Litter Train Your Kitten
The majority of cats are easy to litter tray train. Most will begin to use the box shortly after being acquainted with it. Your new cat may already know how to use a litter pan, since many kittens learn to use it from watching their mothers. 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 pan, and train your cat properly
Kittens prefer to go outside to relieve themselves, and you should keep this in mind before you start litter training. Picking a cat litter tray that your cat likes and will actually use is important, as using a litter tray goes against her natural instincts. To achieve success in litter tray training, observe the following tips and recommendations:
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. 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 tray should be deep enough so that your cat doesn’t scatter litter all over the floor during use.
3. Place your litter box in an easily accessible and traffic-free corner of the room – keeping it well away from your kitten’s food and water dishes. 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. 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 box 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. 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 pan with a disinfectant made especially for pets. Some cleaners may also have a strong scent that your cat may dislike, and this could also prevent your cat from using her tray. A pregnant woman should never clean a litter box, 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 tray 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 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 pan. After doing this several times he/she should gradually begin to get the message, but sometimes the process may take a little longer. If your kitten is a little more stubborn about litter training, try a spray that is specifically designed to attract cats to their litter pans. For the stubborn cat that decides to use furniture or another undesired area for relieving herself, there are cat repellent sprays available to keep this from happening. If all goes well, your kitten will soon begin to use her litter pan herself without any further intervention from you.
