Cats are often considered the ultimate pets because they don’t require much in the way of maintenance other than providing them with food, water, and a litter box. Plus, unlike dogs, most cats groom themselves and don’t need to be constantly showered with love and affection. That isn’t to say that cats aren’t lovable pets, but rather, they choose when and where they want to be affectionate with their human partners.
But just because cats are super low maintenance doesn’t automatically mean that you won’t have to put in some time with a kitten to help them learn certain things, like using a litter box. While it’s true that many kittens naturally gravitate toward using their litter boxes with little need of assistance, not all kittens will take to it as quickly or easily.
If you’re having a problem with your new kitten using her litter box, then the following tips will help you learn how to litter train a kitten with relative ease.
When Should a Kitten Start Using a Litter Box?
If you have an adult cat who gave birth to kittens, then you don’t have to worry about providing a litter box for her kittens until they reach around four weeks of age. Up until this time, the mother will stimulate her babies to eliminate and then she’ll clean up after them.
On the other hand, if you are adopting a kitten, then she should already be at least old enough to have been weaned off her mother. This means that she is ready to start using her own litter box, so you should have all the necessary potty training supplies on hand before you bring your new kitten home.
Using the Right Litter Box Matters
Felines can be very temperamental and picky, and in some cases, a kitten won’t use a litter box if she doesn’t like it. This is why choosing the right litter box matters when you’re trying to train your kitten to use her litter box.
For instance, if the box is too large, a kitten could be intimidated by it. So, stick with a smaller litter box One around 13” by 9” should suffice. As your kitten grows, so should her litter box. Her litter box should always be at least one and half times her length for her to feel comfortable using it.
If you’re using a covered litter box and your kitten isn’t taking to it, then she may be intimidated by the enclosed space. Try removing the lid to see if she uses it.
Have More Than One Litter Box in Your Home
However many cats or kittens you have in your home, you should have one litter box per cat plus one more. So, if you have one kitten, you should provide her with two litter boxes.
The same concept applies if your home has multiple levels. In this case, you should have one litter box on each level. So, if your home has three levels, you should have a litter box on each floor, so your kitten never has to travel too far to use it.
Use the Right Type of Litter
Litter comes in a wide range of types, including clumping, clay, fragranced, non-fragranced, and more. And while you might want the ease and convenience that comes with clumping litter, not all kittens like the feel of it in their paws and so, you might discover that your kitten will only go in clay litter.
As a result, choosing the right litter for your kitten can be a case of trial and error. If you notice your kitten refusing to use her litter box, then she may simply not care for the type of litter you’re using. Try a different one to see if she prefers one over another.
It’s also important to use the right amount of litter in the box. There should be at least two to three inches of litter, so your kitten will have enough room to dig.
Keep the Litter Box Clean
The biggest mistake new kitten owners make in learning how to litter train a kitten is not cleaning the box out often enough. A dirty litter box is the most common reason why a kitten will refuse to use it. Try to clean the box after every elimination, and add fresh litter when necessary to maintain its depth.
How to Introduce Your Kitten to Her Litter Box
Cats are very quick learners, so introducing your new kitten to her litter boxes is usually easy. Start by showing your kitten the locations where her litter boxes can be found. Gently set her in each one; she should start pawing at the litter. If she doesn’t, run your fingers through the litter to show her.
In most cases, your kitten will use one of her litter boxes during your introduction. If she doesn’t, then place her in one of her litter boxes each time she drinks, eats, or wakes up from a nap until she uses it. All it takes is for a kitten to use her litter box once for her to know how to use it.