How to Litter Box Train a New Kitten

One may think that kittens are easy to housebreak, however, some find it very difficult. Simply try a bit of reasoning with your new pet, and you will be satisfied with the results. And remember, a clean litter box makes a happy kitty.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small litter box (you will upgrade as the kitten grows into a cat.)
• Any cat litter that does not have deoderant additives in it. Most don't, so any brand will do depending upon your preferences. You might find that self clumping is the best.
• Perhaps a pan liner for ease of changing the box
• A slotted litter scoop, or an old slotted cooking utensil.
• Of course, a kitten
• Plain old baking soda

1. Make sure that the pan is clean. Put fresh litter in the pan after laying down a thin film of baking soda to absorb odors. You may want to line the pan with a liner (you can buy these in the stores) or a small garbage bag by sliding the pan into the garbage bag and taping the end of the bag under the pan. Pour in about three inches of litter.

2. Place litter in a room that allows ease of access by your feline friend. Most people will put the pan in a utility room, or a bathroom. It is important to keep it out of a common room or any room that is used for feeding your pets.

3. Carry the kitten to the litter box. Put it down on the floor by the box to let the kitten investigate. Most kittens have an instinct for what the litter is to be used for. It should immediately go potty once it figures out what it's found. If not, don't give up. Let the Kitten run around and play, then try again later. If after a few tries it doesn't respond, place the kitten in the litter box. It may take a few times for the stubborn kitties, but they almost always catch on.

4. If the kitten has responded favourably, remember that the box must be cleaned out each day. If you have bought the self-clumping litter, it's as easy as using the slotted spoon or scoop to clean out the clumps. Refill to three inches as needed. Make sure you change the litter out completely at least once a week. If odors are trapped in the box, a kitten may refuse to use it. Also, strong odors or fragrances in the room may make it difficult for a kitten to bear being in that room. If you use a lot of air freshener in that room it may be best to change the location of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, scoop out the waste products each day, or maybe more depending on your kitty' s bathroom habits.
• Change the litter at least every week. If you use a pan liner, change it to. By turning the liner inside out, your cleanup is a snap.
• When your kitty becomes an adolescent, watch out for territory marking, and visit us again to find out how to deal with this.
• Some kitties are allergic to pine or wood source litter. If you notice a reaction from your kitty to such litter, visit the vet to make sure it's not something more serious.
• Discourage kitty from sleeping in the litter box by shooing it out with a soda can filled 1/4 of the way with dried beans and sealed with tape. Never hit your kitty.
• Read your kitty litter bag for precautions on a potentially dangerous disease called "toxoplasmosis" and follow all safety tips.

[honeybeemay]

on 11/8/2009 This article was a process to see how well I could right. I am very surprised to see the amount of readers. I hope that you all found it useful. Honestly, I didn't expect this kind of reaction to it. Thanks!

[davida8575]

on 11/7/2009 Thanks for the tips on litter training a cat. I love cats to.

[askapeach]

on 10/25/2009 As a cat lover myself, I can tell you not only have experience in How to Litter Box Train a New Kitten but also wrote great instructions for others! Thanks...5* and a rec