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Training a cat does not have to be a stressful or time-consuming endeavour. There are a lot of helpful tips that people can use to make this process easier on themselves and on their animals. Following are several things that you should know about litter box training for cats & kittens before getting started.
Choosing the Right Litter Box
One of the most important steps in litter box training for cats & kittens is simply choosing the right litter box. You may be tempted to create one of your own by repurposing a small-sized bin, however, these efforts are infinitely easier when using a litter box that is easy for your animal to access. This is especially true when toilet training a pet during the formative stage of life or throughout his or her geriatric years.
A good box will be slightly lower on one side to allow the cat to enter easily and without having to hop or leap. This side should not be so low, however, as to allow for spillage when the cat uses his or her paws to scoop litter over waste. The best place to get a good litter box is at a local pet store or through a pet supplier online. Although your cat might be relatively small right now, your animal will grow fast. Thus, it is better to invest in a box that is too large, rather than one that will soon be too small. Most cats appreciate having a little bit of extra room.
Placement of the Litter Box
Where you place the litter box can have a significant impact on the success of these endeavours. Many people like to keep their litter boxes out of sight, which is certainly understandable, however, it is vital to ensure that your cat can spot the box and access it easily. Shutting it away in a closet or placing it in a room that might accidentally become closed off will prove counterproductive. Before placing the litter box, assess the space carefully to make sure that it will work well over the long-term. Moving the box around can confuse your pet.
Taking Your Cat to the Litter Box
Using litter is actually instinctual for cats and thus, there is very little that you will have to do in order to ensure that your pet establishes this habit. While cats are young, however, it is a good idea to place your pet into the litter box at regular intervals throughout the day. You can do this after a meal, after a nap or at any other time in which you think your animal needs to go to the bathroom. If you are diligent in placing you cat in the box, he or she will establish regular bathroom habits after just one or two successful productions.
Cleaning the Litter Box
Keeping the litter box clean from urine deposits and urine odours will make increase your pet's willingness to use it. You should scoop out debris with a sifting shovel at least once per day and change the entire litter out at least once per week or according to the instructions on the brand of litter that you have purchased. Bio-enzymatic products with odour removing formulations and litter with clumping capabilities will help to limit the amount of litter box maintenance that you have to perform.