Train Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box


If you have brought your brand new kitten home and she does not know about the litter box, here are a few easy steps you can use to train her. First, have the new litter box waiting for your new kitten at home. Make sure that it is not an oversized box so that your cat can easily jump in to. Also, as new kittens are not used to the litter box, it may be wise to place the box on some newspaper to avoid any messes caused by kitty litter on the floor.

Next, fill up the litter box with a very lightly scented (if at all) kitty litter that is non-clay, which, if swallowed, will not be hazardous to your kitten.  Then, position the box away from loud noises, but where it is easily handy.  

As soon as you feed your new kitty, carry her to her litter box and disappear for a few minutes, while being sure to keep an eye on her.  If she uses the litter box, make sure to congratulate her copiously.  

Then, keeping an eye on her throughout the day, the next time you have an indication that she needs to "go", pick her up and place her in the box.  When she uses it correctly, be sure to praise her.  This will help her correlate using the box with praise.  For hygienic reasons, be certain to keep the box very clean by scooping it often and disinfecting it at least twice a week, by changing the litter and washing the box itself.