Cats

Litter Box Training for Cats

Nicole Groshek | June 9, 2022 | 3 minute read

When to Start Training

The sooner, the better! Creating new habits for your cat sooner rather than later is going to establish this process into their routine. Additionally, training your cat to use the bathroom in their litter box will prevent them from soiling your belongings. If you’ll be working with a new kitten, you should wait until they’re at least 4 weeks old because this time frame coincides with when they’ll start weaning.

Choosing the Right Cat Litter Box

Nobody wants to use the bathroom in an uncomfortable setting, including your cat! When deciding on the perfect cat litter box for your furry friend, be sure to think about the following:

Size: You don’t want your cat’s litter box to be too big or too small for them. Like the famous children’s story says, you want it to be just right! Keep in mind that your cat’s litter box should grow with them, so you might need to update sizes if you have a new kitten as they continue to get bigger.
Quantity: Be sure to consider how many cats you have in your home when placing litter boxes. There should be at least 2 litter boxes per 1 cat, just like how there is usually more than 1 bathroom in a family home.
Style: Cat litter boxes are offered in both covered and uncovered models. Depending on your cat’s preferred level of privacy, you’ll want to choose a style that will make them feel most comfortable going to the bathroom.

Once you have the right kind of cat litter box for your furry friend, it’s time to pick the litter that goes inside!

Picking the Best Kind of Litter

All cats are different, which is why there are many kinds of litter to choose from. And, unfortunately, finding the right litter for your cat will most likely be a trial and error process. One thing to keep in mind is that it might be easier for you if your cat can work with a clumping litter since it’ll be easier to scoop.

Placing Your Cat’s Litter Box

Just like your cat’s bed, it’s crucial to find the perfect spot for your cat’s litter box. A few things to keep in mind when placing your cat’s litter box are:

Don’t hide their litter box because you don’t want your feline to feel trapped when it needs to go to the bathroom.
Avoid distractions near your cat’s litter box so that they can get right to business.
If possible, try to have a cat litter box on every level of your home so that your cat doesn’t have to go far when duty calls.

After you’ve placed your cat’s litter box, it’s time to make the introduction!

Introducing Your Cat to Its Litter Box

As with anything new, it’s important to allow your cat to be curious when it comes to their litter box. First, show your cat the locations of each of their cat litter boxes, if applicable, and let them sniff around. Next, place your cat in the litter box to show them that everything is okay and this is their new safe space. And lastly, try putting your furry friend in their litter box after they eat, drink, or wake up from a nap if they start to avoid their restroom for any reason.

Reward Good Behavior with Stella & Chewy’s

To make litter box training your cat a little easier, be sure to reinforce their positive behavior with the good stuff from Stella & Chewy’s! To learn more tips and tricks, receive updates, or hear about products, visit Our Blog: For the Pet Obsessed.