Training a kitten to use a litter box is an important step in raising any pet.
Although cats are naturally neat animals, it takes time for them to learn to use a litter box properly.
In the first weeks of life, the kitten needs to be given a separate place in the apartment where it can relieve itself.
A shallow tray filled with sand or special granules is best.
The size of the tray should correspond to the size of the kitten - it should be able to comfortably enter and exit it.
The location for the litter box should be quiet and calm, away from food and water bowls.
The kitten should be put in the litter box regularly, especially immediately after sleeping, eating and playing. It is important to wait patiently until it does its business, and be sure to reward it with a treat or affection.
When the kitten starts using the litter box regularly, it can be gradually moved to the desired location in the apartment. It is better to move the litter box over short distances so that the kitten does not get confused.
It is very important to keep the tray clean and change the filler in a timely manner.
Kittens are very sensitive to smells and may refuse a dirty litter box. The litter box should be washed at least once a week with special cleaning products.
You can't scold or punish a kitten if it makes a mistake with the litter box. It's best to completely clean the place where it went to get rid of the smell.
It is also important to castrate a kitten in time at the age of 6-8 months - this will help to avoid problems with marking the territory.
When the kitten is fully adapted to the litter box, you can begin to accustom it to going outside. This process requires the same painstaking approach, patience and encouragement from the owner.
Training a kitten to go outside is a complex process that requires attention and care.
At the age of 3-4 months, you can start taking the kitten outside under supervision. To begin with, it is enough to sit with it in the yard or on the balcony for 5-10 minutes. The kitten cannot be let out alone - the owner must be with it.
Gradually, the walk time can be increased to 30-60 minutes. It is very important to praise and pet the kitten when it does its business outside, not in the apartment. This way, it will quickly understand that going outside is the right place for the toilet.
By 5-6 months, the kitten is usually fully adapted to going outside.
By this age, you can start letting him out for a walk on his own, if conditions allow - for example, if there is an enclosed yard.
The main thing is to be patient, not to scold the pet for mistakes and to build the correct regime. Then the kitten will quickly learn to do its business in the right place, without causing trouble to the owners.
Earlier we talked about how to train a dog not to jump on people.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
