Litterbox Training for Cats

Teaching your kitten to use the litterbox may be the simplest thing you will ever teach your cat. In fact, it really doesn’t take any training at all! Learning to use a litter box is a process that begins with the mother cat when the kittens are very young, prior to weaning. Your only job with your new kitten will be to follow up on the basic training already provided by mom.

Cats instinctively strive to cover their waste and will seek out materials to use for that purpose. Cat litter fits that need perfectly, making the job of persuading a cat to use a litterbox that much easier.

When I bring home a new kitten, the litterbox is generally our first stop. I let the kitten first explore the area around the box before I place her in it. Then I take her paw and gently scratch around in the litter. This helps her identify it as litter in the event that a different material was used as litter at the breeder or store. It usually takes around 5 seconds before the kitten jumps out of the box to continue exploring. I place the kitten in the box several times a day: first thing in the morning, following meals and naps, and before bedtime..

In addition to encouraging use, selecting the right size and location for the litterbox are important. Don’t forget that your kitten will grow up and won’t be able to position herself in a box that is only a foot long. I have always started my kittens in a full sized box meant for a full sized cat. I also place newspaper under the box to absorb any messes in case of miscalculation.

Choose an out of the way area to place the litterbox because cats do like their privacy when doing their business. A too heavily trafficked area might keep her away. Once you show her where the box is located by placing her in it often, she shouldn’t have any trouble finding her way back to it.

It’s a good practice to scoop the litter everyday. Cat are very clean animals and I can guarantee you that she will avoid using an unclean box. Your laundry basket or potted plant will make a nice substitute.