How To Train Your Kitten To Use The Litter Box
Cat Articles, Cat Care, General Care
First you have to make sure that you have all the proper equipment to properly train a kitten to use a litter box. These items include litter box, litter, treats, food and water. You may be asking why food and water is part of this training but you will soon see that it is a big part of the process. Give your cat the wet food and water. Make sure the cat eats as much of the wet food as it wants until it is full and starts to walk away. When the cat shows signs of being finished eating pick up your kitten and put him/her in a locked room with the litter box and sit in there with them and keep putting them in the litter box until they go to the bathroom reward them with a treat and then release them from the room. Keep doing the pattern for 4-8 hrs everytime they eat their meals. When you start to see that they are going to the box without you putting them in it, stop bringing them to that room after they eat and see if they go to the bathroom on their own. If they dont keep repeating bringing them to the room and closing the door until they start to go to the litter box without you sticking them in the room and putting the cat yourself in the litter box they just go to the litter box on their own after eating and when they need to use the bathroom.
Are You Ready?
Keep New Kitties Confined For A Little While
When you bring a new kitten home for the first time, they will likely be a bit overwhelmed. There will be lots of new things, new people, new smells and its often best if they adjust gradually to their new surroundings. So, to start with, consider limiting their access to just a couple of rooms and keep their litter tray within this space – still of course, in a discreet and private place to make them feel comfortable and safe.
What To Do If Your Kitten Doesnt Use The Litter Box
We need to make a distinction between litter box accidents and the kitten refusal to using the litter box. Litter box accidents always happens and you need to be prepared to clean the evidence with patience and not get angry if this happens. Litter box accidents are usually the following: some urine right next to the litter box, feces hanging out or right next to the box as well. This will occasionally happen and its part of the litter box usage of indoor cats.
Litter box rejection is when the kitten does its business in an area that is completely foreign to the litter boxs, such as the rugs, doors, sink, and any place that is not even close to the litter box.
When you spot the kittens urine in the wrong location, clean it without yelling at your cat. Use a good cat urine destroyer that eliminates the enzymes that causes the urine odors to stay in the spot. By neutralizing these enzymes, your kitten wont urinate on the same spot again. If your kitten poops, pick up the poop and put it in the litter box, this way your kitten will associate the poop smell with the litter box and next time will do its business in there.
What To Do If Your Kitten Wont Use The Litter Box
If your kitten is having a hard time with litter box training and is peeing outside the box, try these steps:
1. Carefully evaluate your litter box setup. Every kitten has slightly different preferences. Make sure that the litter boxes:
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Are easily accessible
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Are located in quiet spots
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Are not hidden in a corner
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Are not being guarded by other cats
2. Consider changing the litter box or type of litter. You may want to get a new box and place it nearby to see if your kitten prefers another box. Or keep the same box and only change the litter type to see if it is the box or the litter that is the issue.
3. Scoop more often and replace all litter more often.
4. Consider using pheromone diffusers near the litter box to relieve stress and make your kitten more comfortable with their surroundings. These diffusers, when placed in the room with the litter box, make kittens feel that they have marked their territory.
5. Bring your kitten to your veterinarian to check for parasites, urinary tract infections, or other medical issues that may promote inappropriate elimination. These are rare with kittens, but they should not be overlooked.
Your veterinarian can always help you troubleshoot your kittens litter box issues as well. Above all, remember to be patient! Training takes time, but your kitten will master these habits with your love, support, and attention.
Litter Box Training A Kitten: 5 Tips You Need Now
Here are a few more quick tips so you and your kitten come through litter box training like champs.
1. Size Matters
Make sure your kittens litter box is the right size for him.
Too-small litter boxes make both cats and kittens feel confined, and feeling trapped may discourage your kitten from using the box.
In her book , Linda White explains proper sizing: Each litter box should be large enough for the kitten to feel comfortable. A good rule is to use a litter box 3 times the length of the kitten from nose to tail.
Younger cats and kittens also need a litter box that has lower sides to facilitate getting in and out easily.
As he grows, replace his kiddie box with a more standard adult-sized version and its worthwhile to do this before he becomes uncomfortable with its size and refuses to use it.
2. Know Where to Put the Litter Box
Where you place your kittens litter box is important.
Just like us, he would like a little privacy during elimination, so place the box out of the way of people traffic.
At the same time, ensure that your kittens box is in a place that offers him some different ways to get the heck out of there, if possible.
Cats are cautious creatures and, as White says, Your kitten will not want to feel trapped. So the area containing the litter box should have a few escape routes for the cat if startled.
3. A Room of His Own
Most cats prefer not to share litter boxes.
4. Choose the Best Litter for Your Cat
5. Use the Right Amount of Litter
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Step #1: The Introduction
You can start the training when the kitten is four weeks old when she’s ready to explore the world beyond Mama Cat’s nest. She’s both strong enough to walk and dig on her own and is eager to learn. A cat any younger than this needs to be stimulated in order to eliminate. At this point, you can show them what the litter box is.
Put the box somewhere quiet, calm and easy to reach. Use a litter box with sides low enough for a kitten to get over by herself. She won’t need anything very big. Use litter with a consistency of garden soil or beach sand and no scent, see here for some choices.
Not only is it more pleasant to sensitive paw pads, it won’t hurt her if she decides to eat some. You don’t have to fill the box completely. And inch or two thick should do it.
Place Kitty in the box every once in a while, particularly after she eats or wakes up. If she scratches or paws at the sand, let her. If she doesn’t, encourage her to do so by scratching in the sand with a finger or gently taking her paw and scratching the sand.
She’ll soon get the idea. She may even think it’s a game. Be very calm and quiet about it so that Kitty knows this is meant to be relaxing. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. You may have to do this several times over a few weeks. Which brings us to.
How To Litter Train Baby Kittens
- Moves restlessly.
- Looking for a secluded place.
- Beeps and meows.
At these moments, it is carefully transferred to a prepared tray, planted on its bottom for several minutes. You can rake the litter with your hand a little, imitating the movements of a cat. Usually the habituation process is fast.
During the day, similar procedures are performed with the pet for prevention. Its important to keep the litter box clean because cats dont like strong odors. For the first month, space is limited. For example, leaving the entrance to the kitchen, corridor, bathroom and one room. This is done so that the Maine Coon has fewer opportunities to arrange an unauthorized toilet.
If the kitten still does not reach the tray, wipe the puddle with napkins and carry them to the pallet. So the smell will tell your pet where to go next time.
Other tips from experts:
- Take the animal to the litter box after eating, sleeping and playing.
- Maintain a calm atmosphere at home.
- Make sure the kitten does not eat the filler.
- Avoid loud noises when going to the toilet.
A small Maine Coon is emptied more often than an adult. Therefore, it is almost impossible to predict the appearance of the next puddle. If you have an experienced cat in the house, the training process is accelerated.
Why Is My Kitten Playing/sleeping In The Litter Box
Sometimes kittens decide that their litter box is a great place to play. Or sleep.
They may dig around in the litter, sending it scattering all over the floor. They may dig and dig and accidentally send a piece of waste flying over the side of the litter box. They may even try to wrestle with the litter scoop if it is left unattended in the litter box. Or they may curl up against the side and have a nap.
Litter Box Training: Learning Or Re
Bringing home a new kitten changes things and can stress your kitten at first. Any change of environment or routine can shake up the training your kitten already has, and he will need to acclimate to your home, which is likely a much bigger space than the shelter. Your kitten might be thinking, So much more to explore! Also, where is my litter box? If your kitten has never used a litter box, they may need a little bit of help figuring it out.
Regardless of the situation, its exciting adopting a kitten and having a new furry friend join your family. Selecting a great cat litter and litter box and training your kitten to use it is a first step to making sure your purrfect pal has everything they need for a lifetime of love and happiness.
You Need More Than One Litter Box
Every cat is unique. But most prefer having more than one litter box. And if there are multiple cats in the home, then multiple litter boxes are a must!Heres a good rule of thumb: one box per cat in your family, plus one. So if you have one cat, plan for two boxes. If you have two cats, plan for three boxes.
Reasons Why Your Cat Has Stopped Using The Litter Box
Medical Condition
I always say this in all my article
If you see any sudden changes in regard to your Cat avoiding the Litter box all of a sudden then you need to take your Cat to the Vets as soon as possible
What happens is, if your Cat is suffering from some sort of infection or disease this can cause your Cat to stop using the Litter box
Some common medical condition Cats can suffer from are as follows
Kidney Disease
UTI
Feline Interstitial Cystitis
Thats why its important to get your Cat checked out to make sure hes okay medically
Problems With The Litter Box
If the litter box is not to your Cats liking then this will result in your Cat not using the Litter box
Heres a few problems that can cause your Cat to stop using the Litter Box
Dirty Litter Box
If the litter box is dirty then your Cat wont use it. Simple as that.
You have to think of it this way, we wouldnt want to use a washroom that has not been clean, similarly your Cat wont use a litter box that hasnt been clean
Try to clean the litter box at least twice a day and if you cant do that then once a day
I know it can be hard work especially if youve just come back from work and just want to rest
But think about the trouble itll save you if your Cat peed elsewhere!
Not Enough Litter Boxes
You should have a extra litter box per Cat
Cats like to pee in one litter box and poo in another
Have a extra one for each Cat if you have a multiple Cat household
Too Small Litter Box
Litter Box Location
When Do Kittens Start Using The Litter Box
When do kittens start using the litter box? Is my kitten old enough to use a litter box? If youre asking any of these questions, it is likely because you have a yet-to-be-litter trained feline, and you want to get it started with litter training.
Litter box use should be one of the first things they learn as it is necessary for proper toileting habits. So, when is the right time to litter-train your kitten? Well find out in this article.
Table of Contents
There Will Be Accidents
Accidents will happen! if your kitten doesnt get to grips with the litter tray immediately, or sprays somewhere else around the home, then you must try and clean it thoroughly to stop them from returning to the same spot again. The scent is a strong territorial signal, and is how cats mark their space, so its important to remove misplaced messes!
However, be careful not to use bleach or any ammonia-based products as it reminds cats of their urine smell and they will spray there again! Only use an enzymatic wash or warm water and soap – as this breaks down kitty urine, and makes sure all traces of the scent and pheromones are completely gone.
Reinforce Good Litter Box Habits
When your kitten uses the litter box appropriately, reward them with their favorite treat to create a positive association with the activity.
For this to work, the treat must be given immediately after they have left the box so they associate the activity with the reward.
If your kitten makes a mistake, do NOT punish them or yell at them. Calmly clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner and do not react in any other way.
Choose The Right Cat Litter
Stray cats will be sensitive to new, artificial smells. For that reason, its best to choose a natural, unscented cat litter that wont offend their nose. If theyre put off by the smell of a highly fragranced cat litter, its likely that they may just decide to do their business somewhere else. Scented cat litters are a definite no-no, but even some unscented and natural cat litters, like pine pellets, can smell strong and may put your cat off.
We recommend using something like the Worlds Best Unscented Clumping Cat Litter. You could also try a natural cat litter attractant they tend to use a natural herb to attract cats and persuade them to use their litter box.
You may want to mix your chosen litter with soil for the first few weeks. If youve seen your stray cat doing their business in the garden, then select soil near to this spot removing and disposing of any solid waste first, of course. This soil will already smell familiar to your new cat and help them make the transition to using a litter box.
Over time, you can reduce the amount of soil that youre placing in the box until youre just using cat litter.
Positioning A Litter Box
Cats are highly reserved and private pets. But then, while you want to create a private space for them, it should still be in an accessible home area. Avoid closed, tight spaces and also avoid placing it near loud or potentially dangerous home appliances.
A litter box should also not be placed close to the cats food or drinking bowls, or even close to its sleeping areas. A cat or any other house should not have to eliminate their waste close to their eating or sleeping area. You should also ensure that the surrounding area is always kept clean. And unless it is a self-cleaning litter, you should scoop out the litter at least once a day. Clean up stray litter particles as soon as possible to keep the area fresh-smelling and encourage your feline to use it.
Unless your cat seems okay with a scented litter, you should keep the litter box clean and neutral smelling at all times. It helps to keep the box inviting to the pet every time they need to use it.
How To Start Training Your Kitten To Use The Litter Box
The way to train your kitten to use the litter box could be a little different depending on how young the kitten is. If rescued a really young kitten you will have to be sort of the kittys mom to couch your little kitten to start using the litter box. If the kitten is older the process will be a little less demanding.
Cat Not Using The Litter Box Heres Why And How To Fix It Now
August 27, 2021
Dig this a portion of this post is sponsored, but opinions are my own and 110% paw-thentic!
Am I the only cat parent who loves pouring fresh litter into a squeaky clean litter box? Zero odor, zero mess, no dust; just clean, unadulterated, brand new cat litter. Theres something so satisfying about knowing my kitty, Olivia, has a pristine place to do her business.
But sometimes our cats just dont feel the same way. With our best attempts to give them what they need, every now and then our cats decide to do their business outside of the box. If your cat isnt using the litter box, it can be gross and frustrating, I know. You may even feel slighted!
But if your cat is peeing or even pooping outside the litter box, chances are theyre trying to tell you something. Trust me, your cat didnt stop using her box out of spite, so avoid scolding her. It could make the problem worse! Its especially important to get down to the bottom of the issue because litter box problems could be the sign of a sick cat.
Keep The Litter Box Hygienic
The first step of how to retrain a cat to use a litter box is to keep her place clean. Because your cats litter box isnt clean, she might be defecating somewhere else.
It may smell, and as you know, cats are the cleanest animals. They dont prefer dirty pace for defecation, so clean the area and spray the area with cleansing soap and remove the dirt.
Two times a day, clean the litter boxes and remove the used litter. And completely rinse the box once a week.
Wash the box with warm water with baking soda or a block of unscented chemical-free soap. Replace the litter tray with new fresh litter once it has dried.
Above All: Remember Your Duty
No pun intended. Your duty as a pet parent is to make sure your kitten knows basic good toilet habits that will make it easier for her to get along in a household of people and perhaps even other felines. This may require putting her in the box again and again until she learns what it’s for. Show Kitty kindness and patience.
Praise her when she does what you want. Even when Kitty learns her lesson, be prepared for clean up. Situate things so that your kitten is more likely to use her litter box. Most importantly, pay attention to your kitten. A little perception can go a long way into helping your kitten grow into a mature feline.
Choosing A Litter Box For Your Kitten
While many kittens will know how to use large litter box from imitating their mothers, it is still essential that they get something that they can step into with no problem. You want to opt for one that your kitten can walk/turn around in freely. Though you can use an old pan or a paper box for training purposes for really tiny kittens.
While cats are private animals that enjoy their space, a covered litter box may not be a good idea at the kitten stage. You want to watch your kitten and observe how it uses the litter box.
You can introduce it to a covered litter box when youre confident that it can use the box with no problem. If you notice that your cat prefers the open litter box , you should consider getting an open box.
Be Mindful Of Where You Place The Litter Box
The location of the litter box is very important to whether or not your kitten is willing to use it. The best places to put it are those that offer some privacy but are in easy-to-reach areas. If your cat spends a lot of time in certain parts of the house, its a good idea to place the litter box there.
As a kitten owner, it can be tempting to hide the litter box out of the way so that it cant be seen . But if its nowhere near where the kitten usually spends its time, then the kitten may avoid using it.
Keep the litter box away from the kittens food and water. The area should also be lit so that the kitten isnt trying to use the litter box in the dark. Think about what you would want in your own bathroom if it wouldnt be comfortable for you, chances are good your kitten wont find it comfortable either.
Wherever you do put the litter box, once youve shown it to your kitten, avoid moving it so you dont confuse the kitten.
Was Your Pet Food Recalled
Watch these adorable kitties quickly learn how to properly use a litter box for the first time:
3. Less Is More
except when it comes to litter boxes.
Once the kittens leave their enclosure, be sure to have more than 1 litter box around. If your house has more than 1 floor, have at least 1 litter box per floor. Place the boxes in quiet, private places.
And dont fill the boxes to the top; a couple of inches of litter should more than do the trick.
4. Going Through the Motions
If you are the mom cat by default, this means placing the kitten in the litter box upon waking or after his meals.
You then gently take his paw in your hand and show him how to properly hide the evidence.
The kitten should get the idea from doing this, according to Cats of Australia. If this doesnt work, scratch at the litter with your fingers. Try to make it look like a fun game so you attract his interest.
5. A Little Help From the Doctor
or from , to be exact. A little goes a long way, and it draws the kittens to the litter box like a magnet.
In a few weeks, my kitten friends will go to their forever homes. They are healthy, well socialized and utter charmers.
And theyve got that litter-box thing down pat.
Choose The Right Litter Box Placement
If youre working at persuading a stray cat to use a litter box, you may have adopted them for a shelter or are trying to encourage a stray thats been hanging out in your garden to come inside and live a life of comfort. Each scenario will need a slightly different approach.
A stray cat adopted from a shelter and living inside will need a litter box somewhere in your house where they can easily gain access to and dont feel trapped. Placing the litter tray down the end of a hallway or in the corner of the room may be your preference, but your new cat may feel trapped in those areas and choose not to use a litter box there. Placing the litter box in a relatively open area will help your cat feel more confident. This doesnt need to be a permanent position, though! As your cat gains confidence, you can slowly move the litter box somewhere that youd prefer to keep it long term.
For a stray cat thats been living in your garden and that youre gradually trying to convert into an inside cat, see if you can work out where they usually do their business in your garden. If they tend to pee and poop in one specific spot, then thats a good place to leave a litter box in the hope that they may start using that instead. As they start to use the litter box, you can gradually move it closer to your house, in the hope that theyll continue to use it.