Litter Box Train Your Kitten

Most kittens are fairly easy to litter train and will generally begin to use a litter pan soon after being introduced to one. Many cats actually learn litter box training from their mothers. You may notice that your kitten already knows how to use a litter pan. Keep in mind that cats can be very finicky. They can be easily put off by something for lots of reasons - some of which we may never understand!. 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. Cats don’t instinctively like using a cat litter pan; be sure to choose one that is acceptable to her. To achieve success in litter pan training, observe the following tips and recommendations:

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. You will want to pick a litter tray that easy for your kitten to get in and out of. Fill the box according to the cat litter manufacturer’s directions. The litter pan should be deep enough so that your cat doesn’t scatter litter all over the floor during use.

3. The litter pan 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. Acquaint your new cat to her litter pan by putting her in it often, particularly after she eats. Always give your kitten praise when she gets in the litter box, even more when she finally uses it.

6. Keep your cat’s litter box clean by removing any soiled litter regularly. Give the pan a throrough cleaning at least one every week. Many household disinfectants are deadly to pets, therefore you should use a pet disinfectant to clean the litter box. Some cleaners may also have a strong scent that your cat may dislike, and this could also prevent your cat from using her box. A pregnant woman should never clean a litter pan, due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.

7. Because cats can develop a condition known as cystitis from not “going” regularly, never leave your kitten alone with a litter box available.

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. If you do find your kitten crouching and scratching in a corner of the room, you will need to pick it up immediately and place it in the litter box. 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. Cat Deterrent sprays may be purchased for the cat that decides to use your couch (or other furnishings) as a litter pan. Hopefully, with a little encouragement, your kitten should soon begin to use its litter tray regularly without any further problems.