Kittens tend to take to litter boxes fairly easily. Once shown the litter pan a few times, most will begin using it shortly after. Your new cat may already know how to use a litter pan, since many kittens learn to use it from watching their mothers. However, cats are very particular creatures by nature and can easily be put off to using something for a variety of different reasons. That’s why its important to choose the right pan, and train your kitten properly

Kittens prefer to go outside to relieve themselves, and you should keep this in mind before you start litter training. Cats don’t instinctively like using a cat litter tray; be sure to choose one that is acceptable to her. In order to achieve success with litter training, you will need to bear the following things in mind:

1. Buy the same type of litter that your cat has been using with the previous owner, or breeder. This will make training easier.

2. You will want to pick a litter pan that easy for your kitten to get in and out of. Fill the pan according to the cat litter manufacturer’s directions. The litter box should be deep enough so that your cat doesn’t scatter litter all over the floor during use.

3. Place your litter box in an easily accessible and traffic-free corner of the room – keeping it well away from your kitten’s food and water dishes. You may even need to consider using more than one litter tray to provide your kitten with greater access to a tray.

4. If you have more than one cat, you will need to ensure that each cat has its own litter pan in a different area. Cats generally prefer to do their business in peace, and are often not keen to use a tray that has been used by another cat.

5. Acquaint your new cat to her litter box by putting her in it often, particularly after she eats. Praise your kitten whilst it is in the tray, and give even more praise if he/she actually uses it.

6. Keep your cat’s litter box clean by removing any soiled litter regularly. Give the pan a throrough cleaning at least one every week. Many household disinfectants are deadly to pets, therefore you should use a pet disinfectant to clean the litter pan. Because some cleaners may have a strong chemical smell, you should avoid anything with a heavy scent that your cat may dislike. It will deter him from using the litter pan. It is also worth remembering that if you are pregnant you should not change cat litter pans due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.

7. You should never leave your kitten alone without a litter box, as cats can develop cystitis if they fail to go to the toilet for a long time.

Its important to be patient while going through the litter training process; cats don’t react to commands the way dogs do and therefore require more patience. If you do find your kitten crouching and scratching in a corner of the room, you will need to pick it up immediately and place it in the litter pan. Be patient with your kitten, most catch on to litter training quickly, but others require more patience. If your kitten is a little more stubborn about litter training, try a spray that is specifically designed to attract cats to their litter pans. If you find that your kitten has decided to use your sofa as a toilet, then you can also purchase a cat deterrent spray that will deter your kitten from furnishings. If all goes well, your kitten will soon begin to use her litter tray herself without any further intervention from you.