How to Litter Box Train a Cat

Are you getting a new kitten? Kittens are curious and full of energy. You may want to wait before allowing your kitten to "go" outside. Or you might decide you want or need your cat to be an indoor pet. In either case, you will need to get your cat to use a litter box. Follow these steps to housebreak your new pet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kitten
• Litter box
• Litter

1. 

   Put litter in the box. There are different kinds of litter: clay, "scoopable," and "Feline Pine." Clay is probably the most cost effective, whereas scoopable can be the easiest to clean, and it reduces odors. The litter should be about an inch deep and cover the bottom of the box.

2. 

   Place the box in an area where you would like the cat to do its business. This would most likely be a bathroom, and mostly likely not the kitchen or dining room.

3. 

   Show the kitten where the box is.

4. 

   You're done.
   
   Cats don't need coaxing or rewarding to use their box. They just "get it."

Tips & Warnings

• If your cat stops using the box, it might have a medical or psychological issue. Take it to the vet to rule out a medical problem.
• If your cat checks out medically, ask yourself what changes might have prompted this. A new pet being introduced, moving, or other changes could have triggered this acting out behavior.
• Changing the brand of cat litter or location of the box could also cause the cat to get upset or confused.

[FreeSpirit]

on 11/10/2008 Always make sure that you keep the box clean, too. Thanks for sharing this piece with us! I LOVE the photo, too! Have a great day!

[mojoworkin]

on 11/9/2008 I have two cats and I agree they will sometimes get an attitude if a new one is introduced.