subject: The Definitive Guide To Training Your Kitten To Use The Litter Box [print this page] The Definitive Guide To Training Your Kitten To Use The Litter Box
More often than not your kitten will have already learnt how to use the cat litter box before you bring her home. She will have learnt this by mimicking her mum. Should you, however, find yourself in the situation whereby your kitten does not know how to use the litter box, or even know what it is, read on for some handy tips.
As soon as you bring your new bundle of fluff home you are going to want to show her where her food, water and bed is. This is the perfect time to also show her where her catlitter box is. Ideally she should be confined to one room of the house, at least for the first few days, to allow her to get used to the unfamiliar surroundings. Introduce her to the litter box, by picking her up and placing her in it, move her front paws through the litter, do this often.
Understanding when your kitten needs to use the litter box and looking for warning signs is going to be the key to your success. Cats, and kittens, tend to use their litter boxesafter food and after sleeping. You should therefore ensure that every time she has done either, you pick her up and place her in the cat litter box, again moving her paws through the litter. If you notice your kitten wandering around the room, as though she is looking for something, the chances are she is looking for somewhere to go, so pick her up and place her in the box.
Should she have an accident, which she probably will, do not reprimand her or tell her off, simply pick her up and place her in the box. When she does use the box give her lots of praise and attention. One thing that cats and kittens love is getting attention and cuddles from their owners so by doing so every time she uses it, she will soon learn that she is going to be rewarded and will continue. Litter training kittens is all about consistency, patience and rewarding the good behavior.
