If you're reading this, chances are, you have a new feline friend or will very soon, and you need to know how to litter train a kitten. Fortunately, litter box training is easy for most kittens because domestic cats are clean mammals. Their ancestors buried their excrement to hide from predators or competitors, and modern-day cats have retained this trait, instinctively burying their poop in litter boxes. This not only provides you with the benefit of easy cleanup, but litter boxes also give cats a predetermined quiet, sandy place to eliminate, which is mentally and physically beneficial to them.
While most cats already know how to use a litter box, sometimes you have to train them if they've never used one before. Here's how to litter train a kitten.
Follow these steps for how to litter train a kitten:
Some cats can be quite picky about the conditions in which they're willing to go. If you've followed the guidelines suggested above, but your kitten doesn't seem to be getting the hang of using the box, there could be a few possible explanations. For example, your cat might dislike:
You might need to experiment until you find the right combination of factors that makes your kitten comfortable enough to use the box. You may also need to confine your kitten to a small space, like a bathroom, until they start using the box regularly.
If you try all of this and are still struggling, consult with your veterinarian or a certified feline behaviorist. Sometimes cats won't use the litter box due to medical reasons. A few examples include:
Fortunately, most kitties take to a litter box like a duck to water, so now that you know how to litter train a kitten, you're well on the road to a happy, harmonious relationship with your new furry family member. Have fun!