A useful guide for you to house train a cat in smart ways
Table of Contents
For first-time cat owners, litter training is a challenging and new phase. But before learning how to home train your furry friend, know the basic nature of cats first. For instance, this species is instinctively clean. They try their best not to spoil their territory. Cats being trained for the first time might fall into bad habits if left unsupervised. To develop hygienic bathroom habits in your kitty, we have written a short, but valuable guide for you.
The Required Supplies
Litter Boxes
- Prepare more litter boxes, just in case of emergencies. If you have one cat, start with two boxes. Put the boxes where privacy is guaranteed so your cat feels safe using them.
Kitten Litter
- Tons of options are available for this – sustainable ones made of pine pellets, affordable non-clumping clay litter, etc. The majority of cats don’t care about the type of litter. However, some might be hesitant about the smell or texture of a particular choice or even develop a litter allergy. So, to start your cat off right, initiate with an unscented, conventional clumping litter.
Toys and treats
- Whenever you see your kitten using the box, you should reward them with a piece of dry food or a cat treat. To mix things up, you can also utilize toys and encouragement to form positive correlations with using the litter box. But with time, you’ll need to stop giving treats.
The Steps To Litter Train Your Furry Bundle Of Joy
Follow the below steps to learn how to litter train your kitten:
- Show your cat the litter box by placing them inside, allowing them to sniff it, and observe it. But remember to not place the box anywhere else after showing and putting them in it. This will only confuse them.
Place your cat instantly inside the litter box after each meal and after they wake up from their routine naps. Whenever you feel like they need to go, place them in the litter box. They might give hints like crouching in a specific area or sniffing.- Offer a reward whenever you view them using the litter box. Praise them and reward them either with a toy or a treat.
- Never scold or punish your cat for accidents. This will only cause anxiety and stress in them, which might make the matter worse. You will have a longer and harder time training them. Therefore, it won’t help with training.
Maintenance And Cleaning
- It is crucial to regularly clean the litter box. Not only will this eradicate the pungent cat smell from the house, but it will also make sitting in the box a more enjoyable experience for your furry friend.
- Scoop the litter box daily to take out the cat’s deposits. Also, replace the soiled litter as required, usually when the litter doesn’t control the smell anymore.
- Clean and disinfect the litter box after you change the litter. Use mild soap and water. Alternatively, you can also use a solution made of white vinegar and water. Never utilize any commercial disinfectant, bleach, or harsh chemicals as these are dangerous for the pets.
Utilize an enzyme cleaner to clean the outer surface of the litter box, in case there are any accidents made by the kitten. This enzyme cleaner will remove the stench. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide you with the best general wellness services that keep your pets healthy and happy. We offer our veterinary services in the city of Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment contact us on our number 434 971-9800.
