the litter tray as guinea pigs tend to do their business whilst eating.
Step 3

Provide hay in a safe hay rack clipped on the cage above the litter tray to keep it dry. Keep pellets/greens in a heavy bowl in their tray and also keep a water bottle here too. Your piggies will gradually associate this area as the place to eat, poop and make mess!
Final Tips

Your guinea pigs will start to associate their litter tray with both eating and going to the toilet. To encourage them to keep using it, make sure to clean the tray daily or every second day — a clean tray is more inviting!
This applies during floor time too—always provide a litter tray in their play area. If you're enjoying lap time with your piggies, keep an eye out for signs they need to go (like restlessness), and pop them into the tray if needed. You can also place them straight into the litter tray when returning them to their cage to reinforce the habit.
Once your guinea pigs get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy a cleaner cage and less mess to manage—a win for both you and your piggies!
⚠️ Important Note

Litter training guinea pigs can be helpful, but it’s not always reliable or consistent. Some guinea pigs take to it quickly, while others may never fully catch on. Even with training, accidents around the cage are still normal — success will vary depending on the individual guinea pig, their environment, and routine. Patience is key!