Cat Q&A

Posts Tagged ‘litter box training’

A lot of people realize that teaching a cat to make use of its litter box isn’t the difficult process that they believed it would be. The majority of of them will quickly realize how to find their way to their box. And typically the full process of cat toilet training has previously begun before you even convey your new kitten home. The mother cat starts the education process before her litter is even weaned.

Another thing that makes cats easy to train is that they are finicky animals and desire cleanliness in both their bodies and their surroundings. It’s inherent for a cat to hide its own waste. So providing them a convenient spot to do it in the form of a hygienic litter box is normally all that’s needed.

If your cat isn’t trained, though, the entire task of teaching your kitten to make use of its litter box can be completed in several easy steps. Litter box training is really all about creating a new habit for your cat.

Each time you give food to your cat, get into the practice of taking it to the litter box immediately after it has done with its meal. It’s natural for cats to want to do their business after eating, and you’ll further that normal tendency if you put them in the box on a frequent basis. Once this has become an established habit, your kitten will begin to go to its litter box as part of its after dinner routine.

If your attempts regarding litter training your cat don’t go as swiftly or fruitfully as anticipated, it’s crucial that you remain patient. There may be all kinds of reasons why your kitten does not want to use the box you have provided for it. It might be in an area that’s overly exposed. Cats don’t care to do their business when they’re on display and can be watched by anyone who walks past.

As well, there might be a problem with the brand of litter you’ve provided. Cats are highly picky and a particular texture or smell may well be sufficient to turn them off utilizing the box. If that’s the situation, try out a few brand names and types until you come across one your cat finds acceptable.

Kittens tend to take to litter boxes fairly easily. Once shown the litter tray a few times, most will begin using it shortly after. Your new cat may already know how to use a litter box, since many kittens learn to use it from 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 tray, 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 tray 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. To achieve success in litter box training, observe the following tips and recommendations:

1. Your kitten will litter train easier if she uses the same type of litter she’s been used to. Find out what she’s been using, and purchase the same brand and type.

2. You will want to pick a litter box 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 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. You may even need to consider using more than one litter pan to provide your kitten with greater access to a tray.

4. If you have more than one cat, you will need to ensure that each cat has its own litter box in a different area. Many cats will reject a common litter pan used by other cats in the household, as they generally like to relieve themselves in peace.

5. The best way to start introducing your kitten to its tray is to place it in there regularly, particularly 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. It is best to use a pet disinfectant for cleaning the pan, as some household disinfectants can be toxic to cats. Some cleaners may also have a strong scent that your cat may dislike, and this could also prevent your cat from using her tray. Never change a litter box when you are pregnant, as there is a 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 pan available.

It is important to be very patient during the litter training process, as cats will not respond to commands like dogs will. If you see your kitten scratching or squatting, pick her up right away and place her in the litter tray. Most cats will begin to learn very quickly, however, sometimes it takes a bit 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.