How to Train Your Cat To Use The Litter Box: 7 Steps

How to Train Your Cat To Use The Litter Box: 7 Steps

When you have cats, you have to train them to use the litter box. That’s kind of a no-brainer. Cats are known for their cleanliness, and if you have a feline friend, you’ll know they have to go outside of their litter box to relieve themselves.

Fortunately, cats are very intelligent, and they quickly learn what’s expected of them. That makes training your cat to use the litter box a lot easier.

You can start training your cat to use the litter box as soon as you bring him home. Once they get used to your presence, cats will be much more likely to use the litter box. As a result, you won’t have to do much to get them started. Here’s how you can train your cat to use the litter box at home.

Make sure the box is clean

One of the first things you should do to train your cat to use the litter box is to make sure the box is clean. Cats prefer to go to the bathroom in places where they feel comfortable, and that usually means somewhere that isn’t too dirty. So, make sure the litter box is kept free from any litter that might scare them.

You can remove the solid waste from the litter box once or twice a week to keep it free from waste and odor. Nevertheless, don’t forget to keep it clean by cleaning the box with a cleaning utensil once in a while.

If you can’t clean the litter box regularly because you’re too busy, at least make sure it isn’t left smelling. The vacuum is the place where the cats are likely to go after they take care of their business.

Show your cat where the litter box is

Once you’ve made sure the litter box is clean and the place where your cat is likely to go is comfortable and relatively odor-free, it’s time to show your cat where the litter box is. Start by placing the litter box in an open and visible place.

Place some litter in the box and, once your cat is nearby, let her have a sniff. This will make her familiar with the box, and she will start coming to it when she needs to go.

Once your cat is used to going to the box, you can start placing your cat’s litter box at different places in your home.

It’s always better to have more than one litter box. That way, if one gets destroyed, your cat can use another one. However, you should make sure that the litter boxes have different locations. You don’t want your cat to smell the box too much.

Also, make sure that there are no litter boxes in places where your cat might get hurt. That includes places where there are electrical appliances and pets with long tails.

Once your cat uses the box, praise her

Once your cat uses the box, it’s time to praise her. This is one of the most important steps in training your cat to use the litter box. If you praise your cat when she goes to the box, she will quickly learn to like the box.

There are many things you can say to your cat when she uses the litter box. If you praise her while she’s using the box, she will associate the box with positive things.

You can say things like, “Good girl! Good girl!” or “Nice girl! Nice girl!” While praising your cat for using the box, make sure you also stay calm.

However, don’t talk to your cat while she’s using the box. This will confuse her, and she may stop using the box.

After your cat uses the box, scold her

As your cat uses the box, you should follow up by scolding her. It’s important to make sure your cat gets the message that she shouldn’t be urinating or defecating in the house.

Some people skip this step and let their cats use the litter box until they’re toilet-trained. This is not a good idea.

Defecating in the house is a sign that your cat isn’t clean. Some cats won’t go to the litter box for a few days because they feel uncomfortable. So, scolding your cat is the only way to make her go outside the box.

Once your cat is toilet trained, let her out to toilet-train again

Once your cat is toilet-trained, you can let her out to train her again. Let her out while she is still using the box. Most cats will understand what you want them to do once they get back in the box.

You can praise her when she goes outside again, too. This way, you’ll train her to like using the box instead of using other places in your house.

Once your cat is toilet-trained, be sure to clean the box regularly. That way, your cat will never think the box is dirty, and she will be more likely to use it again.

After your cat has toilet-trained once, praise her

After your cat has toilet-trained once, it’s time to praise her. Praise her for going outside the box. You can say things like, “ You’re a good girl! You’re a good girl! You’re a good girl!”

You should also keep praising your cat for using the box. That way, she will be more likely to use the box again.

You should also keep an eye on your cat's litter box. If you notice any signs of breaking or damage, immediately get a new litter box.

After your cat has toilet-trained twice, let her out to toilet-train again

Finally, when your cat has toilet-trained twice, it’s time to let her out to toilet-train again.

Make sure you stay with your cat when she is outside the house. That way, she will be sure to use the litter box.

Let her out, and she should go to the box without any problems. Praise her, and stay with her until she is done.

Your cat will be much more likely to use the litter box if you are with her while she is using it.

Now that you know how to train your cat to use the litter box, you can start the process. Keep reading for more information about how to do so.