One of the most important things to do when raising a cat is to train them where to release their mess. This is extra important when you are raising your cat indoors. You would not want to have them poop on your laundry or your furniture, especially since cat poop extremely stinks.
But how exactly do you litter train your cat? Shara Rutberg of PetMD.com gives us a few tips.
Choosing the Right Litter Box
A lot of people make the mistake of buying litter boxes that are too small for their cats. Your cat’s litter box should be approximately one and a half times its length. Waste should be scooped out of your cat’s box every day. The box should be thoroughly cleaned once a month as well.
Finding the Right Litter
If you’re bringing a new cat into your home, the best choice of litter is the kind they are already used to. However, keeping the litter clean is more important than what specific type you use, says Sally J. Foote, DVM and certified feline behaviour consultant of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). According to the Humane Society, research has shown that most cats prefer fine-grained litters, presumably because they have a softer feel. Many cats, however, have their own individual preference when it comes to scented or unscented and clumping or non-clumping litters.
Where to Put the Litter Box
Litter box placement can be a critical factor in encouraging your cat to use the box. Experts recommend having at least one box for each cat in your household per level of your house (i.e. two cats in a two-story home should have a minimum of four litter boxes) and not stashing them in a closet. Cats don’t like to feel cornered or trapped during toileting.
How to Potty Train a Kitten
Oftentimes, it’s the kitten’s mom who litter trains her offspring. However, in the case of bringing a kitten home without its mother, you will have to do it yourself. To do so, use a kitten-sized litter box (preferably a 13×9 inch pan) then graduate to a more commercial-sized box. Keep the kitten, along with his food and water and the box, in a small room with no rugs or carpet. Each time the kitten uses the box, give him a treat and clean the box.