Top 5 Tips For Litter Training Kittens
If you’ve recently welcomed a new kitten into your household, you’ll be starting to think about litter training. Cats already have a natural intuition for finding somewhere granular to toilet but it will take some training for a kitten to realise there is a specific place to go. Getting the right advice on how to train your kitten can make all the difference.
When you start off on the right paw, you can set your kitten up for success. Take a look at what you need to do.
When to Get Started
Up until around four weeks old, the mother will stimulate her kittens to eliminate and then clean up after them. At four weeks, kittens are ready to start being weaned so the elimination process starts to change. When a kitten starts weaning, it’s the perfect opportunity to start litter training at the same time.
You may find that your kitten has already started litter training when you pick him up from the breeder. Talk to the breeder about what type of litter they’ve been using and what type of litter box so you can continue training in the same way.
Litter Boxes
There are various types of litter boxes to choose from. Since kittens are much smaller than fully grown cats, they may struggle to use the same type of litter box. It can help to purchase a low-sided litter box to help your kitten get in and out.
The type of litter you choose can also make a difference. For instance, choosing wood cat litter pellets can be more favourable for your kitten and you may notice that you don’t have to coax your kitten into the litter box as often.
Where to Place a Litter Box
If you have more than one cat in your home, you may find that they don’t like to share litter boxes. If this is the case, it’s wise to space out the litter boxes so the cats don’t have to worry about sharing a space. For instance, one box in your kitchen and the other in a different room.
Avoid putting litter boxes where they can’t be seen. Although it’s tempting to keep them hidden from view, cats hate to be trapped in small spaces while they eliminate.
Positive Reinforcement
Your kitten will learn what good behaviour looks like by being rewarded. Each time your kitten explores the litter box or uses it to eliminate, offer a treat. Soon, your kitten will figure out that good things happen when he uses the litter box.
You can use this method with any type of training as long as you remain consistent. Kittens are clever and will quickly notice inconsistencies and may get confused.
Clean Litter Boxes
Kittens and cats are very particular. If their litter boxes aren’t regularly cleaned, you may find your kitten starts to eliminate in other areas of your house. Clean your kitten’s litter box daily and use a pet-friendly cleaning solution for your kitten’s protection.
This is a collaborative post.
