How to Litter Box Train a New Cat
Cats are self-sufficient, naturally clean animals, and it's easy to train a new cat to use a litter box if you follow procedures that cater to the cat's nature. Properly training your cat to use a litter box will help it become a happy, healthy addition to your home. Litter box training your cat is a quick process should take approximately two to three weeks.
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Things You'll Need
- Litter box
- Litter box liners
- Clay cat litter
- Litter box scoop
- Pet stain and odor remover
Instructions
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Purchase a litter box appropriate for your cat's size. A cat should be able to easily sniff the litter and jump into the box.
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2
Assemble the litter box with a plastic liner and add a one-inch layer of litter for a small kitten and a two- to three-inch layer for a larger cat.
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3
Choose a location for the litter box that is out of the way to give the cat privacy. For young kittens, place the litter box close to the room where they spend the most time, even if you wish to move the box in the future. As the kitten learns to use the litter box consistently, you may slowly move the box to its permanent location.
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Show your new cat the litter box when you bring her home for the first time. Take the cat to the litter box again after each nap and meal.
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Show your cat how to use his paw to scratch the litter before and after it uses the bathroom. Some cats will naturally dig and others will benefit from a gentle demonstration using their paw.
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Watch for signs that your cat needs to use the litter box such as whining, crying and looking for a hiding spot. If you notice any of these signs, take the cat to the litter box immediately so she begins to understand the littler box is the appropriate place to use the bathroom.
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Keep the litter box clean by scooping and removing soiled litter each day. Once a week, thoroughly clean the litter box and reassemble it with a new liner and clean litter.
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Allow the cat to sniff any spots where she has an accident. Then take her to the litter box. Clean the soiled area thoroughly with a pet stain and odor remover. Eliminating the stain and odor will discourage the cat from soiling the same spot and encourage her to use the litter box.
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Tips & Warnings
Place multiple litter boxes around your home if it is a large or multi-story house.
Never rub your cat's nose in an accident.
If your cat refuses to use the litter box, change the type of litter.
If your cat has routinely used the litter box and suddenly refuses, clean the box thoroughly and take the cat to the vet if his refusal continues.
References
- Photo Credit Red kitten image by Seregin from Fotolia.com
