Many cats and kittens will instinctively use a litter box without needing to be taught, because of their instincts to expel bodily waste in dirt or sand. Therefore, with a new kitten, owners usually need to simply show the kitten where the litter box is located, and how to get in and out.
Cats are pretty tidy creatures. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. From a young age, domestic cats know to use a litter box, unlike puppies that use your floor for the first couple of weeks before being trained to go outside.
Fortunately, cats instinctively like to bury their waste, so there's actually very little training involved getting a kitten to use a litter box. Many kittens may already know how to use one when you adopt them, but if they're younger than 8 weeks old, they may still need some assistance.
Avoid moving the litter box once your cat has acclimated to its new environment. Your cat will become understandably confused. If you must move it, scoot it over about an inch per day.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Unfortunately, sometimes stressed or anxious kittens have a difficult time urinating in an appropriate location. If you are concerned that stress is to blame for your kitten's reluctance to use their litter box, you should consider any other symptoms that they are exhibiting.
Your cat keeps an eye on you while you clean the litter box to make sure you are not removing the litter box and everything is going according to plan. Cats frequently enter the litter box right away after it has been cleaned or emptied so they can scent-mark it as their own.
Toilet training your cat is not difficult to do. It only requires some time, patience, and the right tools. We've outlined how to toilet train your cat in 7 easy steps. This toilet training process will mold your cat's behavior and transition them into using the toilet gently (and hopefully cleanly!) for you.
By nature, cats are fastidious animals who obsess about keeping their fur and paws clean. So the idea of using a filthy restroom is just as repulsive to them as it is to us.
Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment inside or outside the house (e.g., a new pet in the house, cats prowling around outside), and undiagnosed medical conditions.
Why You Should Never Flush Cat Poop Or Litter. Even though it may seem like a good idea, you should not be flushing your cat's litter or feces down the toilet. It can cause havoc on your plumbing, clog pipes, and damage your septic system.
Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump. Your cat should never be allowed outdoors without scrupulous supervision.
"Toilet training is not a natural behaviour for a cat," she says. "It goes against the cat's natural instinct to dig, eliminate and cover." In addition, she adds, "Maintaining a traditional litter box will help you to better monitor your cat's urine and fecal output.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business,” said By Dr. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder.
Scoop waste daily. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use. Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week.
If you or your partner have asthma or allergies, your cat shouldn't be allowed in the bedroom at all. Ideally, you should make your bedroom off limits from day one. Kitty will be less likely to scratch on the door and cry to be let in if she doesn't think of your room as part of her territory.
In particular, a cat that feels unsafe or vulnerable in any way can take to peeing on your bed. Similarly, a bored or under-stimulated cat can also start peeing in inappropriate areas as a way to communicate their need for more stimulation with you.
Some lonely cats will make a mess while you're gone, and an anxious cat may even urinate outside of their litter box.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean. The vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic recommend daily scooping and weekly litter changes to best protect your cat's health.
The choice between clumping and non-clumping litter is a personal decision that will depend on what you want in a cat litter and what your cat prefers. Many cats appear to prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside, but some cats prefer non-clumping clay.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.
Using biodegradable bags is one of the easiest and most common ways to dispose off cat's litter. You scoop out the cat's litter, seal it in a bag, and toss it in the bin! These bags are designed to compost more quickly whilst keeping the cat litter contained.
Not only can this get stinky after some time, bits of cat litter dust and contaminated cat feces can enter the air every time the can is opened. Also, never dump used cat litter outside.