subject: How to Litter Train a Kitten – With Little Effort [print this page] My three year old daughter requested a kitten for her birthday and I felt good about going the shelter to rescue a kitten. However, when my daughter led me to her room one day and pointed out a "present" left by kitty, she exclaimed as only a three year old can, "toilet train cat," while giving me her sternest look. I was especially disappointed because I had already introduced kitty to the litter box and realized that I needed some advice from the vet on how to litter train a kitten.I learned that there are measures on cat toilet training that work very well, and will have the kitten "go potty" in the litter box quite quickly. Would you want to get the same tips I got for your new kitten? Then the tips below should have your problem solved as fast as mine were.
Fine sand or coarse clay
The vet told me to buy a deep litter box and to buy fine sand litter for the kitten. Fine sandy litter is preferred by cats over the coarser clay types. Cats and kittens also do not like artificial scents in their litter box, so purchase the unscented litter. The location of the litter box should be placed away from the kitten's food and water source, and needs to be in a secluded area. The secluded area will appeal more to the kitten, and the food and water will not be fouled by the kick back from the litter box. You can reduce that the cat kicks out of the litter box by purchasing a tray for underneath the box that extends out 6 inches around the box.Another idea is to place a scratch mat at the front of the litter box for the cat to clean their paws after each use.
Toilet training
Luckily, most cats will instinctively want to use a kitty litter box. When you have found a spot for the kitty litter box, introduce the kitten to its location. This step may be the only thing you have to do if the cat accepts the litter box. Although you will probably have to work with kitty until they accept the litter box. The kitten will have to be shown the kitty litter box regularly, but especially after meals and anytime they show the signs of a need to go.The best method of training comes from praise that is given when the kitten successfully uses the kitty litter box.
Accidents and cleanups
A very clear sign the cat is ready to do their "business," is when they scratch at the floor like a litter box. Hopefully you will be quick enough to get the kitten to the litter box. Sometime the litter box becomes to full for the cat to use, so you need to keep the litter box cleaned with fresh litter on a regular basis. All areas that have to be cleaned up after an accident will have to be cleaned well and a deodorizer will have to be used.
