Updated: 10/12/2020

How To Litter Train A Cat

Litter training for cats is crucial, especially for new cat parents. Making sure your feline is safe, secure, and comfortable in her new environment is essential for proper litter training. You could get the best cat litter in the world, and your cat still wouldn’t feel safe going in it if she does not fit in well. Pet behaviourists always speak and give seminars about ensuring felines are safe and secure in a brand new environment. If your cat is a newborn, this process would be more straightforward. However, if you have a shelter cat or a rescue kitten, there are high chances that you would need to spend a little time allowing the cat to acclimate to her new surroundings. 

Most kittens are prone to messing up certain areas of the house and can create a stink in the most unexpected places. If you introduce kittens to the litter box early on, there is a high possibility that their instinct will take over, and they will only frequent the litter box. Mature cats need training and guidance without seeming like they are doing something wrong. Adult cats prefer going out into the open and could be averse to using the litter box.

With a little training, you can quickly get your cat to use the litter box. To speed things up, always buy the best cat foods and best cat litter available for your feline. 

Basics of Litter Training: There are a few things you need to know before you start pleading to the gods to ensure your cat goes in the litter box. 

• Patience: You will need to be incredibly patient with your cat while training. Getting agitated or angry during the training will undo any progress you’ve made with your feline. Foster kittens, strays, shelter cats, and recovering pets have an instinctive need to protect themselves, and the cat may scratch you or start yowling. 
• Encouragement: Cats, while independent, thrive on attention and encouragement. Rewarding them every time they relieve themselves in the litterbox (only at the beginning), will help develop a positive association with the box, and the treat or reward will motivate your kitty to go only in the litter box. 

Advantages of Training a Cat to Use the Litterbox

• Hygiene: Cats are known to keep themselves extremely clean at all times.

Training your cat to use the litterbox ensures that they always have a safe space to relieve themselves, and are not exposed to the outside elements. Many cats develop infections when they refuse to go out into the garden or in the open in adverse weather conditions like rain and snow. At such times, the litterbox is a boon. 

However, if your cat still prefers to go out, ensure you purchase the best microchip cat flaps to follow her every move. Since cats also lick themselves clean, you should consider buying one of the best cat toothbrushes in the market to avoid infections.

• Comfort: Cats hate stepping on their previous mess. Scooping the remains from the litter is quick and easy for you, without having to disturb your cat. Keeping a scooping schedule will help clear out all the mess before your cat has to go another time. 

How To Litter Train A Cat

1. Pick a Litterbox: Most cats hate the smaller litterboxes because of the space constraint. Always buy a large litterbox for your cat, especially if you have a tiny kitten that is yet to grow into a mature one. The litterbox should be covered or uncovered based on your cats’ preference. You should try both, and see which is best suited since some cats value privacy over cleanliness. 
2. Scoop in the Litter: Scoop in the adequate amount of litter, and allow your cat to get a feel of it. Fill enough so that your cat is comfortable burying her mess inside the litter.
3. Schedule Litter Breaks: Whenever your cat demands to be let out or gets into the position to relieve herself, patiently direct her towards the litterbox, or gently place her in it. Some cats need their tummy stroked or head scratched (if they are kittens) to feel secure. Use your finger to show your cat how to dig into the litter.
4. Keep The Litterbox Close: Play with the cat near the litterbox, and allow the cat to feel secure. If your cat eliminates outside the litterbox, scoop it up, and place it in the litter so that your cat smells the waste and identifies with it. 

Repeat these steps as many times as needed to get the cat to use the litterbox comfortably.