Litter Box Training Your Cat
Kittens tend to take to litter boxes fairly easily. Once shown the litter pan 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 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 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 box 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 tray 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. 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 tray to the depth recommended by the litter manufacturer.
3. Be sure to put the litter box somewhere that can be easily accessed by your cat. A traffic-free corner is best and be sure to keep it far from your kitten’s food and water. You may even need to consider using more than one litter pan to provide your kitten with greater access to a tray.
4. In multi-cat houses, you should purchase a separate litter box for each cat and place it in its own area. Cats generally prefer to do their business in peace, and are often not keen to use a tray that has been used by another cat.
5. Introduce your kitten to her new litter box by placing her in there regularly, especially after meals. Remember to praise your kitten when she is in the tray, and praise even more when she does use 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 cats dislike strong, chemical scents. Avoid cleaners that have a strong smell, as they may discourage your cat from using the litter box. Never change a litter pan when you are pregnant, as there is a 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 box 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’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.
