Getting yourself a pet like a kitten is an extremely rewarding experience. Cats are loyal and playful creatures that make for great companions. But taking care of a cat isn’t all fun and games. You have certain responsibilities as a pet parent. These responsibilities include dealing with the hair fall, taking care of the cat litter, and feeding them on time.
A benefit of adopting a cat is their natural ability to housetrain quickly. But you may also adopt a pet that would not use the litter box for some reason. Naturally, that is a problem! But don’t worry, as this problem is easily fixable. Cats have a natural instinct to bury their waste. This instinct helps in housetraining them. Here are some tips that’ll help make litter box training more comfortable.
Choose The Litter Box Carefully
The size and shape of your cat’s litter box play an essential role in their housetraining process. The key is to pick and choose the litter box your cat is comfortable in. look at it from this point of view: would you sit on an uncomfortable toilet seat? No, right? Selecting the right size is of particular importance if you have a kitten. You would want a box big enough for the pet’s growing size. If you have a kitten or an elderly cat, you might want to invest in a litter box with low sides. It will allow them to move easily.
Decide if you want a litter box with a cover or an uncovered box. Some cats prefer a covered litter box as it gives them the privacy they seek. But if you don’t clean the box in time, the odor inside will make it unappealing to the cat. They may also have a problem getting into the box or moving around if the size is a bit small. To be on the safe side, invest in an uncovered litter box.
Get A Suitable Bag Type
There are different types of cat litter bags with different textures such as clumping, non-clumping, dust-free, wood-based, etc. The non-clumping litter is a low dust cat litter bag, and this is ideal for your cat. If you suffer from nasal allergies, large amounts of dust can be irritating. A dust-free cat litter will save you from this hassle.
Keep An Extra Litter Box
The number of litter boxes in your home should be equal to the number of cats in your house plus an extra box. If you have one cat, you should ideally have at least two litter boxes in the house. Locate the litter box strategically at places that provide privacy and easy access. Cats value their peace and privacy when they relieve themselves, just like we humans do. Though if your cat loves nature, you can keep a box on the porch or by the door. Any place that has a lot of noise and people around will make your cat skittish. They will avoid such a place. So if you want to housetrain your kitty, make sure you make it feel as comfortable as possible.
Introduce The Litter Box
Cats are naturally clean animals, and it is in their instincts to use a litter box. But you still have to make the process easy. When you bring the litter box home, let your cat feel its way around it. Wildlife experts suggest that you place the litter box where the kitty feels most comfortable. Once they get used to the litter box, gradually move it around to where you want it to be.
Also, make a habit of placing your cat in the litter box when they wake up from their naps or eat their meal. This will train them to go to the litter box whenever they want to relieve themselves.
Clean The Box Often
Cats happen to be fastidious creatures. If you don’t clean the litter box often, they will most likely stop using it. The waste smell can drive your cat away, and they will look for other places to poop.
Additionally, never cover the odor with an air freshener or a perfume. Cats locate the litter box by its scent. If they can’t smell the box, they won’t be able to find it. Instead, scoop the waste from the box once a day to keep it clean and odorless. Make a habit of cleaning the litter box with water and soap once a weak. Soon enough, you will see that your kitty develops the habit of using the litter box instinctively.
Create Positive Associations
If you want your cat to use a litter box regularly, you must make positive associations with the process. Never scold or punish your cat when they are in the litter box. This will drive the cat away from using the box. Instead, try praising your kitty when they are in their box. Reward their behavior, and you will see a remarkable difference in how they embrace the litter box.
Conclusion
Training a cat takes time and effort. You have to treat your feline friend with gentleness and care. Litter box training is a very sensitive process that takes time. Make sure you make the right choices in terms of housetraining. Don’t force the process on your cat, and you will see them getting comfortable with you and the housetraining process in no time.