Cat House Training Basics

If you have never house trained a cat before, it is tempting to be very worried about it. Fortunately, you found this website. With this basic house training information, you will have all the tools you need to have your cat trained in no time. If you find yourself standing over a fresh litter box, staring blankly at it, wondering how you are going to tell you cat how to use it, you are not alone. Plenty of cat owners before you have gone through this same thing. Just relax and read on to learn how simple it can really be. Just repeat after me: cat house training does not have to be complicated!

Fortunately, cats like to be clean. If they could have their way, they would do their "business" outdoors and then cover it up with dirt, sand, or any other similar substance. So for starters, you can be sure that your cat actually wants to cooperate with you and keep his area clean.

You may be thinking, "Great, I'm halfway there!" But unfortunately, it's not as easy as just buying a litter box and assuming your cat will know what to do with it. Understand that where you place the litter box is very important. This is because cats like to have a little privacy when they go. Putting the litter box in an open area is a way to discourage your cat from using it.

Keeping that in mind, look for a private little spot where your cat will feel comfortable. Of course, your cat has to be able to comfortable stand inside the box, but it should also be away from all of the activity in the home. A corner of a little-used room is a great place for a litter box.  A closet will work as well, but only if you always keep the door open so your cat can get inside. Finding the perfect place for the litter box may take a little doing, but is definitely worth it in the long run, because it will encourage your cat to use the box.

So now that you've found the litter box a home, take a moment to show your cat where it is. Gently pick her up and place her in the box. Belive it or not, she will figure out what to do immediately. Her instincts are strong enough to let her know what the box is for, and she will likely start using it right away. In order to ensure that she continues to use the box regularly, you must absolutely make sure to keep it clean. Remember, that cats like to be clean, and if yours sees the litter box as "dirty," she may be reluctant to use it. Fortunately, this task is very simple now, thanks to the new type of "clumping" or "scoopable" litter. You should be able to find this at your local discount, grocery, or pet store.

This innovative type of litter enables you to simply scoop out your cat's waste daily, as it will be conveniently clustered or "clumped" for easy removal. You should still change and clean the entire litter box regularly as well.  Doing this will help your cat to be happy and content, and she should continue to use the litter box without fail.

What if you have a kitten? One important consideration is to make sure that your little kitten can crawl in and out of the litter box with ease. An adult-sized litter box may be too tall for her to use until she is older. Similarly, you will need to get a larger litter box if your cat has grown into a feline of substantial size.

If you have done everything right, and your cat still has "accidents" occasionally, ask yourself how many litter boxes you have. One is probably not enough, even if you have only one cat. Most animal behaviorists recommend having one more litter box than you have cats. In other words, two boxes for one cat, three boxes for two cats, etc. Doing this will ensure that your cat always has a litter box available when he needs one.

But what if you have done everything right, and you find that your cat still does not use his litter box as regularly as you would like? If that is the case, it is wise to consult your pet's veterinarian. Because cats are so serious about cleanliness (you've seen how thoroughly they clean themselves!), they pretty much litter-box train themselves. A cat who refuses to use a clean, private litter box may be suffering from medical problems, and it is time for a check up.

Emotional reasons could also be behind a cat not wanting to use the litter box. Just like humans, cats can suffer from stress, which can have negative effects on their behavior and health. If you suspect that stress may be affecting your cat, stop and think about what may be causing it. Any sudden changes or disruptions to routine can cause your cat undue stress. Examples are bringing another pet into the house, leaving your cat along for long periods of time, or even changes to her environment (such as rearranging the furniture.)

Like many members of the animal kingdom, cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine and love to keep relatively the same schedule every day. Disruptions to what they consider their well-ordered life could result in undue stress. And you know what that may bring: accidents outside the litter box. Do your best to help your cat maintain the schedule routine he desires. This will result in a happier cat, and consequently a happier owner.

Keep in mind that if your cat does not use the litter box, punishing him is an extremely ineffective reaction. Though your instinct may be to punish, restrain yourself because it could backfire in the long run. You don't want your kitty to associate the litter box with negative attention and punishment.

Your best best with a cat is always to praise her when she performs good behavior, such as using the litter box. If she does not use it as you desire, try to get to the bottom of the problem, and find a solution. Treat the cause, not the symptom.

If you are suffering from this problem of your cat not using the litter box properly, and you have not yet discovered the reason why, take steps to save your carpet - and your sanity. Try and confine your pet to a small area that is protected. If it is warm enough, the garage can be an excellent place for your cat to be while you are away. Of course you must make sure the area is safe, secure, and warm. Set up a little bed for your cat at one end of the room. Keep his litter box as far away from his bed as possible, so he will feel clean.

Always make sure you are keeping up your end of the bargain. A dirty litter box is distasteful to a cat. Removing the soiled litter on a regular basis will go a long way in encouraging your cat to use the box. Oftentimes, a cat who does not think his litter box is clean enough will make a habit of using it immediately after you clean it and put it back down. If you see this pattern, take note.

Litter box training is best seen as a joint effort. As much as you want your cat to use her litter box, she wants a clean place to go, and material to cover her waste with. Once she is familiar with the litter box, she should continue using it regularly. If after a long time, your cat suddenly stops using the box, she is trying to communicate something with you. If this is the case, it is important that discern what has changed or what is wrong. In time, you'll figure it out. Before you know it, you'll even consider toilet training cat.