How to Litterbox Train Your Cat

Litter box training is not as hard as you may think it is. As a matter of fact, it is actually pretty easy. Especially compared to housebreaking dogs. I've had cats for all my life and have had many cats in the house that I've litter box trained from their kitten-hood. Cats are very clean creatures and using a litter box encourages their cleanliness.

The first thing you will need in order to litter box train your cat is, well, the litter box. It is preferable that you get one before you bring your cat home so that it will be available the moment your cat arrives in their new home. There are many different types of litter boxes. There are big ones, small ones, ones with covers, ones with built in sifters and even some that have automatic litter cleaners. Choosing the right box is up to you but keep in mind that your cat will be the ultimate judge. If you purchase the automatic kind and your cat is afraid of it then you've just wasted you money.

The next thing you will want to decipe upon is the type of cat litter you want for the litter box. Just like the variety of available litter boxes on the market, there are many different types of cat litter out there to choose from. You have your regular cat litter. It's nothing special but it does the job. Then you have all types with deoderizer and different scents. Then you have the clumping litter. With this option the cat litter clumps anytime your cat eliminates in the litter box. You then just scoop out the clump and the box is clean again. You'll want to avoid clay litters as kittens have a tendency to try to eat it. If it is ingested there is a high possiblity that the litter could cause death to you sweet pet. Finding the right litter for you and your cat is the same as picking the right litter box. If you find that your cat isn't liking the litter and/or is using the bathroom in places they shouldn't be, it's time to try another litter.

Cleaning the litter box is crucial to keeping your cat happy. Cats will not use a dirty litter box. They are clean creatures and expect there bathroom the be clean also. Therefore you should clean your cat's litter box at least twice a week to keep it clean, your cat happy and your home smelling fresh. If you have multiple cats you'll want to clean your litter boxes daily.

Now that you've picked your litter box and cat litter, it's time to choose a place for it. A bathroom is one of the best places for a cat litter box. If you use the clumping litter you can simply scoop any clumps any time you are in the bathroom. A bathroom is also good because it's a room that the cat can closed up in while you are training him or her. Laundryrooms are acceptable locations also, unless the noises from the washer and dryer scare your cat. It never bothered any of my cats but there are cats out that there who are frightened by a buzzing dryer. When choosing your litter box location avoid high traffic areas. Cats like their privacy when using the litter box. Also consider the strewn cat litter that will occur during use. Cats will kick out litter while they are covering up their elimination. So be prepared to either vacuum or sweep up scattered cat litter often. One thing to keep in mind is that you should never place the litter box near your cats food. They will not use a litter box in the same location as their food. Would you? If you have multiple floors in your house it is a good idea to keep a box on each floor. Some cats don't like going downstairs just to use the bathroom if they are comfortable upstairs, especially older cats.

Now that you have a litter box, cat litter and a location let's begin the training. The best training advice I have to give is to be consistent. You will need to take your cat to their litter box many times the first day or two until they remember where it is and when they should use it. This is where a bathroom comes in handy. When you show your cat where their litter box is it's a good time to close the door and keep the cat in the bathroom with their litter box. A lot of times for me this was the only training I had to to do. It's kind of like when you go to a new place. If you can drive yourself there you are more likely to remember how to get back. Well with the cats I have trained, as soon as you open the bathroom door they would venture out and also remember how to get back to their litter box.

It's a good idea not to allow your cat out of the litter box area when you know they have a full bladder. This helps them realize where you want to go when the need arises. If you notice your cat squatting in an inappropriate location then quickly but gently pick up your cat and gently place them in their litter box to use it. You should never throw or "spank" your cat for using the bathroom somewhere unacceptable. Cats aren't like dogs in the fact that they do not aim to please you. They will not understand why you are acting like that and it could jeopardize the litter box training. Make sure you carry your cat back to the litter box numerous times but let them journey out and away from it themselves to ensure that they will know how to get back.

Once your cat uses the litter box you'll want to reward and/or praise them. Lots of petting and cuddling can do the trick. Finally, once you have trained your cat to use their litter box you should not move the box to different locations. Cats do not like change and they could retaliate by using the bathroom in very inappropriate locations. Also keep in mind that if your cat feels that they aren't getting enough attention from you they will lash out by using the bathroom in places that will get your attention. I know I wouldn't want that so make sure that you spend plenty of petting and cuddle time with your little furry friend.