Cat Litter Box Training and Placement Tips

Owning a cat as a friendly companion brings both a wonderful and loving experience. Cats provide us with friendship, loyalty and unconditional love. Along with these remarkable gifts, cats also come with certain responsibilities; one being the constant care of the litter box.

Many people may love their cats, however, the prospect of having to clean a soiled litter box is one unpleasant memory they would like to forget. In today’s more pet conscious society, many companies have come up with a variety of solutions to this problem.

The first option, which seems to be quite popular, is the hooded litter box. There are several benefits to this model for both the cat and the owner. A regular litter box provides no privacy for a cat that may be a little potty shy. It has also been linked to humans contracting some feline diseases as the dust from the litter is able to easily enter into the air we breathe. A hooded litter box not only provides your cat with the privacy he needs, it also keeps the airborne dust to a minimum, making it much safer than the traditional one.

An additional added benefit to this style of litter box is that they come with litter box liners. By simply placing a liner in the box and filling it with cat litter, you only need close the lid. When it is time to clean the litter box, simply remove the lid, pull out the liner with the soiled litter and throw it away.

The next option is quite popular among multiple cat owner’s, however, be prepared to pay a little extra for this electronic wonder. The self cleaning litter box is nothing lees than a marvel. After your cat has performed his business, a sensor detects the soiled litter and an automatic rake scoops it into a reservoir. All that is required of the owner is to frequently empty the reservoir and add fresh litter to the litter box when needed.

Most kittens have a pre-disposed, natural instinct to use a litter box, making it fairly easy to teach them to use it. Place the litter box in the area of the home that is both convenient for you and your cat. It is important to note, that cats are habitually clean creatures, so placing the litter box near their food or where they sleep is not recommended.

After you have picked a spot, simply place your kitten in it. More often than not, they will use the litter box right away. When this occurs, be sure to offer him an enormous amount of praise. Also, if there are already cats in the home, the new one will most likely take the lead of the others.

If your cat hops out of the litter box without using it, play with him for a few moments, and then place him back in the litter box. If your cat still shows no signs of interest, leave him alone for a while and try again. You can also try monitoring when he eats, after he is finished, wait ten to fifteen minutes and place him in the litter box. This same method can be applied to nap times as well.

If you find that your cat is using another area of the home for his personal potty business, do not scold him. This will only add anger and frustration, making him even more unwilling to use his litter box. Instead, simply re-place the litter box in the area he seems to most frequently use, and encourage him to use it.

Cats are highly intelligent animals, and there have been a few who have been able to be taught how to use the toilet, instead of a litter box. While this is rare, it is possible with a little research into training techniques and a loving amount of patience.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, check to make sure it is clean. Cats do not like to use a dirty litter box. If this is discovered not to be the problem, it may indicate something medical is going on with your cat. A consultation and checkup with your veterinarian can help determine if your precious feline is having any urinary health related issues.

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