Litter Training 101: Essentials for New and Experienced Cat Parents

From birth, cats and kittens are not familiar with using litter boxes.So it is important to know about litter training for cats for all cat parents.  Cat and Kitten could learn that most of the time by following their mothers. However, this might not always be the case, which is why it’s important to teach your kitties how to use the litter box. It is not necessary to teach kittens under 4 weeks old how to use litter boxes because their mother cat will take care of their waste during that period. After four weeks, kittens need to be gradually trained on how to use the litter boxes. To correctly train the cats to use the litter boxes, we can follow these simple steps:

Appropriate Location Litter Training For Cats: 

We have to determine the litter box’s location even before choosing the litter and box. This is an essential spot because it is not advisable to move the litter box once the cats have figured out where it is. Thus, we must locate a place we can be certain of. A spot that is accessible to cats and under their eyes, and that they can navigate with ease, can make a good location. It shouldn’t be located in an inaccessible spot or confined space where cats would find it difficult to use. Additionally, since cats regard their eating area as a sacred space, the litter box needs to be placed far from it.

Litter Training for Cats: Finding the Perfect Litter Box:

Even for a kitten, the box must be large. If the litter box is too small, the kittens will find it difficult to use as they get older and won’t like to use it after some time. For this reason, a larger litter box is more convenient to use. You would also have to determine whether you require an uncovered or covered litter box. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, it is advised to use the uncovered litter box if you have multiple cats, as the covered one can smell strongly, and cats, being very clean, would not want to use it. 

Selecting litter:

Cats are finicky eaters, as anyone who has raised one will attest. It is possible that the cats will not enjoy the litter you initially purchased. Therefore, it would be necessary to try out a variety of litter types to determine which kind the cats prefer. Because it’s easier to walk on and allows them to easily bury their waste, cats prefer clumping litter. However, cats have preferences of their own, just like humans do. In the event that the cats dislike a particular type of litter, a variety of litter can be used. However, if you notice that your cats have developed a preference for a particular kind of litter, you shouldn’t switch because doing so may discourage them from using the litter box.

Showing them the location and how to use it:

Of course, the cats and kittens would have no idea what a litter box is or how to use one. You will one day be able to tell by their behavior when they need to use toilets or urinate. Therefore, you will need to physically take them to the litter box and demonstrate how to use it for the first few days or until they begin using it on their own. They will eventually learn how to use the litter box and what it is for. 

Clean Litter Box:

Cats are extremely clean, as you are already aware. They prefer dry and clean litter boxes. It is important to ensure that the litter box is not excessively wet, as this may pose a challenge for the cats to utilize. Because of this, especially while they are learning, you will need to make sure the litter box is filled with as little liquid and solid waste as possible. You can clean after a while once they’ve learned, but you must make sure the litter box isn’t overly dirty. Make every effort to keep it spotless. Cats prefer fresh litter over used ones, so you can also mix new litter with previously used litter to give the cats the impression that the litter is new.

The right amount of litter:

 You need to make sure the litter box always has the right amount of litter in it. It should not be much or less. If you use too much litter, your cat will spill a lot of it outside the box, making the home dirty while trying to bury his waste. If you use less litter, the cats will feel they cannot properly do their work here, eventually leading them to eliminate it outside the litter box. So the right amount of litter is very much recommended for use in the litter box. 

Doing these steps can make sure the cats use the litter box properly. If it still does not use the litter box, you can read this article to find out the real reasons behind that: Why Won’t My Cat Use the Litter Box? Causes and Solutions