Cats and kittens are naturally clean animals and training them to use the litterbox is easy. Cooperation and persistence are the key to good potty habits.
Cats and kittens are taught by their mother and have the instincts to be clean. It is important for the owner to keep the kitten or cat on the right track and to reinforce this cleanliness. It will be very difficult to correct the wrong toilet habits, once learned.
Litter box location
Although the principles are the same, there are slight differences between cats and kittens. The box for a kitten should be nearby. Kittens will not go far to potty. If the box is located a distance away, it may decide to potty along the way. It would help to assist the kitten into the box a few times and to familiarize and get acquainted with it. Some tips as to litter box location would include a quiet room in a private area where the kitten doesn’t eat or get scared from loud appliances or machinery. Confining the kitten initially in a room where the litter box is located may be helpful.
Litter box contents
Most cats and kitten are pretty finicky about where they potty. A litter box that is scented with deodorizers or perfumes may prevent the cat from going in the box. If this occurs, bad habits may develop, making it even more difficult to correct. In fact, the liter box contents don’t require anything fancy. The best materials are the inexpensive clay litter available in most pet stores. Several inches of this material in the box will allow your cat to bury their droppings.
Cleanliness
In addition to unscented litter, it’s extremely important to keep the litter box clean. All wet clumps of litter should be disposed of daily. The box itself should be emptied, washed and replenished once a week. Cleansers shouldn’t contain ammonia. If they do the cat or kitten may be discouraged from using the box.
Litter box size and type
The size of the box is dependent on the size of the cat. Kittens may require a smaller box, to be able to get in and out easily. A small box for a cat may prompt it to defecate and urinate outside of the box. Also used litter boxes should be avoided. Lingering scents from its previous owner may discourage potty use.
Rewards and treats
It may be helpful to reward the kitten for using the litter box to reinforce its use. This means that the owner needs to have an idea as to when the kitten needs to potty. Feeding at regular intervals will help in keeping the cat regular. A little exercise before and after the meal will aid in this endeavor. By peeking the kitten’s interest towards the litter box, by scratching it, she will usually be drawn towards it. This will make the cat aware of the box and its cleanliness for potty use. Once the cat uses the box, treats and rewards are in order to reinforce the idea of litter box use.
Kittens and cats are fairly easy to potty train, due to their nature. Attentiveness to cleanliness and some of the above tips will enable the cat to maintain good potty habits. Although it is possible for a trained cat to one day develop a problem, patience, understanding, cooperation and prompt action will be needed to correct any bad habit from becoming permanent.
