Little box training your cat can be quick and easy. The only supplies you will need are a plastic litter box, kitty litter, and a litter scoop.
There are quite a variety of litter boxes available. It is recommended to buy one that is large enough to comfortably allow for the size of your cat. If you are training a kitten, buy a box that is lower on the sides so he will have no trouble climbing in. Once he grows, you can buy a larger box with higher sides. Higher sides can help reduce the amount of scattered litter. A litter box with a cover can also help, but save these types of boxes for the adult, trained cat; as they may intimidate a young kitten. If you do decide to change the type of box that you use, be sure to keep the old box and place the new one next to it. Acclimating the cat to their new potty will reduce the chance that they will not use it.
The litter that you use is your choice, but clumping litters are the most convenient. The urine is contained into one scoopable clump and is easily removed, along with any feces, without having to empty the entire box. Be sure to scoop out any urine or feces daily, as some cats do not care to defecate in a dirty box.
Place the litter box in a quiet and easily accessible area of the home. Be sure that it is not a high-traffic room, and is free from loud or distracting appliances, which may scare your cat. If there are multiple cats in the home, have one box available for each cat.
You may want to introduce the cat to the room where the litter box will be kept, and try to isolate him to that room for a few days. Most cats would prefer to use a litter box, but if they are confused or can’t find it, they will go elsewhere. Once the cat uses the box regularly, then he can be allowed to roam more freely, as he will know where to return to go to the bathroom.
If your cat is having a hard time using the box, or is relatively young, he may need your help in teaching him where to go. Cats are much like puppies and it is usually easy to detect when they need to relieve themselves. After any period of play or eating is usually a good indicator. When you see the feline sniffing around, it is time to place him in the box.
Trying to correct the bad habits of a cat that goes outside the litter box can be challenging. There are usually reasons behind this behavior, not just a disobedient cat.
There are several factors that can affect a cat’s litter habits:
If there are medical problems, the cat may associate painful urination or bowel movements with the litter box, so keep this in mind. Visit your veterinarian for an exam. A urinary tract infection is a common reason for avoiding the litter box, and treatment is warranted. Do not punish the cat; this will only make him more afraid. Return to the basic training steps to correct the problem. If your cat has urinated outside the litter box, be sure to thoroughly remove the stain or your cat may return to it.