subject: Proper Litter Training to Avoid Cat Urine Stains by:Lee Harris [print this page] The best way to avoid cat urine stains and odor is to properly train your cat. Litter-training comes easily to most kittens and cats, much more so than house-breaking a puppy or dog. There are chapters in books and articles on the internet that are devoted to how to litter-train and the new cat owner is smart to seek them out in order to prevent costly problems down the road. Even more experienced cat owners are advised to buff up on their knowledge as veterinarians and animal behaviorists are continuing to learn more about cat urination issues and are passing on this information to the general public.
The first thing to start with is to maintain the health of your cat with a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water and regular veterinary check-ups. If your kitten or adult cat is healthy, litter-training should be relatively easy and come naturally to your pet. Cats are prone to urinary tract infections if they have a poor diet and limited access to fresh water. A balanced diet with both dry and canned wet food and water that is changed daily are things that are essential to the health of your pet.
The next thing to provide is an environment that is nurturing to your cat. Cats are playful animals and born hunters. Games and play that stimulate your cat are important to its mental health and keep a cat from becoming overweight, bored and unhealthy. Cats that are overweight are also more prone to diseases that can lead to urination problems. Something as simple as playing fetch with a crumpled up piece of foil or paper and playing chase with a string can be loads of fun for your cat. Consider getting a friend for your cat if your time and space allow for it. After an initial phase of minor quarreling, many cats welcome a feline friend and will play together well, providing stimulation that can stave off boredom and other problems.
The most important part of litter-training is the cat box itself. Available in many different sizes, it is essential to get a litter box large enough for your cat. It is also recommended to get one litter box per cat plus an extra one. If you have two cats, there should be a minimum of three boxes and so on. The type of litter you purchase is a personal decision and there are many choices from clay to material that clumps when wet. Don't forget that your cat may have a preference that differs from yours too. It is worth trying a few different products if your cat doesn't seem keen about your first choice. Cats also tend to prefer litters that don't have heavy perfumes, so you may need to examine your options at the store until you find what works for both of you. Finally, make sure that the litter box is kept clean. Feces should be removed daily and the litter should be changed weekly at the very least. Litter-box odor can be kept to a minimum by following these simple steps, even without scented litter.
Cats scratch as a natural part of their urination and defecation ritual. They scratch to clear a spot initially and they scratch matter over the soiled area to cover it. When a kitten is young, it is important to keep showing them the proper place to relieve themselves and in time they will get the hang of it. When a kitten is weaned and is old enough, begin by placing them in the litter box periodically throughout the day. By gently taking a paw, help your kitten scratch in the litter to trigger its natural instinct to scratch. If you are lucky enough to catch a kitten in the middle of an accident, try to pick it up and place it in the litter box to finish the job. If an accident does occur, place the feces or soaked up urine in the litter box and then place your kitten in the box so that it can associate the two together. Always praise your kitten for using the litter box and make it a good experience that your pet will want to recreate. Remember, prevention is the key to reducing many of the problems associated with cat urine stains and odor.
About the author
Cat urine stains can be difficult if not impossible to remove. It is important to follow removal instructions to the letter. For more detailed information about cat urine please visit the Petstainoff Website.
