We used material from www.meowexpert.com for this article
How to properly and efficiently teach your cat to use the litter box.
Each pet owner has at least once encountered the bad habits of his pet. When buying a puppy or kitten, many rarely think about the difficulties that come with it. And when a little kitten begins to “mark” their territory, or tear apart the wallpaper, emotion and irritation appears. To prevent this from happening, you need to know how to train your pet.
Kittens generally learn quickly how to use a litter tray as long as it is clean and placed in the convenient location. For new kitten owners, your pet may have already observed his/ her mother using a litter tray. If this is the case, the kitten is likely to be well on their way to copying her behavior.
But even if you pick up a kitten from a shelter, you can easily train him to use the tray if you use our tips.
Choosing a tray
Make sure the tray fits the kitten. It should not be too large and with high sides, but it should not be too small.
Kittens grow fast. And the baby will perfectly jump into the tray if its height is 10-12 cm if he knows where to go.
Closed and automatic models are convenient for owners, but they can scare away kittens.
What should you use for litter?
Choose a filler without dust, lumps and odor.
Today in almost every pet shop you can buy mineral, wood, corn, silica gel and even paper fillers that change color as an indicator that it’s been used. In general, they all serve the same function, so the final choice depends on the personal preferences of the owner and animal. But at the stage of getting your kitten accustomed to the tray, it is worth paying attention to some important points.
It is recommended to use a filler from which there is almost no dust, since it can cause a kitten to feel unpleasant when it’s inhaled. It is also not recommended to start the toilet training with a clumping mineral filler, because your pet will almost certainly taste it, and this can cause severe constipation.
Choose a Suitable Place
Place the cat's toilet where it is easily accessible, comfortable and quiet. The cat seeks privacy. The best place is in the corner of a room. The kitten will feel more protected and calm. Make sure that there is no washing machine or rattling sewer pipe nearby, or that the kitten is not frightened by something. A frightened kitten may refuse to go to the tray in the future.
It is best not to put the tray in the farthest corner of the house. In an emergency, the kitten may not have time to reach it.
And do not place the tray next to food and water bowls. Cats do not go to the bathroom where they eat and drink.
What to do if the kitten does not use a tray
- Make sure the tray is the right size for your cat, if it is too big your kitten won't be able to get in. Similarly for adult cats, the tray should be big enough that they can turn around whilst in the tray.
- If the tray has a “door”, remove it for the first time. Put it in place when the kitten grows up and can easily open it.
- Change type of filler. Perhaps the kitten does not like the filler that you have chosen for it. Try different types of kitty litters eg. crystals/ recycled/ clay based. You can even use multiple trays with a different litter type in each to determine which litter your kitten prefers.
We used material from www.meowexpert.com for this article.