Having a new kitten at home is something that many cat lovers really treasure. There is nothing like that little bundle of joy and it seems as if they find a way into our heart from the moment they find a way into our home. Although there are many pleasant things associated with having a new kitten, there are also some responsibilities that will make them a welcome and wonderful member of the household.
One of the things that many cat owners will need to do at this stage is to teach their new feline how to use a litter box. The litter box is, unfortunately, a rather frightening area for many new cats. Not only is it rather large in comparison with their small size, it may also be in areas of the home where they may not naturally go. With a little bit of work on your part, however, you can train your new kitten to use the litter box easily. Here are a few steps to help you along the way.
First of all, avoid the temptation to try and teach a new kitten how to use a litter box in the same way that you train a dog how to go outside. There are certain differences, and most kittens will require a specific type of training. Perhaps the most important factor to consider in the first place is the location of the litter box. If you put it in an out-of-the-way area that is too difficult for the kitten to reach, it is unlikely they will make the trek when they have to relieve themselves. Be sure that you keep the box in a convenient location and preferably, in an area where they would normally use the bathroom.
Timing is everything when it comes to teaching a new kitten how to use a litter box. Most cats will relieve themselves at certain times of the day and if you are watchful, you can make short order of litter training the kitten. Most cats will want to relieve themselves when they first start moving around in the morning and if they take a nap, be aware of when they wake up. Another time that kittens will usually use the litter box is after eating a meal. Take the kitten to the litter box immediately when any of these times arise. Give them a little privacy, and let them take care of the rest.
In most cases, kittens will make the transition to using the litter box without any real issues. From time to time, however, accidents are going to occur. Punishing a cat when an accident takes place may confuse it and could cause unexpected behavior, such as them sneaking away to relieve themselves in out-of-the-way corners. Simply work with your cat and be patient, the transition to using the litter box will happen fairly quickly.