Training Your Cat To Use The Litter Box

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It is generally believed that cats, unlike dogs, cannot be trained to do anything but whatever they feel like doing at the time. And while this might be true in some regards, litter box training is actually quite easy. Starting when the cat is still young is the absolute best thing you can do to ensure that your cat learns to use a litter box. Your cat will probably not present you with any real problems at all if you get started when they are still a kitten. If you wait until your cat is no longer a kitten, the process becomes a bit more diffiuclt.

With a kitten, there is a chance you will end up with a couple small accidents before things go just right, but also keep in mind that a cat's instinct is to cover up their business when they finish. They will get used to the litter box very quickly and easily because of this instinct. Set them in the litter box every once in a while when they are little. Heap a whole bunch of praise onto your little kitten the first time they use the litter box! Your cat will want to maintain the behavior that made you so happy with them, because - just like dogs - cats respond well to positive reinforcement. Just make sure that you keep praising them for a while each time they use the litter box.

The same basic principles of setting the cat in the litter box and praising them when they use it holds true when you are litter box training an older cat. If you have a mostly-outdoor cat who is staying inside because of inclement weather, this can be more difficult. Because they are entrenched in their habit of going outside, they are less likely to find a spot you want them to find inside! But keep putting them in that litter box, and keep your fingers crossed.

If you have an adult cat who is trained for the litter box, but are refusing to use it, they are either upset with you or they do not like the litter that is in there. If changing the litter does not work, then you have to do everything within your power to mask the smell in the new spot they started using! Cats will return to the same spots; this makes it easy on you if they are using the litter box, but it can sure make it tough if they are not!