A big advantage of a litter box is that it allows your cat to dig and fulfill its natural instincts to bury its waste. Often you will not have to do anything more than just pick up your pet kitten and place it gently in the litter box. Once its done the animal, guided by its instincts, will dig the sand in the litter box to bury the poop. Here it is important to mention that cats that are well-tended for and well-cared for will invariably be easier to litter-train.

Cats usually become receptive to training stimuli after 6 weeks of age; however, you can guide and cajole your cat to use the litter box even earlier. For this to happen you have to first restrict the cat’s movements to within a specific room in the house where you spend most of your time. This way if you notice that the animal is about to defecate you can pick it up and place it in the litter box. Notice your cat’s routine and check times when it wishes to relieve itself. Is it after a nap?; after food?; or at a particular time during the day? Done a few times, it should teach your cat to go towards the litter box when it has to pee or poop.

Choose a litter box that has sufficient space for the animal to fit comfortably. Plastic or enamel litter trays are easily available in the market. Keep the litter tray in a spot that is secluded and away from where the cat eats. The litter box should be easy to access and climb into. Keep one side of the box against a wall; it will give the cat a feeling of security when in the vulnerable position of relieving itself. You may have to use a trial and error technique to arrive at the perfect litter box with the right type of sand in it. Or you can ask your vet to advise you on the best litter box for your cat – given its size and breed. Clean the litter box every couple of days or as given in the instructions by the litter box manufacturer. An unclean litter box may discourage your cat from using it.

A suggestion – be prepared for an accident or two. Your little kitten may pee or poop outside its designated area. Please do not get angry with the little one. If you catch it in the act outside the litter box, pick it up gently and place it in the box. When you are not available, you can confine your cat to the room with the litter box.

Remember, toilet training your cat is easy; cats are naturally neat and fastidious animals and they will soon learn to use the litter box.