How to litterbox train your new cat

Whether you've recently adopted a new kitten or adult cat, litter box issues can be frustrating for both you and your feline friend. Simply they don't accept to be! Hither are some helpful steps on how to litter box train your new true cat or kitten.

i. Location, Location, Location

Training your true cat to use the litter box can be simple, and it should get-go with looking at things from their perspective; when you become to a restaurant or gas station, a common question you might ask is, "Where'southward the bath?" Even though your cat can't speak human, they may wonder the same affair.

Placing the litter box in the basement or rooms that are far from main areas of the house may deter your cat from making the journeying. Attempt to observe a location that's comfortable for you, but also conveniently accessible for your cat. One time you've called the perfect spot, familiarize your cat with its location and so they'll be sure to call back when go-time arrives.

Moving your cat's food away from the litter box is important, too! Imagine if your bath was next to your kitchen table — or when the eatery host sits you lot correct side by side to the bathroom … enough said? And if you have a smaller living infinite, no problem! Only be certain to allow adequate space betwixt their nutrient and litter box.

Keep food away from litterbox

If you lot've only adopted (or have recently moved to a new dwelling), set yourself up for success by keeping your cat confined to an expanse as they get used to their surroundings. This will restrict roaming and assist in litter box preparation. Identify your true cat in the litter box throughout the day to help them empathise the purpose of the box. For kittens, movement their front paws back and forth in a scratching motion to requite them a fiddling extra help. It's amazing how kittens as young every bit 3 to 4 weeks old seem to instinctively understand this move.

After making a few deposits into the litter box, your feline family fellow member will begin to recognize their scent and should continue using it correctly. In one case they've proven litter box success and have adjusted to their new environment, you lot can requite them more freedom to roam. Remember: if y'all choose to relocate the litter box to a more convenient location, information technology'southward kitty-courtesy to testify them where it's been relocated.

2. Consider Size

For a young kitten, providing a litter box that is too big might cause them to use it as a playground rather than a place to practise their business. Conversely, if yous have a larger cat, providing a small litter box tin can cause overflow or accidents outside the box. Note that these outside-the-box accidents may be a social statement from your true cat to let you know something about the box isn't coming together their standards. It may have a few attempts with dissimilar box sizes, but eventually you lot'll discover the perfect fit.

Consider the litterbox size

Some cats adopt a trivial privacy, and a covered litter box can provide the perfect hideaway for your kitty to bury their unwanted treasures. Other cats are not and so small, so if they seem too hesitant to enter the box, yous tin ever remove the lid.

In that location are many makes and models of litter boxes on the market place today. Self-cleaning and even "subconscious" boxes that double as furniture are all the rage. Only don't go overboard with litterbox flair, considering information technology may actually deter your cat from using it. It's best to keep information technology uncomplicated at beginning. Subsequently all, it's just a cat's toilet.

3. Keep it Clean

Co-ordinate to Cats International, "cats take 200 1000000 odor-sensitive cells in their nose, compared to only 5 million for humans." Simply like nosotros turn upward our noses at a not-so-clean restroom, cats will exercise the same with their litter box.

Cleaning frequency will depend on many factors:

  • How many cats are in your habitation
  • How often they get
  • The size of your space

Some owners adopt to clean the litter box daily, while others find that 3 to 4 times a week is sufficient. Companion Protect® recommends daily scoops to reduce urinary tract infections and other litter box uh-ohs, but it's always all-time to chat with your vet.

Every bit humans, many of us prefer to have perfumes or air fresheners in our bathrooms. Litter manufacturers know this and market their products to us rather than our feline friends. Production tag lines such as "fresh scent" or "made with Febreze/Gain/Glade" may entreatment to our ain olfactory senses merely can be a significant deterrent for your true cat. If these overpowering scents create sensory overload for your kitty, they'll exist less likely to use the litterbox.

Cleaning the litter box on a regular ground should be plenty to keep odors downwardly, provide a fresh place for your true cat to potty, and avoid the need for overpowering scents that may actually repel them from using the box. We suggest picking a specific fourth dimension of twenty-four hours to make clean the box regularly (e.g., first matter each morning), that way information technology'south never forgotten.

four. Ensure There Are Enough Boxes to Go Around

If there are multiple cats in the abode, information technology'southward a skillful idea to accept more than ane litter box. Some kitties don't similar to share their intimate infinite with others. Additionally, multiple boxes can assistance keep odors to a minimum, and if you have a larger habitation, it allows your cats easy access when they need to go.

Renowned true cat good, Jackson Galaxy, suggests the "one box per cat + 1" rule of pollex.  This means if yous have one cat, you should have two boxes bachelor in different locations.  If y'all have two cats, you should have 3 boxes, and and so on. Keep the size of your space in mind when applying this rule.  For case, if you lot have one cat in a one-sleeping room apartment, ane box may be completely sufficient.

five. Patience and Understanding Become a Long Mode

According to Adopt A Pet, litter box problems are i of the nearly mutual reasons that cats are surrendered or returned to shelters. Nevertheless, a little enquiry and patience tin can go a long way to create a harmonious bath experience for you and your cat(s). While it would be easier if our feline friends could talk, taking time to observe your cat'south bathroom behavior can open a window of understanding and allow the appropriate adjustments to exist made.

vi. When in Doubt, Consult Your Veterinarian

If you discover something in the litter box that just doesn't look right, contact your veterinarian every bit soon every bit possible. Additionally, if litter box issues arise and these tips don't seem to do the pull a fast one on, be sure to consult with your veterinary.

Companion Protect can add an actress layer of protection should your new or current kitty'due south litter box concerns be due to a medical or behavioral status. From medical diagnostics to prescription medication, Companion Protect can exist a critical partner in providing coverage to keep your kitty healthy also equally get your hirsuite friend back in the box if issues do ascend!

Nora GilmoreNORA GILMORE
Certified Claims Adjuster
Nora has spent her career in both the human and creature medical earth including veterinary clinics and shelters. She is passionate well-nigh volunteering, peculiarly for animal adoption events, spay/neuter programs, also every bit fostering cats and kittens for local rescues. While she doesn't take as stiff a passion for cooking, she does enjoy a delicious plate of tacos and guacamole.

How to litter train a kitten