If you’re planning to welcome a new kitten into your family, litter training is probably one of the first things on your mind. Kittens are extremely intelligent, so if you get them started with toilet training right away, it is a fairly simple process and you should have them fully trained in no time. Many kittens have already learned how to use a litter box from their mothers, and if they haven’t, they are instinctively attracted to soil-like substrates to scratch and dig in, meaning they learn very quickly. We have put together some of our top tips to make sure your kitten’s toilet training goes smoothly.
Choosing a litter tray
Before you get started, it is important that you have the appropriate supplies to help set your kitten up for success. Firstly, you will need to purchase a litter tray for your kitten. You should start with a basic plastic litter box that your kitten can walk in and out of easily. It is also a good idea to give them a few options. As a general rule, have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household, so if this is your first cat, we recommend starting with two litter trays. Be sure to choose something size appropriate, as the walls of the tray might be too high for your kitten to enter and exit if they are small. One your kitten is bigger and more confident, you might like to upgrade to a bigger tray or opt for a litter box.
Be sure to place the litter boxes in low-traffic areas throughout your house, giving your kitten the opportunity to go wherever feels more comfortable. Cats like their privacy, so will often be happier going to the toilet in an area away from noises, other pets and foot traffic. Your kitten might not feel safe if you place the tray in an exposed area, so be sure to choose a private but easily accessible location. We recommend never setting up the litter trays near food and water bowls as this can also deter them from using the tray.
Choosing a cat litter
Cat litter is available in a variety of different materials. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, but often it comes down to personal preference. Your kitten will usually have been introduced to cat litter from their breeder, so try and find out what type they have already been using and stick with that to simplify the process. Some cats are very particular about what litter they do and don’t like. If you aren’t sure where to start, try a standard unscented clumping litter and if you want to use something else you can experiment when your kitten is litter trained. If you have more than one litter tray, you might like to offer a few options to start with if you aren’t sure what they prefer.
Show your kitten the litter tray
Now you have all the toilet essentials, you need to teach your kitten to use them properly. As soon as your kitten arrives, you should show them the litter tray by letting them sniff the area, and gently placing them in the tray. Be sure not to move the trays once you've shown them to your kitten, to avoid confusion. Sit your cat in one of the boxes immediately after meals, play time and naps and if you notice them behaving like they need to go, pick them up and put them in the litter box straight away. Once they start choosing to go to the toilet in the tray, you are on the right track!
Positive reinforcement
When your kitten does go to the toilet in the litter tray, be sure to praise or reward them. You might even like to offer them a treat or some dry cat food as an incentive. Kittens aren’t fully able to control their bladders, so accidents are bound to happen. Punishment could create anxiety around toileting, making the process even harder. If your kitten is repeatedly choosing not to use the litter tray, you might need to consider factors such as the type of litter, the location and the cleanliness of the litter tray. Any sudden changes in toileting behaviour can be a sign of disease such as urinary tract disease, so this should be discussed with your vet.
Cleaning up accidents
Cats have a habit of returning to the same spot once it has been soiled, so it is important that any accidents are thoroughly cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner. If the urine is left untreated, it can encourage the cat to keep going in that spot. Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to remove cat urine to avoid future mishaps, rather than just covering up the smell. Urine Off is a popular choice for pet parents as it uses bio-enzymatic technology to specifically target cat and kitten urine, permanently removing stains and odours from virtually any surface.
Cleaning the litter tray
Cats are very clean animals, and if their litter box becomes dirty, they are likely to seek out a cleaner place to go to the toilet. Regularly cleaning the litter box will help eliminate any nasty smells and make using the litter box a far more pleasant experience for your cat. We recommend removing stools from the litter tray as soon as possible, and giving the litter tray a complete empty and wash every few days. While many cat litter brands have excellent absorption properties, cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their litter tray. You should wash the tray with mild detergent and spray with enzymatic cleaner to keep it smelling fresh. Be sure to also clean areas outside the box where your kitten has had accidents to avoid them going in this area again.
Toilet training your kitten should be an easy task as long as you are prepared. With some patience and persistence, your kitten will be using the litter tray with confidence in no time. We hope these tips help to start you off on the right foot with kitty litter training.
