An Introduction To Cat Litter Training

When you first bring home your new kitten, there’s a good chance it’s already been litter trained. This is mostly because cats that have been raised by mothers who use litter boxes, have already been taught how to use them by their mothers. So if mom has been trained, so has her kittens. However, if mom has not been trained to use the litter box, then neither has your kitten.

If your kitten was raised by its mom in an outdoor environment, for example in the wild, or is an orphan, then you will definitely need to litter train your kitten. However, no worries. By instinct cats are extremely clean animals and much prefer to have one certain place to go to the bathroom. Even though your little one may “do their thing” in other areas around the house when you first bring home, it’s still very easy to train your kitten how to use a litter box.

Keep in mind kittens that are very young, or have been orphaned, have not had a mom to teach them how to use a litter box. However, it’s easy to show them how. The first step is to get a container that has low sides so a tiny kitten can climb in and out. A good container to use is a dishpan that has low sides or one side cut out. Dishpans are the perfect height for very young kittens to climb in and out of easily. The container has to have easy access for your kitten to want to use it. Once you have set up the pan, place a small amount of litter in the bottom of the pan and put your kitten in it. Instinctively, kittens will begin to scratch the litter even if they aren’t sure what the litter is for.

Immediately after every meal turn your kitten on their back, then using a warm rag or washcloth over your index finger, begin to gently massage their lower belly. Massage using a downward stroke  towards their tail. This is to stimulate your kitten the same way their mom would to go to the bathroom.

After stimulating your kitten to go to the bathroom, immediately place them in the litter box. They should immediately feel the need to eliminate. After they do, take their paw and scoop litter over the soiled area. Soon your kitten will understand and begin to do this themselves. Remember, cats are very clean animals and will instinctively want to cover their waste. Afterwards, you might want to help your kitten to clean themselves for the first few times until they begin to catch on. You will probably have to use this method with the washcloth a few times until your kitten has thoroughly gotten the idea.

Follow this method for the next two weeks – every time you feed your kitten, take them to their litter box and put them in it. Usually after the first few times you won’t have to stimulate them by stroking their belly. If you don’t see them covering their waste, remember to use their paw to cover it until they begin to understand. Usually training doesn’t take very long if you’re consistent.

Always keep the litter box in the same area so that your kitten will always know where it is. Cats are very intelligent and will remember where their litter box is. By keeping their litter box always in the same location, your kitten will go straight to it the minute they are done eating.

Remember to always keep the litter box clean. Cats are very clean and their litter box has to be the same way. If you notice that your kitten is starting to go in other areas of the house other than their litter box, it could be because  the litter box is too dirty and you need to change it.