Cat Litter Training - Litter Training Kittens

For anyone who is new to the world of cat and kitten ownership, cat litter box training can be a mystery, and a seemingly daunting task. Just how does one train a cat or kitten (that generally does just whatever it pleases) to do their business in a box filled with bits of clay? Surely this is a task that is nearly, if not completely impossible?
If this is what you've been thinking, then we have very good news for you - cats and kittens actually train themselves to use the litter box! Provide a clean, easily accessible litter box to just about any cat or kitten, and "lickety split" - it's litter trained! :-) Having owned various cats over a time-span of more than 42 years, I have yet to encounter a cat or kitten that did not instinctively know what to do with (or in) a litter box. The reason for this is quite simple - it is a cat's natural predilection to bury it's pee or poop. There are many theories behind why this is; the most commonly held belief being that the cat instinctively covers it's scent to prevent it's potential prey from detecting it's presence. Whatever the reason, it makes litter-box training a cat or kitten almost idiot-proof.

What You Need To Litter Train Your Kitten or Cat

The following items are necessary to both litter train your cat or kitten, as well as maintain a clean and cat-friendly litter box area:

1. A cat litter box, large enough for your cat or kitten to walk into and easily turn around, dig and bury it's "treasures". If buying a litter-box for a kitten, keep in mind that your kitten will grow quite rapidly - buy a litter box big enough to easily accommodate a full-sized cat. There are quite a few options for cat litter boxes, ranging from very inexpensive and low-tech to costly and high tech. (Self-Cleaning Litter Box, anyone?) Your choice in a litter box depends on your budget and your personal requirements.

2. A supply of cat litter. The type you purchase is a matter of personal choice, depending on what features appeal to you. There are many types of cat litter, ranging from the simple clay stuff to eco-friendly wheat husk cat litter to crystal cat litter and silica beads. I personally prefer the dust-free, odor-control, scoopable clay cat litter. It's easy to remove clumped waste, cost-effective and reasonably priced. From my experience, cats prefer this type of litter.

3. A big, sturdy "cat litter box scoop" that will be used to remove waste from the cat's litter box on a daily basis. The larger and sturdier the scoop - the easier your job will be in keeping kitty's loo pristine.

4. A mat to be placed under your cat litter box where it will enter and exit. This helps to remove bits of clay that may have stuck to kitty's feet and tail - and prevent these particles from being tracked all over the house.

5. A broom and dustpan (or a vacuum). You'll need to sweep up small particles of cat litter from the floor area surrounding your kitty's loo on a regular basis.

Where To Place Your Cat Litter Box

Location of your cat litter box is an important consideration for a number of reasons:

1. If you have small children or dogs, you'll want to keep the litter box in an area where your cat or kitten can easily access it, but little hands and little dog snouts cannot. Children love to dig in sand - and, unfortunately, dogs love the crunchy goodness of "cat cookies". So, to keep junior safe and your dog's breath minty fresh - it's best to keep the cat litter box behind a barrier. I personally use a baby gate, placed high enough for my cat to get under, but low enough to keep my dogs out.

2. Despite your best efforts, there will always be a bit of an odor in the area surrounding your cat litter box. This can be minimized by removing clumps on a daily basis and changing the litter monthly, but it's best to keep your cat litter box in an area of the house that is away from living areas such as the kitchen, living room, family room and bedrooms. The best scenario is to place your cat litter box in a basement storage area or in a corner of the laundry room. "Boodah Boxes" (covered litter boxes with a charcoal filter) are a great help in keeping odors to a minimum, and cats enjoy the privacy offered by a covered box.

3. Cats are different from dogs in many ways, and especially when it comes to doing their business. Whereas a dog will stop and drop just about anywhere and in front of anyone, cats enjoy quiet and privacy with their bathroom duties. So therefore, it's important to ensure that the cat litter box is placed in a quiet area of the house where there will not be interruptions or loud noises that will send kitty flying out of the box, part way through a poop.

 

Consistency is the Key to Successful Cat Litter Box Training

Cats are creatures of habit and extremely territorial. With this in mind, any changes you make to your cat litter box and area can have adverse affects. Here are some tips that will help prevent "kitty bathroom accidents";

1. Decide on a good location for your cat's litter box, and stick with it. Moving a cat's litter box will often confuse the cat and result in your finding cat pee where you least expect it (like on a pile of freshly laundered towels).

2. Stick with the same type and brand of cat litter at all times. This is for a couple of reasons. Clumping cat litter (if that is your choice) does not clump well if you mix brands. Cats generally do not like changes to their bathroom facilities, and may refuse to use anything but the litter they are used to.

3. Keep it clean. Cats are clean and fastidious animals. If the litter box becomes filled with "treasures" your cat will look elsewhere for a place to relieve itself. (And let me tell you, there's nothing worse than finding crystallized cat pee in your favorite pair of Manolo Blahniks!)

Introducing Your Cat or Kitten To It's Litter Box

Once you have acquired your cat litter box and assorted "accoutrements" and set it up in a carefully considered area, it's time to introduce your kitty to it's new loo. If you are dealing with a kitten, just gently place your kitten in the litter box, and move his little front paws back and forth through the litter granules to assimilate digging. He'll get the idea in no time. If he has an accident (which is unlikely) just place him in the litter box as quickly as possible so that he associates doing his business with the cat litter box.

If you have acquired an adult cat, most likely he or she will already be litter trained. If you are finding that your new cat is refusing to use the box you have provided, it may be your choice of litter that he objects to, the size of the box, or the location. Try changing your cat litter brand to something that has no scent, moving the box to a quieter, more private location, or getting a larger box.

Almost all cats will be drawn to a clean, private and serenely located litter box to do their business. If you are having problems with your cat or kitten soiling in alternate locations in your home, try making the changes mentioned above. If the soiling continues, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed to ensure that kitty does not have a urinary tract infection or some other health issue. Older cats are especially vulnerable to "plumbing problems" which can easily be treated by your vet.

So, in a nutshell, cat litter box training or housetraining your cat or kitten is a simple procedure, that, with the right cat litterbox, litter, location and regular cleaning can be done by anyone with almost any cat or kitten.

 Debbie Moore, Cats and Kittens Central
Copyright© 2009 - All rights reserved.
Used with permission