Training a cat to use the litter box can often be as simple as showing your cat where its litter box is located and showing the cat how to use it. Prepare an appropriate litter box, one made of an easy material to clean such as plastic, and place it an appropriate spot. Pick up your cat and place him in the box so that he knows where to find the litter box in the future. Gently holding his paws create a scratching motion to simulate his burying an object. Step away and give your cat some time to inspect his and familiarize his litter box on his own.
While these are general guidelines to get your kitty to begin using his litter box, there are other things you can do to encourage proper training and usage.
- Location, location, location! You want to place your cat´s litter box in an accessible location so that he/she can easily and quickly find it. However, you don´t want to place the cat´s litter box near his food or sleeping area. You wouldn´t want to eat or sleep in the bathroom, and your cat doesn´t either. Pick a corner of a low-traffic room to place your cat´s litter box. A place where your cat can find privacy to do its business.
- To reinforce the location and use of the litter box, you can place your cat in his box and give him a treat. You aren´t rewarding him for using the box; rather you are trying to create a pleasant association for him.
- Keep the litter box clean! If his litter box is dirty or smelly, your cat is not going to want to utilize it. Make sure to maintain a fresh and sanitary litter box for your cat to use.
- After all the introductions, is your cat still litter box shy? When your kitty has an accident, clean it up with a paper towel and place the towel and waste in your cat´s litter box. Bring your cat to his litter box and gently move his paws in a scratching motion to bury the towel and waste. This helps your cat to associate the litter box as the appropriate place to use the bathroom.
- To reinforce the location and use of the litter box, you can place your cat in his box and give him a treat. You aren´t rewarding him for using the box; rather you are trying to create a pleasant association for him.
Training your cat takes love and patience. Remember to reward and praise your cat, not punish it. If your cat continues to have problems using the litter box, he could be ill and you should take him to the vet for a check up.
