Litter Box Training
**** UPDATE ****
I’ve been litter box training cats for over 8 years now and until recently I had still not worked out a fool proof way to do so that worked every time. That was before I read this guide on litter box training.
By using this guide, I’ve been able to litter box train my new kittens in under 7 days. I was even able to litter box train an 8 year old who refused to do her business in the right spot.
I wouldn’t recommend this product if it did not work.
By all means, read my blog, it’s got some great tips, but the above product is guaranteed to work.
Litter Box Training
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By nature, cats love cleanliness, as you can tell by how often they groom themselves. Usually, a clean cat is a happy cat. If you take your cat outside when nature calls and closely observe, you’ll notice that they have a tendency to bury their waste underneath anything available, which is usually dirt or leaves. What you have just discovered is that your cat has a natural desire to hide their waste from prying eyes and this is important to remember when litter box training your cat.
Litter boxes are designed to provide a naturally sandy environment for cats that makes it very easy for them to dig a hole and cover up the waste after they’re done. This means that once your cat is introduced to their litter box, they will enjoy using it. Of course, because animals are unpredictable, any type of litter box training is going to require a little patience on your part. Remember, this is something that your cat will want to do, so there’s no need for harsh training techniques when litter box training.
Litter Box Training Without Being Cruel To Your Cat
When a cat refuses to use their litter box, it’s not because they are being stubborn, but litter box training will be needed. There’s an underlying cause and you’ve got to put on your detective hat to figure out what’s wrong. Generally, there’s either a specific problem with the litter box itself or a physical problem with the cat. Look for litter box problems first and then use my litter box training tips.
Here are some great litter box training tips:
Choose a Spacious Box – If your cat is a kitten right now, remember that they are going to grow into an adult cat of a certain size. You want to make sure that he or she will have plenty of room to move around inside.
Easy Entry – For young cats, you want to select a box that does not have high walls on every side. Their little legs simply won’t be able to hop inside without your assistance. The same accommodations are needed if your furry friend has a disability. Look for a box with low walls that any cat can climb over. This makes litter box training a lot easier for all involved.
Introduce Your Cat to the Box – Your cat is still getting used to its new home, which means you’ll need to show them where to find their litter box. It’s important that they know how to find food and water, as well as, the litter box when you’re not around. One thing to remember is that, generally, there should be one litter box per cat in the house. If two cats are sharing the same litter box, then it’s a good idea to have a spare one in another location.
Litter box training golden tip that one.
Reward Your Cat for Using the Box – Positive reinforcement works way better than scolding a pet for not doing something you want. If your cat makes a mistake and goes on the floor, becoming aggressive with it will only make it hide from you. A stressed out cat during litter box training will not be open to any type of training. On the other hand, if you give your cat a treat after they have successfully used the litter box, this type of positive reaction will be remembered. Your feline friend will be more than happy to repeat this behavior during litter box training and after in order to get another treat
Location Matters – When deciding on where to place a litter box, keep in mind that cats crave privacy when doing their business. A noisy spot in the kitchen, or an entryway, that has a lot of people traipsing in and out all day isn’t the right place. Noisy and high traffic locations will simply stress your cat out, which can cause them to avoid using the box. Find a reasonably peaceful spot away from crowds to make litter box training a success!
Clean the Box Often During And After Litter Box Training – Just like you clean your bathroom, cats expect theirs to be nice and clean as well. If they go to use the box and it is full of waste, they’ll begin to look for a cleaner place to do their business – usually your floor. Make sure you scoop out the clumps of waste and throw them away each day. Once a week, you’ll want to completely clean the box by dumping out old litter, washing the box out with bleach diluted in water and pouring in fresh litter.
Avoid Smelly Litter – Cats have sensitive noses and will pick up peculiar smells that humans do not. If your cat is standing there inside the box sniffing around a lot and then walks away, most likely if finds the odor offensive. Instead of trying to force your pet to go during litter box training regardless of the smell, you’ll need to quickly find another brand of litter to use. Finding the right brand of litter will often solve the problem and litter box training will no longer be needed!
Training your wonderful cat to use the litter box during litter box training should be a positive experience for the both of you. Remember to keep your cool, and have lots of patience for your finicky friend. More than likely, your cat wants to enjoy a mutually respectful and loving relationship in their new home.
Enjoy the rest of my articles on litter box training!
