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Litter Training Your Cat
Cats and their litter habits can be one of
the main annoyances of having a cat; it can often seem like they go to
the bathroom in places other than their litter box just to get back at
you, or annoy or get revenge on their owner somehow.
First of all, it is a myth that cats must be litter trained. Cats
are instinctively able to use the bathroom in the litter box, but this
makes other sand-like areas prone to defecation as well, and that
includes rock gardens, house plants, vegetable gardens, or anything
else of that nature.
Another one of the common litter-related problems that many people
experience with their cats is that they tend to spray to mark their
territory, and this is especially true with male cats. In order to get
your cat to be as gentlemanly as possible when it comes to their litter
habits, there are a few things you can keep in mind that might help
your case.
1. Location, Location, Location
Where you put your litter box has a great deal to do with how
willing your cat will be to use it, versus other areas in the house.
Wouldn’t you rather use the bathroom in a warm comfortable area than a
cold, dank one? For this reason, basements, laundry rooms and other
areas are not such a great place to put the litter box.
Understandably, you probably want to put your litter box in a remote
area where people can’t see it and odors are less offensive, but if you
want them to use the box and not your couch cushion, you should think
twice about your location.
2. Consider the Litter
The litter that you use in your cat’s litter box is another thing
that must be taken into consideration. Cat litter with large granules
or a certain smell or texture that your cat does not like or is not
used to is a good way to discourage them from using the box at all. It
may cost a bit more, but the better the litter, the more money you
spend on buying a quality litter for your cat box, the more inclined
they will be to use that litter box.
3. Keep it Clean
Cleaning your litter box as often as possible is the best way to get
your feline to use the litter box more consistently. Think about it; do
you want to use a nasty toilet? Cats are just as finicky as you when it
comes to where toileting is done, and perhaps even more so.
If your cat is using other places than the litter box that is a good
indication that you aren’t keeping it as clean as they would like.
Consider self cleaning litter boxes that scoop waste out of the bin
shortly after it is deposited.
Tags: Cat Training and Behavior Litter Box Training Litter Training Your Cat training tips techniques cat problems |
