Skip to content

how to teach a kitten to use a litter box

how to teach a kitten to use a litter box. You probably need to know how to litter train a kitten because you just got one or are planning to soon. The fact that domestic cats are naturally clean mammals makes litter box training a breeze for most kittens. Modern cats still carry over this behavior from their ancestors, who buried their waste to protect it from predators and rivals, and do the same in litter boxes. In addition to the convenience of one-time use and minimal maintenance, cats benefit from having a calm, private place to defecate in the sand provided by litter boxes.

how to teach a kitten to use a litter box
how to teach a kitten to use a litter box

First, gather your materials: You’ll need a litter box and litter at the very least. A mat placed beneath the litter box can help contain any messes that may occur. The best litter to use is fine, sandy, clumping, and odorless. Select a box with low sides to make it simpler for a kitten or a cat with mobility issues to enter and exit. Put the container somewhere safe and warm where it will receive little to no foot traffic. Place a litter box on each floor your home has cats, and have one more than the number of cats you have.

Once you have the litter box(es) ready, it’s time to introduce your kitten to them. Put your kitten in the box and let it explore and smell its surroundings. Once you’ve shown your kitten where the box is, you shouldn’t touch it, talk to it, or do anything else to distract it while it’s inside. After eating or napping, put your kitten in the box to promote regular bowel movements. In addition, you should always be on the lookout for signs that your kitten needs to use the bathroom, such as sniffing the air or crouching as if ready to pounce, and rush them to the litter box immediately.

As you train your cat to use the litter box, keep a positive outlook and be patient. You shouldn’t scold or punish your kitten for misbehaving; instead, you should use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the stains and keep reinforcing the training. A few of the kittens will understand right away, but it may take up to a month for the others. Reward your kitten with treats and praise when you see it using the box properly.

how to teach a kitten to use a litter box
how to teach a kitten to use a litter box