Teaching a cat to use the litter box shouldn’t be complicated.
The arrival of a young or adult cat into your home should be a special moment, both for the family and for the new member. You’ll probably be very excited to show them around your new home. But teaching a cat where and how to use the litter box is essential to ensure that they feel comfortable. Here are five essential steps to train your cat, which will help you avoid stress and which you can involve the whole family in.
1. Choose the right litter box for your cat
Cats often seek out litter when they need to go to the bathroom, but you can proactively help train your cat to use the litter box. According to animal behaviorists, most owners buy litter boxes that are too small for their cat. A good tip when buying a litter box for your cat is to look for one that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat.
The style of litter box you choose can also contribute to the success of your cat’s litter box habit. Older cats may suffer from arthritis, making it difficult for them to climb into a high-sided box.
So, in these cases, try to keep the box low. Other cats feel nervous about using a covered litter box (like a “doghouse”). If your cat has trouble using the litter box, the solution may be as simple as buying a new one.
2. Select the right sand
Test different types of litter to see which one your cat likes best. The two main types of litter are:
- Clumping litter , which compacts into large clumps when exposed to moisture. This makes cleaning the litter box quick and easy. All you have to do is remove the clumps and add new litter. Clumping litter is usually made from a type of absorbent clay, which can release dust and is not biodegradable, but there are also plant fiber alternatives on the market that do not release dust and are biodegradable.
- Non-clumping litter, which is made from a variety of materials, including dehydrated silica crystals. This type of litter is more expensive because it tends to last longer, does not leave dust, and is biodegradable. Other non-clumping litters are made from recycled, biodegradable paper or pine wood pellets, which are highly absorbent and do not leave dust. In general, these litters need to be changed more frequently than other litters.
If you have adopted an adult cat, try to use the same litter that it was used to in the place where it lived.
3. Consider the location of the litter box
Choosing the best location for your cat’s litter box is just as important as choosing its size and type of litter. It should be located in a quiet place that is accessible and away from your cat’s food bowl. You should teach your cat to use it as soon as you bring it home, and reward him when he uses it.
If you have a kitten, you can train your cat to go to the bathroom by taking it to the litter box several times throughout the day. A good time is first thing in the morning and after it has eaten. Cats like to have privacy when they go to the bathroom, so don’t stand around watching it! You can check to see if your cat has used the litter box a few minutes later.
4. Clean the litter box regularly to promote its use
Cats are very clean animals, and they will not use a litter box that takes a long time to clean. Remove clumps of litter at least once a day, and once a week, remove all the litter, clean the box with a disinfectant or mild soap, rinse it with plenty of water, and replace with fresh litter.
5. Place multiple litter boxes
Most experts agree that you should have one litter box for each cat you have at home, plus one extra box.
Senior cats have difficulty getting to the litter box. So, in this case, it would also be a good idea to have more than one, to ensure that they always have one on hand.
6. What to do if your cat won’t use the litter box
If your cat doesn’t like to use the litter box regularly, or if it suddenly stops using it, follow these tips on how to train a cat to use it:
- Regardless of the cat’s age, if it stops using the litter box and starts defecating or urinating all over the house, you should go to the vet to rule out the possibility of illness. Urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis and bladder stones can make urinating painful, which is why the cat will avoid using the litter box.
- If you have multiple cats, make sure that the other cat(s) do not prevent the new member from using the litter box. This problem can be solved by using multiple litter boxes and placing them in separate locations.
- Check the amount of litter in each box: most cats prefer the litter to be no deeper than 5 cm.
- If your cat is very fussy, you have the option of purchasing a self-cleaning litter box.
Your new pet is likely to have accidents, especially if it’s a baby, but with perseverance and a little patience, you’ll be able to train your cat to use the litter box.
Felipe Surgek is the creator and the heart behind S2Pets. Passionate about animals, Felipe has extensive experience in the pet world, having lived with a variety of animals over the years. His love and knowledge of pets shine through in every article he writes, providing readers with a detailed and heartfelt insight into pet care and happiness.
Felipe shares his experiences and lessons, offering practical tips and recommendations for pet owners of all kinds, whether it’s a dog, cat, or even exotic pets. His commitment to providing relevant and accessible information helps build a community of pet owners who are more informed and ready to offer the best quality of life to their companions.
In addition to his hands-on experience, Felipe also uses artificial intelligence tools to ensure the content on the site is always up-to-date and accurate. This makes S2Pets a reliable resource for those looking to care for their pets in the best way possible.
