How To Train Your Cat To Use The Litter Box

Training your cat to do anything can be a complicated task, especially if they’re already an adult. However, it’s much easier to teach them certain things when they are still a kitten. For example, how to use the litter box. In today’s article, you are going to learn how to do just that.

Tips on training your cat to use the litter box

In most cases, cats learn the most useful things in life through their mothers. However, cats that have been picked up from the street, or have been orphaned don’t receive this type of upbringing.

Training your cat to use the litter box is a challenge, but your cat’s hygiene and the cleanliness of the house depend on it. Continue reading the following advice in order to make this task a lot easier.

1. Buy the right litter box

Unlike dogs, cats are fussier when it comes to their tastes and personal belongings. This is why your cat’s litter box needs to be one he will like. You can find many different types in pet shops but not all of them will be right for your cat.

First, it needs to be a comfortable size for your cat to able to cover his feces with ease. If you have more than one cat, you’ll need a litter box for each cat. You also need to think about where to put them. Putting them somewhere where there’s not a lot of through people passing by like the bathroom is always a good option. Never put them next to your cat’s food or bed!

Something else to think about is the type of litter you use. There are litters that are natural, synthetic and even varieties with chemicals that neutralize the smell. Focus on what is most comfortable for your cat and don’t fill the box all the way to the top because you need to leave them enough space to cover their feces without throwing litter everywhere.

2. Pay attention to your cat’s habits

In order to train your cat to do anything, it’s important to respect their normal day-to-day habits and activities. For example, some cats relief themselves after eating and others after taking a nap.

Knowing your cat’s habits will help you get them to use the litter box and stop them from going to the bathroom in other parts of the house.

3. Train them by playing with them

This trick also works for other things you might want to train your cat to do, like sitting still when you’re brushing them. Play with your cat near the litter box so they could start getting used to something new and different.

You can also place him in it and direct him to dig or play with the litter. You can even use your own fingers to move the litter around. If your cat goes to the toilet there but doesn’t cover it up, grab a shovel and cover it yourself. This way he will see how it’s done. Don’t grab your cat’s legs and force him to do anything. This will be counterproductive.

4. Don’t yell at them or scold them

If you want to train your cat, then you need to be calm and avoid yelling at them or scaring them. Remember that your cat is still a toddler and they have never been explained to something like this before. So keep in mind, this is just a lack of understanding, not rebellion.

Many people make the mistake of rubbing their cat’s nose into their feces when don’t go to the bathroom in the right place. If you do this, it will just make your cat scared of you.

However, if your cat manages to use the litter box correctly you should praise them and pet them. Praising good behavior brings the best results than scolding when they make a mistake, especially with more “rebellious” cats like the Siamese.

5. Place their feces in the litter box

If your cat relieves himself in another place that’s not the litter box, instead of putting his feces in the bin, pick them up by using a plastic bag and place them in the litter box. Then clean the area very well so that it doesn’t smell like feces. Repeat this as many times as you need until your cat has learned where he needs to go.

If your cat doesn’t learn to use the litter box, you can try an alternative and put them and the litter box in a closed room for a couple of hours until they get used to it.