Having a new cat is exciting and fun! Whether it’s a baby kitten or an adult cat, welcoming a feline friend to your home is always a delight. But a new cat would also means having to litter train them to keep your space clean and hygienic.
Litter training your cat is essential to being a responsible cat owner. It will take a lot of patience and understanding, but it is primarily a straightforward process because domestic cats are innately clean mammals.
In this article, we will provide some easy tips to help you successfully litter-train your cat!
Tip #1: Choose the right litter box
The correct litter box ensures successful litter training. It has to have the right size and proportions for your cat to allow them to move around comfortably and enter and exit the box easily.
You may also want to experiment on covered and uncovered litter boxes. Some cats prefer doing their business privately, while others don’t mind. Have your cat explore both options to see which one they prefer.
Tip #2: Place the litter box in an appropriate location
Cats need to relieve themselves in a quiet and easily accessible area, so place their litter box in an area with low noise and away from foot traffic. If they find that the litter box is placed somewhere they feel is too inaccessible or loud, cats will find another place to relieve themselves.
You don’t want to place the litter box next to your cat’s food and water. Cats prefer to eat and drink away from where they urinate and defecate, just like humans.
Tip #3: Introduce your cat to the litter box
One important step of litter training is introducing your cat to the litter box. Allow your feline friend to explore and sniff the litter box so they get familiar with the setup. Once you have shown your cat where the box is, keep it from moving around or relocating it to another area to avoid confusion.
Put your cat in the box after naps or eating and encourage them to do business. It is ideal not to distract your cat while they defecate and just let them eliminate their waste.
Tip #4: Maintain the litter box
Cats are naturally clean animals. They are very low maintenance and don’t require a lot to keep them clean. However, maintaining their litter box is another issue.
A dirty litter box will discourage your cat from using it. If they find the litter box soiled, they seek other places to relieve themselves. You must scoop it daily to remove waste and clumps and change the litter once a week.
Final Thoughts
Being a furry parent requires attention, love, care, and patience. You can’t expect your cat to learn how to use a litter box overnight.
The process might be exhausting, but the reward is a clean home for you and your feline friend. Remember the tips above for you as you continue to litter-train your cat.
And remember, you are not alone in this journey! Sign up on PetPal today for the latest tips, tricks, and resources on everything you need as a pet owner.
