Cats and the litter box
Did you know that cats are naturally very clean? It’s part of their instinct to keep themselves tidy because they really don’t like being dirty. For this reason, it’s usually straightforward to teach a kitten to use the litter box. However, it might take a little practice and effort to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, without any accidents. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know to get your cat toilet trained! You'll need a litter box, a cat scoop, and cat litter to start.
How do I litter train my cat?
If you're new to cat ownership, having a litter box in your home might seem a bit strange, especially if you're used to dogs and needing to take them for walks. But as odd as it might seem at first, we can promise you a litter tray is incredibly convenient for both of you. Your cat can do its business whenever it needs to, and you don't have to brave the elements. For this to work, though, your cat needs to know how to use the litter tray.
Even though cats are naturally clean, it's important you teach them how to use the box. They don’t have an in-built instinct to do their business in a specific box; they’d naturally do it outdoors. Your cat also needs to learn where the box is located so they know to use it consistently.
This usually doesn’t require excessive training or effort. However, there are a few things you can do as a cat owner to make the learning process easier and quicker. Check out our top tips below!
Getting the litter box placement right
Something crucial for your cat to learn to use its litter box is that it’s placed in the right spot. Cats are quite sensitive and picky about their ‘privacy’. This means the box should ideally be in a somewhat secluded location where your cat can be left alone during toilet breaks. They don’t want to feel observed.
At the same time, it’s important the box isn’t too far away or too hidden. This can make it difficult or awkward for your cat to find, which might put them off using it. The right location is therefore vital for your cat’s learning process. Remember, cats don’t want to go to the toilet in the same room where they eat and drink.
Show your cat where the litter tray is
If you’ve brought home a kitten and want to introduce it to the box, the best approach is to gently lift the kitten into the box, ideally after it has eaten. Then, let the kitten explore the area and location on its own. This is often all it takes for the kitten to learn. Many kittens from breeders are already somewhat trained to use a box, so they might be familiar with the process. To make them feel completely comfortable, though, it’s important they know exactly where the box is. So, this is what you need to do.
Encourage the right behaviourJust as you can teach dogs different tricks and behaviours by rewarding them, you can teach your kitten to use the litter box with a little reward. When your cat successfully uses the box, give it a treat or a snack – this helps them understand they’re doing the right thing.
If it seems your cat hasn’t quite got the hang of the box yet and chooses another spot to pee, you can gently guide them to the litter box. Let them finish their business there and then reward them. It's important not to disturb your cat while they’re using the box, though.
My cat won't use its litter box – what do I do?
As straightforward as litter training might sound, it’s not always simple. Cats can be reluctant to use the box for various reasons, both at the beginning of training and after they’ve learned. Usually, there’s a fairly logical explanation for this behaviour. It could be that:
The box isn't clean – cats really dislike dirty boxes!
The cat has to share a box with one or more other cats
There isn’t enough (fresh) cat litter
The cat doesn't like the specific type of litter
The litter box is too small
The litter box location is wrong – secluded but not too far away
