WHEN DO KITTENS USE THE LITTER BOX?

You've just gotten a new kitten and provided it with food, water, and a comfortable spot to sleep. What about their kitty litter? Learning appropriate litter box training is an essential aspect of every indoor cat's existence, as most cats are surrendered to shelters due to home soiling. With only a little basic understanding, you can help your kitten avoid this and live happily ever after.

When Should You Begin Training?

Most cats will learn to use the litter box spontaneously, but litter training is quite simple. Kittens will begin using the litter box as early as four weeks old, so begin as soon as possible if you have a kitten with you. However, don't start before four weeks because the kitten won't comprehend anything and won't even start walking until two weeks.

However, if you adopt a kitten, you will most likely not expose them to your house until they are older. Start litter training your kitten as soon as you bring it home, regardless of its age.

Litter Training

You'll see the kitten digging and playing with the litter when you start training at four weeks. Your kitten will intuitively begin to bury its feces after that. When it comes to learning the chores, you may assist your kitty.

Begin by putting your kitten in the litter box and allowing them to dig on their own. While they're digging, teach them by sweeping some litter yourself and pretending to be digging as well. If they aren't getting it, this may pique their curiosity. It's important to remember that your kitten doesn't have to eliminate the first time they use the litter box. Allow them to experiment with it and get used to it initially. If they leap out of the box, put them back in it sometimes during the day, but don't make them remain.

Habits of Kittens

You may see your kitten eating the litter until they learn to distinguish between where they feed and where they excrete. Don't be concerned, but keep an eye on them to ensure their safety. Clumping litter should be avoided at this age because it will clump up inside the kitten's digestive tract.

Kittens don't understand the meaning of different locales until they're about six weeks old. Because they'll already know where they need to go, this is when you may expect the most success.

Other Cats

This isn't always a negative thing if you have other cats in the house. Your kitten will learn to recognize the litter box by smell and touch, as well as by studying what adult cats do and seeing other kittens use it. If you persuade one kitten to use the litter box, the others are likely to follow suit.

However, your kitten may not want to use a box that has already been used by another cat. Some cats are quite territorial and will need their litter box to go to the bathroom.

Organize the Box

It is your responsibility as a kitten owner to keep your cat's litter tidy. If it's dirty, they won't utilize it. Maintain the box and store it in a less loud location. If you're also utilizing an automated litter box, make sure your cat is accustomed to the sounds so they aren't put off.

Location of the Box

Your kitten may know how to use the litter box, but they must also be aware of its location. Don't put it in an area where it'll be too noisy, and don't put it in a position where your kitty won't be able to get to it easily. Cats like to use their litter box in their own space, so leave them alone on occasion. If you have a hyperactive dog who is eager to get to it, raise it only a few inches above the ground.

There will be no penalties.

Do not reprimand or discipline your cat if they are misbehaving. They'll be confused and scared if you scream or spray them since they won't understand why you're upset. Simply wipe up any spills and see your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

Consider These Factors for Your Kitten

You understand the fundamentals of how to teach your kitten and when to begin, but there are a few details concerning the litter box that you should be aware of as well. Consider these suggestions to make the transfer to the box go more smoothly.

To begin, keep the box away from food and water. It'll just cause the kitten to become confused. Even if you can smell the scents, start with an open box. Fill the box with approximately a half-inch of litter, but don't use newspaper or plastic liners to line it (Best Pellet Paper Cat Litter). They are prone to tearing. It may take some time to figure out which sort of litter your kitty prefers. Once you've located it,

Keep in mind that...

Neither clumping litter nor strong sprays should be used around the box. Chemicals like those will make cats flee. Remember to allow your kitten some solitude, and take them to the doctor if you notice them peeing outside the box after you've trained them. This might indicate a bladder or renal issue.

Conclusion

Bringing a new kitten into your house is thrilling, but you might be nervous about litter training them. Your cat will start using the litter box on their own around four weeks and will acclimatize to your house fast with a little support from you. As long as you keep these points in mind, the adjustment should be simple for both of you.