Training your cat to use a litter tray is a relatively easy process. As long as you start the training as soon as your kitten arrives, the concept is likely to be picked up pretty quickly.
You will find many types of litter tray available from a local or online pet store and most will be perfectly suitable – the only necessity is that you pick one with sides low enough that a kitten can easily climb in and out.
It is important to place the tray in a quiet area of the house, against at least one wall, because cats like privacy. Be sure that your kitten knows where the litter tray is and for the first few weeks try to spend lots of time together in this area, both to reinforce the location and to ensure that your kitten never has far to travel when in need.
Establish a routine by gently placing your kitten in the tray a couple of minutes after each portion of pet food and first thing in the morning, and hopefully instinct will take over. If nothing happens gently take hold of your kitten’s front paw and simulate a digging and scratching motion. Cats tend to bury their urine and faeces so recreating this action should reinforce what is meant to be going on.
Finally, when your kitten uses the litter box, offer plenty of praise, but if an accident happens, don’t make a fuss or get angry. Instead clear up the mishap and continue to train by regularly placing your kitten in the tray until such accidents cease.
