Litter Train a Kitten from the very beginning to ensure a hassle-free parenting experience. It is not only hygienic for you and your family members but also easy for your kitten to learn if they start early. It is actually quite easy to Litter Train a Kitten as cats are very independent by nature. They learn litter box behaviour from their mother or siblings. However, it is important to thoroughly train them after they come to new home.

 

1) Start Early:

Start training your kitten as early as possible after you bring them home. Kittens usually have a natural tendency to dig and bury their deposits in sand or soil. Hence it is relatively easier to Litter Train a Kitten. However, as mentioned earlier it is important to start early before your kitten becomes comfortable with going toilet to random places. Cats often have a tendency to spray on furniture. Before they pick up a bad habit make sure to Litter Train your Kitten.

2) Choose the Right Litter Box-

Choosing the right litter box is very important once you decide to buy a litter kit. Initially, looking at their size you may feel that a small size litter box would be sufficient for your kitten. However, remember that cats grow very fast and they may not feel comfortable to use litter box if it is too small or if there is less space for them to move around comfortably. So it is better to get a medium size litter box to start with. You may need to switch to a larger litter box once your kitten significantly grows in size or depending on your cat’s breed. You can consider buying a covered litter box as it may reduce the chance of litter tracked out of the box. If you have more than one kitten of the same age and you are starting with their litter training , then make sure to have separate litter boxes for them.

3) Use a Quality Cat Litter Sand-

Many Cat parents feel that it is not necessary to buy Cat Litter Sand and they can manage with natural sand. However, it can be difficult to keep the Odour in check if you are using natural sand as litter base. There are plenty of brands selling good quality litter sand with odour control technique. You can choose from any of them. Please note that every cat is different. If you find out that your kitten is allergic to a specific scented litter sand then immediately consult with your veterinarian and follow his advice while choosing a litter sand.

4) Keep the Litter Box in Right Place-

Be it toilet training of a puppy or Litter Training of a kitten, it is always better to start with a calm and confined environment when you teach your pet to adapt to a specific routine. Too much noise may distract them and delay their learning process as cats can be sensitive to sudden noise. You need to pick the right spot to keep the litter box. Make sure that it is easily accessible to your kitten. Let your kitten sniff the litter box multiple times. Praise them every time they use or at least attempt to use the litter box. Offer small pieces of treat to make them realize that something good happens every time they use the litter box. Choose a quiet corner of the room to place the litter box to make your kitten feel comfortable going there. If you have another pet at home then it is better to keep they away during the initial phase.

 

5) Positive Reinforcement-

Whenever you start with a training exercise with your pet remember that pets do not understand your language. But they can sense your body language very well. Start with a positive attitude. Young kittens already have too much on their plate. They are playful, naughty, still exploring their new world and new environment. If you choose punishment to teach them what to do and what to not do then they may develop a fearful attitude and it may negatively impact your bond with them. Positive reinforcement with the desired behaviour helps them understand what exactly you expect from them.

6) Clean Litter Box Regularly-

Cats are by nature very hygienic. You will notice them grooming themselves by licking their paws quite often. So it is necessary to keep their surroundings clean. Make sure to regularly clean the litter box thoroughly by scooping out faecal wastes and change the litter sand whenever it gets dirty or smells bad. Cat litter leaves a strong odour and unclean litter box may discourage your kitten to use it when they need and this may reverse the advancements in litter training process. Clean the litter tray with a mild unscented soap and thoroughly disinfect it at least once a month.

7) Monitor Litter Box Behaviour-

In some instances if you observe that your kitten is house breaking despite knowing where to go, please pay attention and make sure to monitor their behaviour. This may be a sign of some underlying medical condition. Consult with a professional veterinarian if you notice any abnormality in their litter behaviour.

8) Have Patience-

Lastly, remember that you need to be very patient throughout the journey. Slow and steady is the mantra to Litter Train a Kitten. You are their whole world and they look up to you for everything they need. Have patience with your goof balls, stay positive and be regular with training process to make it easy for both you and your kitten. Rest, everything will fall in place.

Cats are usually easy going with litter training as they like their privacy. However, if you find that even after several months of litter training your kitten is not comfortable using it then try and switch to a different type of litter box. You may need to try placing it in a different location and observe if that works. You can always approach an animal behaviourist to understand their behaviour better and find out the reasons that makes your kitten uncomfortable with litter box. Stay positive and maintain consistency throughout the process.