The litter box is a basic item for any cat. From a young age, the feline can get used to this utensil and not leave it anymore, so it is important that the tutor knows how to train the pet so that he uses the box correctly.
Have a new kitten and are struggling to adapt ? Do not worry! We created this post for you to know how to choose the ideal litter box for your cat, the essential care with its use and how to get your pet used to using it. Good reading!
Contents
HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL CAT LITTER BOX
The litter box plays an important role in feline hygiene. Also called a litter, this utensil is used by cats and other small animals to relieve themselves. Basically, it’s a box with sand or sanitary granules on top, but the materials can vary.
Regardless of the material chosen, it needs to be comfortable and spacious so that the kitten feels comfortable using it. Pay attention to the height of the box, as kittens or elderly cats may find it difficult to get into it.
It is also important that the cat is able to walk around itself inside the box and bury its feces.
TYPES OF SAND
The main types of sand used are:
- binder: it has the advantage of agglomeration and compaction of waste, facilitating cleaning, the disadvantage is that it does not eliminate the odor;
- silica sand crystals or granules: it is a more expensive product, but it has a high absorption and odor elimination power;
- sanitary napkin: produced by clays and minerals, it is a more accessible option and has great absorption power. The granules are firm with the pee, neutralizing the odor;
- ecological: made from vegetable materials, it is a possibility to take care of the environment. Easy to dispose of, it has good absorption and neutralizes odor.
It is worth mentioning that, when you adopt stray animals, it may often be necessary to add soil or sand to the boxes to help with adaptation.
One of the main reasons that make cats like the litter box is the possibility of hiding their needs. Also, they are animals that value cleanliness , so having more than one litter box around the house is always a good idea.
Ideally, each cat should have its own litter box. With regard to sand, look for the one that best meets the needs of the kitty and those of the house, as each cat has a preference. If you have a serious problem with odor, silica sand is the way to go.
LITTER BOX CLEANING
It is essential to always keep the litter box clean. Also, it’s important to check it daily and see if everything is right with the kitten’s urine and feces, as this indicates that he is in good health. If the litter box is dirty, the cat may not want to use it.
The frequency of changing the sand varies according to the material used, but it is necessary to collect the debris every day. As you do this, fill the box with more sand until there is enough for the cat to cover its feces.
When you completely change the litter, wash the litter box with water and neutral soap before adding new litter, preferably once a week. Bleach can repel some cats, so do the test before using the product to sanitize the box by bringing an object with that smell close to the cat.
HOW TO TEACH THE CAT TO USE THE LITTER BOX
It is not that difficult to teach the cat to use the litter box, but it is important to be careful. So, leave the litter box in a strategic location far from the feeder and drinker , as this can make the feline afraid to feed or do its needs in the indicated space.
Avoid noisy environments, because just like us, pets like to use the “bathroom” with privacy and tranquility. Leave the box against the wall in a corner, as this transmits security to the cat and use an open box when training your pet, which will facilitate adaptation.
Also, don’t let the cat in the house (if the box is outside) until he learns which is the proper place to use as a toilet and clean any pee or feces out of the box so he doesn’t do it again.
Check out more tips below.
BE PATIENT
After choosing the ideal box for your pet and placing it in a suitable place, start training.
Your kitty may take a while to learn, but this is a necessary process, so never fight with him for it. Cultivate patience and be persistent, because at some point your kitten will be using the litter box without you noticing.
OBSERVE WHEN THE PET WANTS TO DO ITS BUSINESS
When you see the cat agitated, take it to the litter box and walk away. Also do this when the cat wakes up or has finished eating, as the chances of him wanting to pee are high.
Keep an eye on his behavior, and if he does get out of the crate, put him back in it. Encourage the cat to move its front paws as if burying something, which will help it understand that the litter box is the place to do its business.
OFFER A REWARD
When the cat uses the litter box correctly, encourage with words and a treat. This will reinforce that behavior, which will make him repeat it. The reward is very useful to speed up any pet’s learning process.
See more Cat Care Tips
IN SHORT…
To teach the cat to use the litter box, you need:
- acquire a good box;
- choose a suitable sand;
- put enough sand in the box;
- leave the litter in a calm and accessible place;
- put the cat in the box and encourage it to scratch;
- reward the pet when he uses the litter;
- clean the litter box daily and weekly.
