How to Litter Box Train Cats

Make sure to use a box that is deep enough to hold 2 inches of litter.

Training your cat to use a litter box is important in preventing accidents in your home and providing your cat with a place to go to the bathroom. If you have an indoor cat litter box training is even more important as it can't turn to the outdoors to go to the bathroom. While cats can pick up litter box training quickly, there are a few steps and tips you should know to insure your cat is successfully and comfortably litter box trained.

Things You'll Need

• Litter box
• Litter box liner
• Litter

Instructions

1. Purchase a litter box that is wide enough for your cat to be able to stand and turn around comfortably and at least 4 inches deep.

2. Place a liner over the box and fill with 2 inches of litter.

3. Put the box in an area of the home that is not near any loud noises or lots of people. Pantries, closets, basements or laundry rooms are all good places for litter boxes, as they are available to your cat but not on display in the home, thus giving your feline the privacy it needs.

4. Put your cat in its litter box and gently push its paws into the litter a few times so it gets the feel for the litter. This will not only get your cat acquainted with where its box is, but help kick in those instincts so it learns this is a place to use the restroom.

5. Keep a watch on your cat closely the first week you place the litter box out. If you see signs your cat has to go to the restroom or it starts going outside the box, quickly carry it to the litter box and let it try and eliminate here. Reward your cat when it does go with a small cat treat. If your cat starts going to the litter box on its own follow it and provide a small treat for the first week of training, so it will know its doing the right thing.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the box and area around it daily. Just like humans cats like a clean area to eliminate waste, so plan to scoop the box once a day for a one-cat home and two to three times a day for a multiple-cat home and clean out the litter box weekly.

• If you have an older cat who is having trouble using the litter box there may a health issue such as kidney or urinary tract problems affecting its ability. Seek your veterinarian's assistance in these cases.

References

• The Pet Lover's Meeting Place: Tips For Litter-Training Your Cat