Cat Training

Posts Tagged ‘litter box training’

Most kittens are fairly easy to litter train and will generally begin to use a litter tray soon after being introduced to one. You may even find that your new kitten already knows how to use a litter tray, as kittens often learn how to use them by watching their mothers. Cats tend to be very picky by nature, and can snub things for several reasons (even if we don’t know the reason!). That’s why its important to choose the right pan, and train your kitten properly

Before you start litter training, its important to realize that cats normally desire to do their business outdoors. Unless they are marking territory, they prefer to go and then cover it up. 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. Keep the following things in mind as you go about litter training your new cat:

1. Buy the same type of litter that your cat has been using with the previous owner, or breeder. This will make training easier.

2. Your litter pan 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 pan 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. In multi-cat houses, you should purchase a separate litter box for each cat and place it in its own area. Many cats will reject a common litter tray used by other cats in the household, as they generally like to relieve themselves in peace.

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. Keep your cat’s litter tray clean by removing any soiled litter regularly. Give the pan a throrough cleaning at least one every week. Because many household solutions can be harmful to your cat, its always best to clean the litter pan with a disinfectant made especially for pets. Because some cleaners may have a strong chemical smell, you should avoid anything with a heavy scent that your cat may dislike. It will deter him from using the litter pan. It is also worth remembering that if you are pregnant you should not change cat litter boxes due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.

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

Since cats don’t typically respond to verbal commands like dogs do, you need to be very patient during the training process. 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. After doing this several times he/she should gradually begin to get the message, but sometimes the process may take a little longer. If you’re running into trouble encouraging your cat to use her litter pan, there are sprays available that are created to attract your cat to the litter and encourage them to use thir pan. If you find that your kitten has decided to use your sofa as a toilet, then you can also purchase a cat repellent spray that will deter your kitten from furnishings. With some encouragement from you, your kitten should start using the litter pan on her own without any further issues.