It's kitten season! Did you just adopt a new kitten? You’re not alone. Many people adopted a new pet during COVID. If you just got a kitten and you are working on litter training, here are some tips.
Choose a Kitten Safe Litter and Box
Typical litters for adult cats may not be appropriate for your kitten. Litters that contain fragrances or litters that clump are not good for kittens until they are at least 3 months old. Good litter options for kittens are natural and pellet based. In addition, kittens are small. They will need a shallow litter box that they can easily access.
Reward Use of the Litter Box
Use treats, toys, and praise to reward your kitten when he or she uses the litter box. This way, your kitten will associate use of the litter box with positive experiences. If you don’t have treats, you can even use a piece of dry cat food as a reward. Cats don’t learn from punishment, so don’t scold your kitten if it has an accident.
Introduce the Litter Box
As soon as you bring your kitten home, introduce them to the litter box so they know where it is. Let them smell the area and explore. When he or she wakes up from naps, finishes eating, or looks like she needs to use the bathroom pick the kitten up and put her in the litter box.
Choose the Right Placement
Choosing the right placement for the litter box is instrumental in litter training success. Kittens prefer corners or areas away from the main part of the home, so it is best to place the litter box in a quiet and clean corner away from the busiest parts of the home. Additionally, you want to make sure the litterbox is nearby and easy to find. If you live in a large house, consider containing your kitten in one area while they are being litter trained.
Keep the Litter Box Clean
Cats prefer to use a litter box if it is clean. Plus, keeping it clean will help keep your home smelling fresh. Be sure to scoop the litter daily. Also, clean and disinfect the box with water and vinegar when you change out the litter.
Have you ever litter trained a kitten? How did it go?
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