It is much easier to litter train your kitty if you do it right the first time. Cats have an extremely long memory when it comes to things that are unpleasant or scary to them. They also have a highly developed sense of smell and unlike dogs will not tolerate smells that are offensive to them. This could explain why you have never seen a cat rolling in anything dead or that stinks to high heaven!
The first thing you will need is a litter box with sides low enough for your kitty to get in it without any trouble. Litter boxes do come with covers that the owners prefer much more than the cats do. The cover keeps more of the smell inside the litter box but also makes the box more objectionable to your kitty. Your goal is to always do what encourages your kitty to use the litter box over anything else. The same goes for scented litter. It is much more pleasant to the cat owner than the cat. Most cats prefer un-scented litter and also seem to prefer clumping litter. This might be because the clumping litter allows you to remove more of the smell from the box in between box changes. You also will need one box per cat. Some cats will not use a litter box that another cat is also using.
Place the litter box in a quiet place where your kitty will have some privacy but is still easy for her or him to find. It should not be placed near anything that makes any sudden or loud noises that could startle her while using it. Keep it away from the washing machine, dishwasher, furnace and all appliances that could scare your kitty away. Show your kitty where the litter box is, put her in it and show her how to dig by gently holding her front paw and digging into the litter. Most kitties will pick up what you want them to do almost immediately.
If your kitty has an accident outside the litter box it is very important that you do not scold or scare her. You do not want your kitty to associate you with fear. Never smack your kitty or rub her nose in her mess to teach her. All this teaches her is to be afraid of you. Clean up the mess and put the soiled paper towel in the litter box with your kitty to get her to make the association that the litter box is where she should be doing her business. It is best to clean up the accident with an enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle. You need to totally remove the smell or your kitty will associate that spot with where she should go from now on.
The kitty litter box must be kept very clean. Nothing turns off a kitty more than having a dirty, smelly box to do her business in. The box should be cleaned at least once a day and more often if more than one kitty is using it. I have 2 cats with 2 litter boxes and they change from day-to-day as to which box or boxes they might be using! You should also totally change the litter in the boxes a few times a month. Dump the litter and wash the box out with a vinegar and water solution. Do not use strong deodorants or detergents to make it smell better! The vinegar should take care any odor problem and not be offensive to your kitty. Rinse the box out, dry and fill with fresh litter.
The other most important tip I can give you is when you find what works - don't change it! Cats are not very tolerant of change and changing the type of litter or where the litter box is located can easily spell disaster! That is why it is so important to get it right the first time.
Valerie McCune is the owner of 2 ragdoll cats and 1 questionable breed dog that she loves owning and writing about.
Visit her website at http://www.petsarena.com for more articles about pets and pet supplies.
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