Litter Box Training your
Kitten
Providing a suitable litter box that is accessible and clean, and teaching your
new kitten how to use it is an important part her introduction to your home. Here are a few
helpful tips:
- Introduce the Litter Box: The litter box should be placed in a quiet
area that is easily accessible to the new kitten. (Note: Do not place a litter box near your
cat’s food and water bowls or close to where she sleeps. Some cats refuse to use the box if
it is close to these areas). Show the kitten the box and if necessary, gently place her
inside. If she eliminates, praise her quietly. If she merely steps back out and begins to
explore again, follow her quietly and supervise her activity.
- Ensure that your Cat is Using the Box: Continue to place your kitten
in the litter box every few hours until you observe her finding and using the box on her
own. If your kitten has access to most of your home, she will not be familiarized with the
entire living area and so may “get lost” trying to find her box. Therefore, whenever she
cannot be supervised, confine her to a room or large crate that contains a litter box to
prevent accidents.
- Patience, Patience, Patience! While many kittens readily use their
box and are able to locate it from anywhere in the house almost immediately, others may take
several days or weeks before they are reliable.
- Keep the Litter Box Clean: A dirty litter box is a common cause of
litter box problems in pet cats. Keeping the box clean can prevent house soiling from
developing and provides your cat with a reliably clean place to eliminate. When scoopable
litter is used, the box should be scooped daily and the litter should be replaced weekly.
The litter box itself should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to remove odors.
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