Cats are delicate creatures. Litter training is an important part of a cat’s life. Litter training is a straight forward process and most cats go through this easily.
If you are a proud cat parent, then you should not worry about the litter training. Kittens are almost trained by their mothers on how to use a litter box. However, if you need any guidance this article can help you.
How can you train a kitten to use the litter box?
Before starting the litter training there are some equipment that you need.
Litter Boxes
If you are thinking of buying a litter box then buy according to the size of your kitten. Your kitten will not use the litter box if it is too small.
The best practice is to introduce a large litter box from a young age because kitten will get an adult and her size will increase also. Moreover, they will continue to use the same litter box as they grow old without any disruption.
However, there are smaller litter boxes available in the markets that are specially designed for kittens. Another important thing is to buy a litter box with small walls because cats like to relieve themselves in private.
Use a litter tray that can absorb the urine odor and it’s easy for the kitten to get in and out of that box.
Kitty Litter
There are many types of litter present on the market, each with its own pros and cons.
Clay litter is used as a starter for kittens because they often eat small granules. Clay litters are absorbent and kittens can dig them, too, but it will cling to their paws and they will carry it throughout the home.
Clumping litter is another type of litter that has a type of clay called sodium bentonite. The advantage of this litter is that the components of the litter expand and form hard lumps that make it easier for the caretaker to remove the dirty litter.
However, there are certain problems related to that litter, as it can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested by a kitten and dust arises while changing the litter will cause respiratory problems in the kitten.
You can also use non-clumping litter. It is made of recycled paper and sawdust. The main advantage of this litter is that it is easy to remove solid waste, but it must be cleaned regularly to avoid unpleasant odors.
A litter containing silica gel can also be used, it is more effective in absorbing urine and eradicating odor, but it is expensive than other litters.
Never use garden soil in your litter box, as it can carry diseases from other cats and can be passed on to your kitten.
You can also use treats and toys to help create a positive association with the litter box. When you see your adorable cat using a litter box, give her a treat.
How to litter train a kitten?
As soon as your kitten arrives at your house, show her the litter box and let her smell and examine it. Place the box in the same area as it once you showed and don’t move that box.
Make your cat’s routine by placing it in the box immediately after meals and when it wakes up from a nap in the morning.
If your cat is snooping or ducking in a certain area, then she might be looking for a place to relieve herself. At that time, pick her up and put it in the litter box.
When you notice that your kitten is using the litter box, reward her by giving her a gift. Kittens do well with positive reinforcement, not punishment. Praise when kittens use the box correctly!
Never punish your kitten for accidents. Doing so will cause stress and anxiety and make training more difficult.
How to litter train the older cats?
If you bought an older cat at home, it is the biggest challenge for you to train it using the litter box, especially if it is an outdoor cat. Older cats already know what the litter box is and their instincts will help them use it, too.
To train the older cat, first, fill the litter box with outdoor soil. Once your cat starts using the litter box, gradually replace the soil with cat litter to familiarize her with the new surface.
Litter training kitten problem
If your kittens stop using the litter box, then there are many reasons that cause this problem like
- Dislike the litter box or litter itself
- The conflict between different cats living in the same house
- Certain medical conditions
- Unsuitable location of the cat litter box
Once your kitty begins to avoid the litter box for whatever reason, this avoidance can become a chronic problem and cats will develop a surface or location preference for elimination. This preference can be your favorite rug, furniture, or living room.
Another important reason why cats stop using the litter box is handling the litter box. The following problems can cause your cat to eliminate outside the litter box.
- Dirty litter box, if you have not cleaned the litter box for a long time
- Litter box too small for your cat
- Less litter in the litter box
- You have not provided a separate litter box for each cats
- Any hood or lining in the litter box that would make it uncomfortable.
In order to avoid these problems, the best approach is to prevent them before they happen by making your cat’s litter boxes as cat-friendly as possible.
Conclusion
Cats are easier to train than dogs, but it is important to clean the litter box regularly at least once a day because no one likes to use a dirty toilet and cats are no different.
You can encourage your cats to use the litter box by forming good habits, and giving them rewards and treats. A clean litter box will lead to a healthy cat and a happy owner.
