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Pet Medication Home -> Litter Box
"How to Teach YOUR Cat
to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success"
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience
with a cat that doesn't use its litter box. Yet, patience is the
key to creating litter box success. A positive introduction when
young, and simple housekeeping on your part will solve most problems.
Most cats instinctively use the litter box. However
if you see your kitten crouching or sniffing in a corner lift her
and place her in a litter tray - this is a sign of oncoming urination.
If your kitten is not using the litter box you should place her
in the box every morning.
It is important for your cat to be able to easily
access the litter box. If you have a large home, put litter boxes
in more than one place. If your house has many levels, make sure
each floor is equipped with a litter box. As in real estate, location
is crucial to your cat successfully using the litter box. The best
spot offers your cat a certain amount of privacy, but not so out
of the way that you forget to clean it. Some people put the litter
box in a seldom-used closet. Be sure, however, to use a hard-rubber
stop to keep the door, or install a pet door so your cat can go
in and out whenever she wants.
If you need to move a litter tray you should move
it by only a few feet at a time. If the cat stops using it you have
probably moved it too far.
If your cat doesn't use her litter box study the situation
carefully for the reason(s) why.
Some cats will avoid a "dirty" litter box. Scoop out feces
and wet litter daily. Completely empty and replace the litter at
least once a week. Don't be too generous with the litter; most cats
prefer a shallow layer of about two inches.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than
one litter box. Cats are very particular and won't eliminate in
a "used" litter box. The general rule of thumb is to have
one litter box per cat.
Location, location, location; sudden noises, or lack
of privacy can scare a cat from using a litter box. Try moving it
to a different spot.
Never punish your cat for having an accident. She
won't make the connection unless you catch her in the act. Even
then, punishment only creates fear of you, not a desire to change
behavior. Use an enzyme-based cleaner to remove the smell of the
accident. This will help prevent future soiling in that spot as
the smell of urine will make the cat think its OK to go there.
If you notice that accidents happen in the same place
over and over, try putting a litter box there. Perhaps your cat
prefers this spot for reasons you'll never understand. If accidents
tend to happen when your cat has free run of the house or while
you are away, keep her confined to one room until you can watch
her. Be sure to provide food, water, and that all-important litter
box in whatever room you place her in. If your cat uses the litter
box successfully for several years, then begins to have accidents,
have your veterinarian examine her for a possible urinary tract
or kidney infection.
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