One of the first things you must teach a new kitten when you bring them home is how to use the litter box. Early litter box training will assist your kitten in forming lifelong healthy habits.
Choose a container with low sides that your kitten can simply step into because it requires a litter box that is simple to get to. It ought to be large enough for the kitten to turn around and relieve itself multiple times.
Simple, compact plastic litter boxes can be effective. However, if your kitty is really small, you might want to start with something like an old baking pan or a shirt box with a liner.
One litter box per cat, plus one extra, is a decent rule of thumb if you have several cats. Even if your kitten is the only cat in your house, it's still a good idea to have two litter boxes. In a house with multiple stories, place a litter box on each floor.
Your choice of litter can have a significant impact on how easily your cat learns to use the litter box. Cats typically prefer the texture of scoopable litter to bigger non-scoopable clay styles.
When introduced to cat litter for the first time, some kittens may ingest it. This may result in harmful digestive issues. This is why you might want to go with scoopable litter made from corn or wheat.
Getting a mat to put outside the box to catch litter as the cat steps out may also be a good idea. Make sure whatever you purchase will be soft and cosy on your cat's paws.
The area of your home where the litter box is located needs to be both private and convenient. Avoid confined areas like those in small closets or beneath cabinets. Make sure there are no loud appliances or other frightening noisemakers close to the box.
The litter box shouldn't be put too close to your kitten's favourite places to sleep or to its water and food bowls. Naturally, cats and kittens avoid going potty close to their eating and sleeping areas.
Keep the litter box clean, and keep the area around it as tidy as you can. One or two times per day, scoop the litter box. Outside-the-box mishaps should be cleaned up right away, and stray litter should be frequently swept up.
Cats and kittens are significantly more likely to use a litter box that is clean and unscented. Unwanted elimination habits, including as urinating on clothes or rugs, can readily result from a dirty litter box.
Before you bring your new kitten home, the litter box area should be completely set up. New kittens should often spend their first few weeks in a "transition room" that is secure, cosy, and keeps them away from other parts of the house. Additionally, it can greatly aid cat litter box training.
The litter box should be placed as far away from the food and water as feasible. For the first few days or weeks, keep your kitten in the room until it starts to act at ease.
It's advisable to bring your cat back to this room when you aren't home after letting it out to explore the rest of your house. Place your cat in the litter box immediately following each meal or beverage.
You could even try scratching the litter to instruct the kitty. Put your kitten in the litter box if you notice it sniffing or scratching the ground.