How do I train my kitten to use the litter tray?
Cats are very private animals. The one time your cat or kitten will definitely want to be left alone is when she goes to the toilet and changes are she won’t event like being watched! So it’s important to keep your kitten’s litter tray in a quiet, safe place where she can get to it easily – away from prying eyes.
Notice when she wants to go
Just lift her into the tray as soon as you see that she wants to go. You can also help by placing her in the tray early in the morning, last thing at night and after every meal. Keep doing this until your kitten can find the litter tray for herself by smell and location. After that, just leave her to it.
Keep the litter box clean
Cats are naturally clean and they appreciate a clean litter tray. They make sure that they eat and drink in a different place than where they go to the toilet. Do ensure you put the litter tray at some distance from where she eats or drinks and yes, you have to clean it daily, else she might just head elsewhere to do her job!
Cleaning up accidents
If your kitten does have an accident, the smell left afterwards may encourage her to repeat it in the same spot. Rinse the with clean water, then use a soapy solution to get rid of the smell. Cleaning products that contain ammonia smell like cat urine so do avoid those. Once everything is clean, she will go back to her regular routine.
Rewarding success
When your kitten successfully uses her litter tray, make sure you give her lots of praise – a small treat might help too. She will soon associate the litter tray with good feelings.
Why do accidents happen
If your cat is suddenly having accidents, there may be a number of reasons:
- Her litter tray may be dirty
- She may be seeking attention
- She may feel something has invaded her territory
- She may have reached sexual maturity
If the accidents continue, ask your vet for advice on how to get your cat’s litter box training back on track.
