Toilet Train Cat or Clean up the Mess

I had an idea of giving a kitten to my three year old daughter recently and felt pretty good about recuing one from the shelter for her. Shortly after bringing kitty home, my daughter led me to her room to show me what kitty left on the rug, while insisting that I "toilet train cat." I was especially disappointed because I had already introduced kitty to the litter box and realized that I needed some advice from the vet on how to litter train a kitten.What I found out was cat toilet training measures that new cat owners can take that solves the problem quickly. Can you use some methods that work on getting kitty to use the litter box? Then read the following tips that helped me resolve the problem fast.

Fine sand or coarse clay

I was advised to purchase a deep litter box and a fine grade litter for my kitten. Most cats and kittens will prefer the fine grade litter over the coarse clay litter. Do not buy scented kitty litter because cats do not like perfumes or artificial scents and may avoid the litter box.The location of the litter box should be placed away from the kitten's food and water source, and needs to be in a secluded area. By placing the kitty litter box away from the food and water source you avoid the chance that litter will contaminate it from the kick back of litter. If you want to avoid the mess that is created from the kick back of litter out of the box, consider buying a tray for underneath the litter box that extends 6 inches around the box. Yet another way to avoid unwanted messes is to place a scratch mat at the front of the litter box for the cats to clean their paws.

Praise good behavior

Fortunately, kittens will naturally want to use a sandy area to potty in. When you have found a spot for the kitty litter box, introduce the kitten to its location. The kitten may accept the litter box without any further training if you are lucky.However, young kittens may have to have more training to connect the litter box to a place were they go to the bathroom. The kitten will have to be shown the kitty litter box regularly, but especially after meals and anytime they show the signs of a need to go.The best method of training comes from praise that is given when the kitten successfully uses the kitty litter box.

Accidental cleanups

A very clear sign the cat is ready to do their "business," is when they scratch at the floor like a litter box. If you are able to get the kitten to the litter box on time, wait until they are finished using the box. You will need to clean and add fresh litter to the box on a regular basis if you want to avoid "accidents."Occasionally an accident will happen and when it does a complete and thorough clean up will be necessary and the area in question will have to be deodorized.

Anybody can learn how to litter train a kitten. And all cat toilet training will work if you are consistent. The best part for me was not hearing my three year old demanding me to "toilet train cat!"