The most recent call I received was from a pet parent who just brought home a new kitten. She wasn't exactly sure how to litter train her kitten, so she called me to get some tips. This is what I told her:
- Make sure the litter box is easy to get in to. Some adult litter box walls are too tall for kittens to get in to. If you are having a hard time finding a litter box small enough for your kitten try using the cardboard box from canned cat food packaging with newspaper in the bottom and half an inch of litter. This will make it easy for them to use the box.
- Make sure the box is easy to find. Provide numerous boxes in various locations so it is easy for little kitty to find and have quick access. Sometimes they do not recognize the internal signals that they need to eliminate fast enough to travel long distances to a box in another room.
- Clean the boxes regularly. A dirty box is no fun for kitty. If the box is too dirty, kitty won't go inside to use it.
Some kittens are easy, they have the internal instinct to go in the box right away, some take a little longer. If kitty starts going outside her box, pick her up and put her in the box and allow her to finish there. Once she soils the litter box, she should recognize that is the appropriate place to eliminate.
Have questions about your pet? Have a new puppy or kitten you need help with? Give us a call at 480-292-9735. We are happy to help!
