It’s fun to get a new kitten! They are so cute and cuddly. New kittens also bring about a lot of changes in your home. Your new furry feline friend is learning, growing, and adapting to a new environment, too. The
younger your new kitten is, the more they are trying to learn about their own natural instincts.

New cat owners may find that kittens learn to use a litter box quickly because of their instincts. But what if they don’t? It’s okay if they need a little help finding their way to the litter box, it’s normal for them to need time to adjust. Whether you are new to cats or have had lots of furry family members, learning how to litter train kittens can come in handy. Let’s look at some tips for what to expect from your new best four-legged
friend.

When to Start Litter Training for Kittens

Getting a new kitten means they are learning about a new home, discovering new things, and busy being an adorable kitten. But this transition is a key time in their development. They start to learn about expected behaviors and how they are supposed to act in their new home.

Start by kitten-proofing your home and interacting with your kitty a lot. It is never too early to start bonding with them and training them about what you expect from them. Interacting with them (on cat terms of course!) helps build a lasting bond and trust. Building an early bond with your cat will help with the training process.

Litter training starts as soon as you bring them home. But be patient, as it may take some time for them to understand what you expect out of this process.

Pro Tip: Most kittens like to cuddle and snuggle. Start building a great relationship with them by letting them nap in your lap and petting them gently. Use Pawer Lab’s Cat SPA Glove to keep them groomed, especially when they are young and learning how to groom themselves.

How to Litter Train a Kitten in Just Four Steps

Your cat may take to the litter box immediately. For other kittens, there may be some reluctancy. It may take some time to get them trained to use the litter box. Here are four simple steps to help you litter train a kitten.

1.       Take the kitten to the litter box first, when you bring them home.  Your kitten will probably take some time to sniff and explore this new box full of litter. (Yes, we cats are curious!) Try putting them in the litter box, but don’t expect that they will use it immediately.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve decided where to put your litter box. Don’t move it, keep it there.

2.       Make sure you have enough litter boxes. How many litter boxes do you need? The general rule is the number of cats you have, plus one. If you only have one kitten, you’ll need two litter boxes. This gives them some variety while helping to prevent accidents.

3.       Put your kitten in the litter box right after a meal. You may not be sure your cat “needs to go.” But placing them in the litter box after a meal is a good habit as it’s likely they need to. Some signs they need to go may include scratching at the floor, sniffing, or posturing
like they are just about to go.

4.       Use positive reinforcement not negative. Try giving your kitten rewards for going in the right place. You might want to give them praise or treats. Don’t punish them if they have an accident.

Litter Box Training Success Tips

You will need some patience to train your kitten to the litter box. Have some systems in place, but stay flexible. Ake sure you scoop out the litter box every day. You may also need to try a few different locations to find the one your cat prefers.

You may even want to try various shapes, sizes, and types of litter boxes. Some cats may prefer an uncovered box, while another may like a covered style. (Yes, we are finicky!)

What if a Kitten Refuses to Use the Litter Box?

Accidents might happen with a new kitten. It may take a step-by-step process. And it may take time! Make sure to stay tuned in to behaviors your new feline family member exhibits. Here is a brief breakdown of what to try if your kitten doesn’t take to the litter box as soon as expected.

·         Try different litters.

·         Try different litter boxes.

·         Try different locations.

·         Put the litter box in a private space.

·         If your kitten picks one spot to go in repeatedly, put the litter box there.

·         Contact your vet if you notice a sudden change in your kitten’s litter box habits.

Be Patient When Litter Training a New Kitten

You may discover that litter training a kitten is different with each kitten you bring home. Your kitten will adapt to using the litter box, and they will do it at their own pace. It doesn’t matter about their breed, age, or size. Don’t react in anger to accidents outside the litter box. If you catch them posturing outside the box, just gently move them to the box. They will learn with some time and patience.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.