Cats are neat animals. They are also intelligent enough to be trained. Given those characteristics, it will be very easy for owners to teach their pets. Here are some tips to guide owners in training their cats to use litter boxes.

1. Cleanliness is a must for cats.

Sometimes, even if the cat is already trained in using litter boxes, the owner usually finds his pet urinating or defecating just a few inches away from the litter box. The cat wants to use the litter box, and this can be proven by the proximity of the waste to the litter box. However, because the litter box is dirty, the cat opted not to use it.

The point here is that cats prefer to expel body wastes on clean areas. So make it a point to regularly check if the litter box is always clean and ready for your cat’s use. The cleanliness of the area where the litter box is situated must also be checked frequently.

2. Cats do need privacy.

Do not expect your cat to defecate or urinate in busy areas because they also have the need for privacy. That is why most cats prefer to do their thing behind furniture, or in corners of rooms.

To solve the problem, place litter boxes in areas where cats would be less likely to be disturbed.

3. Cats must be comfortable in using their litter boxes.

Comfort is an issue in training cats to use litter boxes. If cats don’t find using litter boxes convenient on their part, why will they use it?

Check if your cat is comfortable using open or closed litter boxes.

4. Take it easy.

Most cat owners who train their pets for litter box use lack patience. Thus, after a short period of time, they give up, or they use force in training their cats. Both actions are wrong.

One must learn that patience is an important trait needed in training cats.

5. Cats seek rewards for a job well done.

If your cat uses the litter box, but did not feel that you appreciated its efforts, there is no reason for your cat to repeat using it again.

Make the task of using the litter box enjoyable and fulfilling for your pet by giving rewards. After a while, your cat will be accustomed to the habit.

6. More cats = more litter boxes.

Place more litter boxes to accommodate all your pets. Place them based on your cats’ preference.

Generally, training cats to use litter boxes is an easy thing for an owner who knows his cat well.

Any cat owner will tell you, cats are wonderful pets to have around. However, that same owner can also tell you that one of the downsides is needing to deal with their pet’s toilet business.

But that should not be a drawn out problem if you take the time and proper care in training your cat to use the litter box.

Before any training should commence, make sure you have the right litter box. Choose one that is made of durable plastic for easy washing. It should also be deep enough to contain just a little less than 2 inches of litter.

Do not think that by putting more litter in the box will mean fewer times you would have to change it. Your cat will very likely refuse a soiled box even if there’s a lot of litter in it.

Cat litter comes in different varieties of grades and scents. However, the benefits of scented litter only applies to the pet owners. In fact, cats dislike scented litter because it seems unnatural to them. They will very likely reject eliminating in the box and go somewhere else.

The kind of litter grade your pet will prefer varies with each one, but it is observed that cats are particularly fond of smaller grades. Perhaps this is because smaller grains make the litter softer.

Next, place litter boxes in areas where your cat usually soils. You are building on the cat’s association of places and activities. Eventually, you may move the litter box around when your pet has gotten used to eliminating in the box.

Now that you have a good litter box set up, it’s time to teach your pet to use it.

Cats usually do their business after a meal or a nap. So take note of these times. Before feeding take 10-15 minutes to play with your pet.

Allow about 15 minutes for the meal and clear up leftovers after that period. When the meal is finished, play with your cat for another 10-15 minutes, this time somewhere near the litter box.

Lead your cat to the box. Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue the cat with the texture of the litter, inviting it to step into it.

Encourage your pet once it steps inside, speaking to it in gentle tones. Make the cat feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place. Whether your cat soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone. Eventually, your pet will like the litter box and do its business there.

Finally, be consistent and patient. Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.