How to train a cat to use a litter box: follow simple rules
Training a cat to use a litter box is not an easy process, but it is quite feasible. The main thing is to be patient and consistent.
First of all, you need to choose a suitable tray. It should be large enough for the cat to turn around in it.
The material also matters - for young cats it is better to take a tray with filler that absorbs odors.
The tray should be placed in a quiet place, not a walk-through place. Cats do not like it when someone looks at them while they are using the toilet.
Once the tray has been selected and the location has been determined, training can begin. First, you need to teach the kitten to associate the tray with the toilet.
To do this, immediately after eating and sleeping, you need to put the cat in the tray and hold it a little, simulating the process. As soon as the cat goes in the right place, it should be praised and stroked.
It is also important to monitor the routine - develop the habit of using the litter box after eating, sleeping and playing. This will help reinforce the skill.
If the cat makes a mistake and does its business outside the litter box, it should never be punished or scolded. It is better to simply carefully transfer everything to the litter box and be more attentive to its behavior next time.
With time and patience, the cat will definitely learn to use the litter box correctly! The main thing is to reward it for every success.
Once the cat learns to use the litter box on its own, you can begin to gradually expand the area.
At first, it is worth leaving the tray in place, but removing the lid. This way the cat will get used to the open tray.
After this, you can move the tray a couple of meters from the original place. And make sure that the cat still goes there. If it starts making mistakes, you need to immediately return the tray to its place, and then try again in a couple of days.
Once the cat can handle a small movement of the tray, the area can be expanded further. The tray can be placed in different rooms, making sure that the cat can get to it.
Ideally, the tray should be left in a permanent place, and another one should be placed nearby, which will move around the apartment. This way the cat will learn to go in both.
Cats are naturally drawn to do their business on soft surfaces and the ground. Therefore, after the litter box has successfully "registered" in the apartment, you can start taking the cat for walks.
First, you need to choose a safe place - a yard or a park near the house. And go there with the cat on a leash. As soon as the cat goes outside, it is also important to praise it.
Having trained your cat to use the litter box at home and outside, you can consider the training successful. The main thing is not to rush things and always reward your cat for correct behavior. Then using the litter box will become a habit.
In addition to gradually expanding the area, there are several tips that will help reinforce the skill of using the litter box in your cat.
First, you need to keep the litter tray clean and change the filler in a timely manner. Cats are clean by nature and may refuse a dirty litter tray.
Secondly, one tray may not be enough, especially if there are several cats in the house. The best option is to put one tray for each cat. And it is better to place them in different places.
Thirdly, you can't punish a cat if it makes a mistake. It's better to just clean everything up without saying anything and next time don't give the cat a chance to make a mistake - take it out to the litter box or outside on time.
Fourthly, sometimes cats refuse to use the litter box if the situation in the house is tense. In this case, you need to minimize the stress for the cat - give it a quiet corner, do not make noise in front of it, pet and play more often.
Fifthly, it is important for cats to have a consistent daily routine, then they will more easily develop the habit of going to the litter box on schedule.
And of course, don't forget to constantly praise your cat and give her a treat when she uses the litter box. This way she'll quickly understand that she's doing everything right.
By following these tips and being patient, you can train any cat to use the litter box regularly and make its owners happy with its cleanliness!
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