Litter Box Training
Tips to establish healthy litter box habits


Litter Box Training
Litter box issues are one of top reasons cats are relinquished to shelters but most issues are easily preventable. These tips will help you establish healthy litter box habits that will keep your cat happy.
- Provide one litter box for each cat, as well as an extra box. Never put litter boxes next to each other in a multi-cat home. Place each litter box in a quiet, private spot where your cat can go.
- For a new cat or kitten, at first we can show them where the litter box is. Gently place the cats in their litter box and allow him or her to sniff and explore, this encourages them to use it.
- When the cat is no longer confined relocate your cat’s litter box to the private area.
- Never place the cat food or water bowls near their litter box.
- Immediately after meals and when your cat wakes up from naps, place them in the litter box. At any time, pick them up and put them in their litter box if you observe them acting like they need to go, which could include sniffing or squatting in a certain location.
- Avoid noisy spaces such as near washing machines or in the kitchen.
- Climbing stairs may be painful for some cats, mainly senior cats, so try to place their litter box on the ground floor.
- Reward them whenever you notice them using it. Praise and give the cats a treat or a toy.
- Don’t punish or scold the cats for accidents. Doing so will only lead to stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate the problem and make training more difficult.
- There are several varieties of litter available including scented and unscented. Most prefer unscented litter. If your cat is fussy about going into the litter box, try a different type of litter until you find one they like.
- A small litter box works for kittens, but adult cats requires the largest size.
- A covered box can help contain odours and give the cat privacy from other pets or children.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cats are very clean animals, and they expect their litter boxes to be kept clean. A dirty litter box is unhygienic and one of the main reasons why cats refuse to use it.
1. At least once a day, scoop your cat’s litter.
2. Once a month, thoroughly clean and rinse the box with soap and water.
3. Replace your cat’s litter box on a regular basis because plastic collects odours over time.
4. Use an enzyme cleaner to clean areas outside the box where your kitten has had accidents.

