Litter Box Train Your New Cat

June 19th, 2009 at 9:49am

Kittens tend to take to litter boxes fairly easily. Once shown the litter box a few times, most will begin using it shortly after. Many cats actually learn litter tray training from their mothers. You may notice that your kitten already knows how to use a litter box. However, cats are very particular creatures by nature and can easily be put off to using something for a variety of different reasons. That’s why its important to choose the right box, and train your cat properly

Before you begin litter training your kitten, it is worth remembering that cats actually prefer to do their business outside and then cover it up – unless they are deliberately marking their territory. Using a cat litter pan actually goes against a cat’s natural instincts, and that is why it is important to provide a litter tray that is acceptable to your cat. In order to achieve success with litter training, you will need to bear the following things in mind:

1. Ask the previous owner, or breeder, what kind of cat litter your kitten has been using. Make sure you use the same brand and type of litter.

2. Your litter box should be easy for your cat to use - not too deep, but not shallow enough to end up with litter all over the floor when used. Fill the litter box to the depth recommended by the litter manufacturer.

3. The litter tray should be placed in a traffic-free area of your home. It should be kept away from your kitten’s food and water, and easily accessible. If necessary, provide more than one litter pan for your kitten to use, to allow her easy access to a tray throughout your home.

4. If you have other cats, you will want to make sure that each of your cats has its own litter pan. If possible, place them in different areas. Most cats like to do their business in solitude, and are put off by having to share a litter box.

5. Introduce your kitten to her new litter box by placing her in there regularly, especially after meals. Praise your kitten whilst it is in the tray, and give even more praise if he/she actually uses it.

6. Remove any soiled litter regularly and give the tray a thorough clean at least once a week. Because many household solutions can be harmful to your cat, its always best to clean the litter box with a disinfectant made especially for pets. Some cleaners may also have a strong scent that your cat may dislike, and this could also prevent your cat from using her pan. A pregnant woman should never clean a litter tray, due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.

7. You should never leave your kitten alone without a litter box, as cats can develop cystitis if they fail to go to the toilet for a long time.

Its important to be patient while going through the litter training process; cats don’t react to commands the way dogs do and therefore require more patience. Immediately pick up your kitten and place her in the litter pan anytime you see her scratching our crouching. Be patient with your kitten, most catch on to litter training quickly, but others require more patience. If you find that your kitten still doesn’t get the message, then you could try using a spray that is specially formulated to attract cats to their litter boxes. For the stubborn cat that decides to use furniture or another undesired area for relieving herself, there are cat deterrent sprays available to keep this from happening. If all goes well, your kitten will soon begin to use her litter tray herself without any further intervention from you.