Teach your cat to use the cat litter box easily and without accidents! With our simple instructions, you can do it quickly, safely and to the satisfaction of both parties.
The arrival of a kitten or adult cat into your household is a big event for the whole family and of course for your new pet. Even though you can’t wait to start playing together and introducing your cat to its new home, for the sake of all of you (and your carpets), start practicing using the litter box as soon as possible.
Choosing a cat litter box
Cats instinctively choose surfaces that they can scratch on to relieve themselves, which makes it easy for them to get used to cat litter. But we still need to teach them where the right designated spot is—and the first step is to build one. According to cat behavior experts, a common mistake is to buy a litter box that’s too small. So choose one that’s at least half the length of your cat, and fill it with the litter they’re used to.
Choosing the right litter
There are different types of litter available on the market; don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one that suits you and your cat best. So-called clumping litter sticks together and forms a clump when it comes into contact with moisture. This makes it easy to keep the litter box clean – just pick out the clumps and add some clean litter. This litter is often made from absorbent soil, which is dusty and not biodegradable. However, dust-free, biodegradable alternatives made from plant fiber are also available.
Non-clumping litters are made from various modern materials, such as silicate crystals. Although such litters can be more expensive, they last a long time, are dust-free and are biodegradable. There are also non-clumping litters made from biodegradable recycled paper or pine pellets. These have good absorption properties and minimal dust, but require more frequent replacement.
Starting toilet training
You already have a litter box – now all you have to do is choose where to place it. The ideal location is quiet and easily accessible, unobstructed, and far enough away from the food bowl.
Show your new cat the litter box as soon as you bring it home and reward it with a treat for its first use. Encourage your kitten to use the litter box by taking them to the litter box several times a day (for example, after meals and when they wake up in the morning). Just like humans, cats need privacy when they relieve themselves, so give them space and don’t stare at them.
Cleaning the cat litter box
Remove clumps of litter daily and replace all litter once a week, wiping down the litter box with a non-irritating disinfectant and rinsing thoroughly.
Of course, accidents happen – especially to kittens and younger cats – but with love and perseverance (and the occasional bit of necessary scrubbing), you can soon and easily housetrain your kitty.
Senior cats
Aging cats can sometimes have trouble getting to the bathroom in time. So get a few cat litter boxes so they don’t have to rush too far. Some health conditions, such as arthritis, make it difficult for senior cats to access a raised-sided litter box; in this case, switching to a lower, shallower “model” will help.
If a trained cat (regardless of age) suddenly starts ignoring the toilet and relieving itself in various places around the house, visit your veterinarian – this may be a sign of health problems.