Litter Box Training

A plastic litter box is usually the simplest, cheapest, and easiest to keep clean. The rim should be low enough so the kitten can easily climb in and out. Place the litter box in a quiet spot in your home, where there isn’t much foot traffic, so the kitten has some “privacy.” Make sure the cat can always access it, even when you’re not home. Placing it near its sleeping area can be a good option. Many cats absolutely hate scented litter in the box. Odorless clay litter that clumps well is usually the best choice. If there are already multiple cats in the house, it’s recommended to set up an additional litter box.

To make sure your kitten uses the litter box every time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on it at first. When it stops playing and starts sniffing around, pick it up and take it to the litter box. Reward the kitten if it sniffs around or scratches in the box, and praise it enthusiastically when it pees or poops; you can give it a treat or some food as a reward. If you can’t keep an eye on the kitten, you can confine it to the area where the litter box is located, such as the utility room or similar space. Do this until you’re certain the kitten is using the litter box as its regular bathroom spot. Once you’ve found a type of litter and a litter box that work well, don’t make sudden changes—that’s just asking for trouble! If you want to use a new type of litter, mix it with the old litter for a week first.

It’s important for a cat to feel comfortable in its litter box. That’s why unpleasant situations should always be avoided when the cat is in the litter box. Do not give the cat medication while it’s in the litter box, and do not punish it near the litter box. Do not place the litter box in areas where sudden noises might occur, such as next to the washing machine. Make sure the dog cannot tease the cat while it is using the litter box.