Litter Training Your Cat

Posted by Fred on March 18th, 2008 at 01:36pm

By Julia Camden

Cats and their litter habits can be one of the main annoyances
of having a cat; it can often seem like they go to the bathroom
in places other than their litter box just to get back at you,
or annoy or get revenge on their owner somehow.

First of all, it is a myth that cats must be litter trained.
Cats are instinctively able to use the bathroom in the litter
box, but this makes other sand-like areas prone to defecation as
well, and that includes rock gardens, house plants, vegetable
gardens, or anything else of that nature.

Another one of the common litter-related problems that many
people experience with their cats is that they tend to spray to
mark their territory, and this is especially true with male
cats. In order to get your cat to be as gentlemanly as possible
when it comes to their litter habits, there are a few things you
can keep in mind that might help your case.

1. Location, Location, Location

Where you put your litter box has a great deal to do with how
willing your cat will be to use it, versus other areas in the
house. Wouldn’t you rather use the bathroom in a warm
comfortable area than a cold, dank one? For this reason,
basements, laundry rooms and other areas are not such a great
place to put the litter box.

Understandably, you probably want to put your litter box in a
remote area where people can’t see it and odors are less
offensive, but if you want them to use the box and not your
couch cushion, you should think twice about your location.

2. Consider the Litter

The litter that you use in your cat’s litter box is another
thing that must be taken into consideration. Cat litter with
large granules or a certain smell or texture that your cat does
not like or is not used to is a good way to discourage them from
using the box at all. It may cost a bit more, but the better the
litter, the more money you spend on buying a quality litter for
your cat box, the more inclined they will be to use that litter
box.

3. Keep it Clean

Cleaning your litter box as often as possible is the best way
to get your feline to use the litter box more consistently.
Think about it; do you want to use a nasty toilet? Cats are just
as finicky as you when it comes to where toileting is done, and
perhaps even more so.

If your cat is using other places than the litter box that is a
good indication that you aren’t keeping it as clean as they
would like. Consider self cleaning litter boxes that scoop waste
out of the bin shortly after it is deposited.

About the Author: Have a cat behavior problem that needs
solving? If so, you’ll want to visit
www.secretsofcats.com today to find out how to train your
cat and eliminate bad cat behavior quickly. Go to
www.secretsofcats.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: www.isnare.com/?aid=159821&ca=Pets

Tags: Annoyances, Basements, Cat Box, Cat Litter, Couch Cushion, Granules, House Plants, Laundry Rooms, Litter Box, Litter Habits, Location Location Location, Male Cats, Money, Myth, Revenge, Rock Gardens, Texture, Training Cat, Vegetable Gardens

Under Cat Care+ Litter Box