House Training your kitty

When you bring your new kitten home, the odds are that he would already be trained to use the litter box by the mother cat as soon as he has been weaned. If he has not been trained, then it is your responsibility as a pet parent to teach him to use the litterbox. It is highly recommended that you wait for a period of 12 to 14 weeks to bring him home as he learns important life skills from his mother and siblings that gear him to live amicably with your family.

If you find an orphaned kitten or you decide to adopt a younger kitten then you need to step into the mother cat’s shoe and train him to use the litterbox. Here are some tips on how to housetrain your kitten:

• Select a litter box that is appropriate to the size of your kitten. Smaller kittens and older cats require a box with lowered sides as it makes it easier to get out of and into. Ensure that the litterbox is kept away from the nosier part of home and is very private. Place the box away from his bedding.
• Empty and clean the litter box regularly and change the litter frequently, as your kitten is less likely to use it if it is dirty.
• Place your kitten in the litter box and teach him to scratch at the litter using his front paws. It is alright if he jumps out of the box right away. Put him in the litter box during the time he normally urinates or defecates, that is in the morning, during play, after feeding and waking up from a nap.
• During the training period, accidents will happen. You have to be patient and not punish him. You need to praise and reward your pet by giving him his favorite kibble or a new toy whenever he uses the litterbox.
• If the accidents continue to happen or if he refuses to use the litter box and if he has symptoms like diarrhea or straining then you need to take him to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Cats with urinary tract infection or intestinal parasites do not use the litterbox and need medical attention.