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With some praise, no plants and a very little bit of urine, you can easily train your kitten to use the litter box.
15 June 2014
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
You’ve gone and done it. You just couldn’t resist any longer and have finally welcomed a kitty-cat into your home (and into your heart) BUT the little fluff ball seems to be missing the mark on just where exactly to wee and to poop. Now you, as her human, will need to step in and give her a little guidance so that you’re not forever begrudging your decision to get her in the first place.
While it is true that most (notice we said MOST) felines will intuitively know where to do their business, some just might not come preloaded with the software instructing them where to go. So, your first job is to make it as easy-peasy as possible for her to find and to access her litter tray.
Of course, while you don’t really want the scent of her litter tray overwhelming your home, you should resist the urge to hide it away, forcing her to engage in a full-on game of hide–and-where-did-you-put-my-tray (?) each time she needs to relieve herself! And do try to find a location in a peaceful, low-traffic area (maybe the laundry room or a second bathroom?). Perhaps a bit later, when she’s older, you can move it to a more suitable, out-of-the-way location, but for now, location is key!
To set her up for success right from the get-go, introduce her to the litter box the very moment she first enters her new home-sweet-home. And, as she’ll most likely need to do her business after a nap, after eating or after some playtime, do gently scoop her up and place her in the litter tray for the first few weeks. With consistency and routine, she’ll soon get the hang of it on her own.
Now, see those short little legs? Yeah, they might have a hard time carrying her teeny-tiny body over the side and into the tray and when the urge to “go” strikes, hurdling that barrier could prevent her from even trying, so do try to find a litter tray that has a lower side for easy access. Or, if you’re unsuccessful in finding a tray with a lower side, place a makeshift step in front of it; a large book (one you’ve already read preferably, as you probably won’t want to read it again!) or a small piece of wood should do.
Leave A Little: While she’s still learning the ropes, you may want to leave a little (only a little) bit of her urine or faeces in the tray as a gentle reminder of where she should be getting down to business (a bit like an olfactory sign post – kitty toilet right this way!).
Praise! Praise! Praise!: A consistent, gentle approach is key to success and NEVER, EVER, EVER rub her nose in her mess if she does indeed make a mistake. DO reward her with a cuddle or a yummy treat when she gets it right.
Plants Be Gone!: You may need to remove large potted plants as your kitty might very well mistake these for a lush, tropical potty area (silly kitty!).
Clean It Up!: Thoroughly clean the box several times a month by emptying all the litter and washing the tray with warm, soapy water. Refill with fresh litter and she’s back in business, so to speak. Kittens, Dubai cat owners (hell, ALL cat owners!) will undoubtedly notice, generally don't like to do their business in an untidy place.
