Litter Box Training
Kittens are quite easy to house train since they are instinctively drawn to eliminate in dirt and other dry, loose material by the time they are about a month old. All that is necessary is for the owner to provide a clean litter box and to place the kitten into the box from time to time, after meals, after naps, after playtime. In the beginning, leaving a bit of feces or urine in the box will help the kitten make the appropriate connections and to use the box for the right purpose.
Useful Tips for Litter Box Training
Following are a few directives that may be helpful in preparing the litter box:
- Buy a large litter box since the kitten will grow rapidly
- Make sure one side of the box is low enough for easy entry
- Put the litter box in a convenient spot
- Place the litter box away from noise and distraction
If the litter box has to be moved for any reason, try to move it gradually. If the kitten or cat has been living outdoors, mix litter with dirt at first and gradually switch over completely to litter. If the kitten has had an accident, never reprimand it before placing it in the litter box since this will make the animal associate to box with the scolding and attempt to avoid it. Moreover, if the cat associates being disciplined with the litter box, the animal is likely to try to hide its urination or defecation in inappropriate places around the house.
The litter box should be kept clean. Solid waste and clumped urine should be scooped out once or twice a day. The litter box should be emptied, cleaned and refilled weekly.