How to train Kittens to use the litter box?
Cats make the best pets. And though they are considered low maintenance, they can still require some work. You need to give them food, water, and of course make sure their litter box is always spotless. But how do you train kittens to use the litter box?
We’ve put together this blog post that will show you how to train kittens to use the litter box!
In case you are an animal lover who loves kittens but is not looking for a lot of responsibility, then training kittens might be the ideal path for you – it’s much simpler than raising a puppy or a child. You just need patience and curiosity.
If you have cats that habitually urinate or defecate outside their litter box, you might want to consider training them. Luckily, with a little patience and curiosity, you can train cats to use the litter box. For those who usually don’t play with their pet because of the stress it puts on them, training your pet cat can be a great way to bond with your furry friend.
How to train your kitten to use litter box?
Choose a box – It’s important to choose a litter box that is big enough for your kitten; otherwise, he’ll end up going outside of it. The ideal litter box should be about 1.6 times the length of your cat, and more than three inches deep. The size makes it easier for the cat to turn around in the litter box and to get in and out. When choosing a litter box, look for one that has high walls so your cat doesn’t have any place else to go other than inside.
Drop Off – Considering that cats are natural hunters, you can train them by making it an “expectation” that they will always use their litter box when it’s time. Whenever you see him about to go into the bathroom, pick him up and put him in the litter box immediately. While he’s still in there, say “good kitty” or “let’s go potty.” You can even reward your pet with a treat. This will not only make it a habit for your cat to use the litter box every time it’s time, but will also make your cat feel more comfortable while using it.
Nighttime Training – To train cats to use a litter box at night, wait until they’ve finished their business before putting them back in their litter box. As mentioned previously, praise and reward them when they use the litter box instead of going outside.’ Litter Box Conditioning – You can also condition your cat to use the litter box more comfortably by providing him with treats. The principle behind this is that if your cat enjoys a certain thing, such as getting his belly scratched or playing with a toy, then eventually he’ll grow accustomed to that action and learn to associate it with something that feels good.
Also Read: How to teach stunt tricks to your dog?
Why Do Cats Go Outside the Litter Box?
Before you start with the litter box training, you should first know why your pet is going outside the litter box.Often, cats poo or pee outside their litter box for a variety of reasons, such as getting tired of their litter. They may also have found a place where they can urinate or defecate without being noticed. Below are some reasons why cats poo or pee outside their litter box:
Preference
- There may be a particular type of litter cats prefer, but that doesn’t mean they will use that litter every time they need to go to the bathroom. As previously mentioned, cats can be picky about what sort of litter they use. They might prefer a certain brand or a certain odor.
- Litter Box Size – Some cats just want bigger boxes. They may be a young kitten or an older cat who just wants more space.
- Litter Cleanliness – You know how you would rather not eat anything that’s been left on the floor? Well, it’s the same with cats! Cats may not like the smell of their litter box if you haven’t cleaned out enough. If they see clumped litter or urine or feces in the corners, they may also be turned off. This is why it is important to clean your cat’s litter box at least once every day.
FInal tip
Make sure to replace the litter box once a month and clean it weekly. If you use clumping litter, scoop out the clumps from time to time. When washing it out, be sure to only use warm water and not let soap enter the box. If the you’ve cleaned the box with soap, your cat might feel uncomfortable since he isn’t sure if he should be using it or not.
The best way to train your pet is to teach him what actions are acceptable and what are not.