Litter Box Training for Kittens

So, you've decided to add a new member to your family? Congratulations! The best way to make sure that your kitten doesn't start off on the wrong paw by having accidents on your expensive carpet is to plan ahead. Visit a pet supply store, Target, Wal-Mart, or someplace similar to stock up on the necessary items.
A litter box is essential. You want a cat box that will be easy to keep clean and odor free, and also one that will fit in with the decor of your home.There are many varieties and sizes available, and your best choice is not a tiny kitten box, but a regular sized one that your kitten can grow into. Covered litter boxes can help cut down on odor, but might confuse a young kitten, so if this style is your choice, use the box without the lid for the first few months. There are also litter boxes that will automatically clean and sift the used litter, but these are expensive and can also malfunction. Sometimes simple is best, and also necessary when you are beginning your kitten's training.

What to place in the litter box for absorption and odor control? Most cat owners choose a clay-based litter, but there are also products made of recycled paper, silica gel, corn cobs, even wheat husks. It's best to choose one type of litter and stick with it, so as not to confuse your kitten. You'll find that most cats prefer a litter that mimics sand, but don't think you can get by with sand or dirt from your garden! Some commercial litters contain ingredients that help to fight odor, and even unadulterated clay litter absorbs odor better than plain sand or dirt, organic though it may be. Clumping litter is made from a different type of clay called sodium bentonite. It can swell 15-18 times its own weight when exposed to liquids. Since kittens, like human babies, have a tendancy to put everything into their mouths, save the clumping litter for when they are a bit older. Though rare, if eaten, it can clump in a cat's stomach and cause intestional blockage.

Placement of litter boxes is important. Cats like privacy, and don't like to share bathroom space with their food dishes! Like cats in the wild, they prefer to do their business far away from where they eat, sleep, or play. Near your own toilet is a good location for the box. You can easily clean it each time you go to the bathroom.

From its first day in your home, get your kitten onto a feeding schedule. This will help you to be able to predict when she or he will eliminate. Place your kitten into the box after eating, playing, and upon awakening. In my own experience, most cats catch on very quickly, within a day or two. It will also help if your kitten does not have the run of your entire house at first. Even a small home can seem huge to a tiny kitten. They can get confused and not be able to find their way back to the litterbox.

The most important rule to follow to ensure your kitten will always choose to use the litterbox is to make sure you keep it scrupulously clean. Just as we humans do not like to use a toilet that has not been flushed, a cat does not and many times, will not use a dirty box. If by chance you have more than one cat, it is best to have a separate box for each to cut down on the chance of accidents.

Cats are much easier to housebreak than dogs! Just a small investment of time will assure you of a beautifully trained kitten.