Litter Training a Kitten is Usually Easy
But Potty Training Kittens can Sometimes be a Challenge
Sep 1, 2009
Litter training a kitten usually isn't necessary. Momma cat normally takes care of that, and by the time the kitten goes to his new home, he already knows the ropes. However, sometimes it doesn't work that way, and the cat owner has to take mom's place.
Potty training kittens can sometimes be a bit challenging, as some young cats have already made up their minds where they want to go, and the kitty litter box isn't that place. In order to change the youngster's mind, an owner needs to know how cats learn.
Felines learn from their experiences. If they have a good experience while doing something, they'll keep doing it. If it's a bad experience, they won't do it again. Kittens learn very quickly that laps are nice warm places to sit and be petted. However, kitty learns very quickly that sticking his nose into a cup of hot coffee hurts.
The key is to make using the litter box a pleasant experience for the kitten.
Don't Punish the Kitten
Kittens don't understand punishment. Since it's very hard to catch a kitten in the act of going potty someplace other than the litter box, punishing him after the fact is a waste of time, and it will only make him afraid of you. He's liable to find an even more hidden place to do his business.
Set Up The Environment for Successful Kitten Litter Training
Since a cat will repeat an experience that is pleasant, set up the environment so using the litter box is a good experience for the kitten. It's important that the kitten is able to get into the litter box. Sometimes a small kitten has a hard time climbing into the box, so use a litter pan with low sides. The box should be in a safe, quiet location, away from other pets and small children. Don't put the litter box in a dark, scary place like the basement, or near a washing machine or furnace that comes on unexpectedly, and frightens a cat.
Keep using the same kind of cat litter, too. Kittens are easily confused, and if the owner tries a different kind of kitty litter every day, it will be hard for the kitten to learn exactly what this stuff is.
Put the kitten on a regular feeding schedule. Cats have very regulated systems, and if they have regular input, they'll have regular output, too. Feed him when you're there to take him to the kitty litter box in about 15 minutes. Be sure the box is in a small room with a door that can be closed.
Now wait him out. Talk to him, and pet him. This isn't punishment, and it should be a pleasant experience for the kitten. When he acts like he needs to go, put him in the litter box. He won't have the choice of going anywhere else, since you're right there.
When he uses the cat litter pan, praise him and give him a wonderful treat that he only gets when he uses his box. You'll need to keep doing this until you're sure that he has the idea. Don't give him the run of the house after a meal until you're sure that he's litter trained.
Litter training kittens isn't very difficult once an owner understands how a cat learns. With some time and patience, it's possible to nip litter box problems in the bud, before they become entrenched.
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