RELATED SEARCHES
Sponsored Litter Box Training Results:
Litter Box Training: Cat Litter, Location, Odor Control And Cleaning
By:
Published: January 31, 2008
One of a cat's most prized traits as a pet is not having to go outside to eliminate. This is a major convenience for the owner who doesn't have the time to make regular trips with the pet. But, cats still need to be housebroken. Fortunately, litter box training doesn't have to be difficult.
With the right approach, anyone's kitty can learn to use the litter box properly.
The cat's nature makes litter box training relatively easy. Cats instinctively seek out loose, soil-like material to use as a toilet, so getting a cat used to a litter box should not be challenging. A little guidance is always necessary at first during litter box training, however. A new cat or kitten should be gently directed to the litter box and familiarized with it. The best way to do this is to keep the cat in a relatively small space, so that the litter box is clear in its sight. The cat litter should also be the only soil-like surface within the cat's reach, so keep all house plants away. It's important to encourage the cat in the early stages of litter box training by praising or treating it whenever it uses the litter box properly. Punishment, however, should always be avoided in the training process, as it will only lead to fear and mistrust.
Although a cat will normally adapt to litter box training without any problem, there are times when complications may arise. Fortunately, these usually have simple solutions that any cat owner can recognize quickly and correct. One of the most common reasons why litter box training fails is because of the litter box's location. Cats are very picky about the placement of a litter box. It must be in a relatively private, quiet location in the house, away from the cat's bed and food bowls. It also needs to be within close reach of the cat.
Litter box training also goes wrong because of improper litter box care. Cats are repulsed by a dirty litter box because by nature, they are clean animals. To keep a cat wanting to use it instead of other areas around the house, cleaning the litter box regularly is absolutely necessary. This means that everyday, the owner should dispose of waste material and fill the box with fresh cat litter. The type of cat litter used during litter box training is also important, since it can attract or repel a cat. There are various kinds of cat litter available; the best approach is to experiment and see which works best with a particular cat.
Even when a cat does respond well to litter box training, there can still be a problem with odor control. Of course, regular cleaning is imperative in controlling odor, but sometimes it isn't enough. One good odor control method is to ventilate the litter box location frequently. If that isn't possible, consider using a litter box with a cover. There are also various deodorizers specifically designed for litter boxes; sometimes these can help with odor control more than other methods. Odor control is just as important for the cat as it is for the owner, and a litter box that smells the wrong way to a cat may be an obstacle to successful litter box training.
Litter box training is a fairly straightforward process, but it does involve a balanced cooperation between the owner and the cat. The cat has to learn to use the litter box; it's the owner's responsibility to keep it clean and odor-free. As long as the cat and owner fulfill their respective obligations, both will be satisfied.
Sources:
"Litter Box Training." Healthy Pet. American Animal Hospital Association, 2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=111 &sid=2
"Cat Litter Box Training & House Soiling Problems." Perfect Paws. Perfect Paws Publishing, 1995-2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.perfectpaws.com/litter.html
"Inappropriate Elimination: Litter Box Training." SnikSnak. Pawprints and Purrs, Inc., 1997-2007. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/inappro-elim3.ht ml
"Litter Box Odor." PetEducation.com. Foster & Smith, Inc., 1997-2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1& cat=1410&articleid=107
The cat's nature makes litter box training relatively easy. Cats instinctively seek out loose, soil-like material to use as a toilet, so getting a cat used to a litter box should not be challenging. A little guidance is always necessary at first during litter box training, however. A new cat or kitten should be gently directed to the litter box and familiarized with it. The best way to do this is to keep the cat in a relatively small space, so that the litter box is clear in its sight. The cat litter should also be the only soil-like surface within the cat's reach, so keep all house plants away. It's important to encourage the cat in the early stages of litter box training by praising or treating it whenever it uses the litter box properly. Punishment, however, should always be avoided in the training process, as it will only lead to fear and mistrust.
Although a cat will normally adapt to litter box training without any problem, there are times when complications may arise. Fortunately, these usually have simple solutions that any cat owner can recognize quickly and correct. One of the most common reasons why litter box training fails is because of the litter box's location. Cats are very picky about the placement of a litter box. It must be in a relatively private, quiet location in the house, away from the cat's bed and food bowls. It also needs to be within close reach of the cat.
Litter box training also goes wrong because of improper litter box care. Cats are repulsed by a dirty litter box because by nature, they are clean animals. To keep a cat wanting to use it instead of other areas around the house, cleaning the litter box regularly is absolutely necessary. This means that everyday, the owner should dispose of waste material and fill the box with fresh cat litter. The type of cat litter used during litter box training is also important, since it can attract or repel a cat. There are various kinds of cat litter available; the best approach is to experiment and see which works best with a particular cat.
Even when a cat does respond well to litter box training, there can still be a problem with odor control. Of course, regular cleaning is imperative in controlling odor, but sometimes it isn't enough. One good odor control method is to ventilate the litter box location frequently. If that isn't possible, consider using a litter box with a cover. There are also various deodorizers specifically designed for litter boxes; sometimes these can help with odor control more than other methods. Odor control is just as important for the cat as it is for the owner, and a litter box that smells the wrong way to a cat may be an obstacle to successful litter box training.
Litter box training is a fairly straightforward process, but it does involve a balanced cooperation between the owner and the cat. The cat has to learn to use the litter box; it's the owner's responsibility to keep it clean and odor-free. As long as the cat and owner fulfill their respective obligations, both will be satisfied.
Sources:
"Litter Box Training." Healthy Pet. American Animal Hospital Association, 2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=111 &sid=2
"Cat Litter Box Training & House Soiling Problems." Perfect Paws. Perfect Paws Publishing, 1995-2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.perfectpaws.com/litter.html
"Inappropriate Elimination: Litter Box Training." SnikSnak. Pawprints and Purrs, Inc., 1997-2007. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/inappro-elim3.ht ml
"Litter Box Odor." PetEducation.com. Foster & Smith, Inc., 1997-2008. 29 Jan. 2008. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1& cat=1410&articleid=107
Featured Litter Box Training Products:
