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Most cat owners will agree that the dreaded cat litter box is 1 of the biggest drawbacks of owning a cat. Litter boxes are
unpleasant to clean, and it's not just because they are smelly. Litter can be quite dusty, irritating allergies. Also, people
who change litter boxes are more susceptible to certain human-communicable cat diseases than those who do not clean litter
boxes.
New Box Designs
Fortunately, the task of changing cat litter has been made easier with some of the new litter box designs.
The hooded litter box is 1 popular design. Not only does it provide privacy for the modest cat, it helps keep litter inside
the box, and also reduces dust.
If you simply don't want to handle the soiled litter, you can buy removable liners for these boxes. Lift out
the whole liner filled with soiled litter and discard it. Lay down a new liner, add fresh cat litter, and replace the
lid.
The Self-Cleaning Box
The self-cleaning litter box is another popular cat litter box design. Multiple-cat families will find them
ideal; cats do not like to use dirty litter boxes any more than their owners like to clean them. The rake transfers soiled
litter into a removable receptacle, leaving the box fresh and clean. The cat owner can easily discard the dirty litter just
by pulling out the receptacle containing the dirty litter and throwing it away.
Litter -Train Your Kitten
Training your kitten to use a litter box is usually easy. It is important for you to position the litter box
in the right place and to keep it extremely clean. Litter boxes should never be placed near your cat's sleeping or eating
locations, as cats would never want to soil these areas.
The Right Box Location
When you've found the right place for litter box, it is time to teach your cat what the box is for. Begin by
placing your cat in the box and raking your fingers through the clean litter. The sound of litter being scratched, and the
sight of the activity may make your cat decide to start using the box right away. If so, praise him lavishly. If he hops out
without using it, play with him a few minutes and then place him back in the box. Repeat this procedure several times, but do
not overdo it to the point of frustrating your cat.
When To Use The Box
After your cat finishes eating, wait about 10 to 15 minutes and then place him in the litter box. Praise him
if he uses the box. Anytime your cat is napping, keep an eye on him so you can take him to the litter box when he
awakens.
If your cat uses the floor instead of the litter box, do not scold him for his accidents. Instead, place the
box in the spot where he most frequently has accidents and follow the instructions above to encourage him to use it.
A Happy Ending
Once your cat uses his litter box a few times, he should have gotten the hang of it. If he stops using the
box, check to be sure it is clean. If the litter box is clean and your cat is trained, he may have a health problem, so it's
time to consult your veterinarian.
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