Litter Box Training and Kitten Training: They Aren't Born Litter-Trained: You Have To Show Them

Cat litter box training is easier than training a puppy. You train most cats to use a litter box inside the home.

This is one of the many reasons why cats are an ideal pet for so many people...including city dwellers. It's a fact that cats can stay by themselves for longer periods of time than dogs.

Cat (or kitten) litter trays come in many different types. From simple and inexpensive, to a very fancy one that will practically clean itself.

There are many types of kitty litter trays. The most simple and inexpensive, is shown in the picture: a plastic pan that holds clay litter. You'll also need a scoop for removing litter.

Some cat owners fear that their home will smell of "cat", meaning "kitty litter", and they try to mask the smell by using "scented" litters.

Most experts warn you to beware of "scented" litters. Many cats are finicky, and they just don't like the fragranced litters, so guess what..the finicky cats will refuse to use the litter. (Which means they'll go elsewhere in your home. Yuck!)

Worse, some cats have allergies to the litter. Allergies can show up in many ways, from respiratory problems to skin afflictions.

Cat and kitten litter pans require good hygiene. You must keep them clean. This is your best defense against smells, of course.

To keep things easy for you, you can find disposable litter pan liners at your pet supply store or on-line from one of the pet supply companies. Liners make clean-up so easy!

While most people use the inexpensive litter pans, you can purchase a fancier device to do the job. Of course, the more expensive they are, you can expect there to be more "bells and whistles". Some pans even deodorize and scoop.

Probably the most ingenious devices are those that fit on human toilets. In this case, the device will come with training instructions so you can teach your cat to go potty where you do.

The basics of kitty litter training are simple. Put the kitten on the litter, and show the kitten how to scratch at the litter. Scratching the area is a natural instinct for cats, they like doing it, and they will be interested in watching you.

After you kitten does its business, you should try rewarding with a small treat. Remember, though, that most cats like privacy, so place the litter box appropriately.

If you adopt a grown cat, find out as much as you can about the cat's litter habits, and try to accomodate them. Cats are habitual creatures. This may mean buying the same type of litter box as the cat used before.

Some cat owners have problems with cats spraying and "marking". Neutering and spaying will help minimize this problem.

Urine marking is a difficult and frustrating problem. Soiled areas should be cleaned and treated with an odor neutralizer.

But don't use strong scented detergents, even though you may want to. It may make the problem worse because some cats will spray again trying to overcome the fragrance of your treatment.

Cat spraying and marking is a different problem than litter training.