If you have multiple cats in your home and are tired of cleaning the cat litter box every day, there’s no need to be frustrated with the situation. There are ways you can train your cat to use a litter box, instead of defecating wherever it wants to. To train your cat to use a litter box, follow these seven simple steps.
1. Prepare the Surrounding
You’ll need to purchase a cat litter box and some cat litter. Place the litter box in an area that’s quiet and away from busy household traffic. It’s also important to have one litter box per cat, plus an extra. So, if you have two cats, you should have three total litter boxes.
2. Get Your Cat Familiar With the Litter Box
Put the litter box in an area where your cat spends a lot of time. If you have more than one cat, make sure each cat has its own litter box. Fill the box with fresh, clean litter. Be patient and give your cat time to get used to the new litter box. Watch for signs that your cat is using the litter box, such as scratching or sniffing around the box.
Reward your cat with treats or praise when it uses the litter box. If you see your cat having accidents, clean up immediately and continue to provide positive reinforcement when it uses the new litter box.
3. Introduce Your Cat to the Litter Box
The first step is to introduce your cat to the litter box. Put it in an area that is easily accessible for your cat. You may want to put it in the bathroom or laundry room. Show your cat where the litter box is and let them sniff around it. Do not force your cat into the litter box. Let them explore it on their own.
4. Keep the Litter Box Clean
The first and most important rule of litter box training is to keep the litter box clean. A clean litter box will encourage your cat to use it and make it less likely for them to go elsewhere. Scoop the box at least once a day, and completely empty and clean it out once a week.
Provide an Attractive Litter Box: Just like humans, cats prefer a clean and comfortable bathroom. Their litter box should be in a quiet location away from their food and water bowls. It should also be large enough for them to move around easily. Some cats prefer covered litter boxes, while others prefer open ones.
5. Give Positive Reinforcement
Whenever your cat uses the litter box, make sure to give them positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of treats, petting, or verbal praise. By doing this, your cat will begin to associate using the litter box with something pleasant.
Use a Litter Box That’s the Right Size: It’s important that you get a litter box that’s the right size for your cat. If it’s too small, they may not feel comfortable using it. If it’s too big, they may not be able to properly cover their waste.
Place the Litter Box in an Ideal Location: The litter box should be placed in an area that’s quiet and out of the way.
6. Reward or Punish Appropriately
One of the most important things you can do when training your cat to use the litter box is to reward or punish them appropriately. If they use the box, give them a treat or some positive reinforcement. If they don’t use the box, lightly scold them and put them in the box. Be consistent with your rewards and punishments, and eventually, your cat will learn that using the litter box is good behaviour.
7. Cats are Stubborn—Give Time
How to get my cat to use the litter box? It may seem like a difficult task, but with patience and consistency, you can train your cat to use the litter box.
You’ve followed all the steps and your kitten still isn’t using the litter box? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are a few final tips on how to get your cat to use the litter box:
- Check the litter box regularly and clean it as needed. A dirty litter box is one of the main reasons cats stop using it.
- Give your cat plenty of time to get used to the new litter box. It may take a few days or even weeks for your cat to adjust.
- Be patient and consistent with training. Like with anything else, it takes time and patience to train a cat to use a litter box.
