Training A Cat To Use the Litter Tray

One of the most essential parts of bringing up a young kitten – or even re-educating an older cat – is teaching them to use the litter tray. If this is done incorrectly, then life and house can be extremely difficult and unpleasant for both you and your kitty.

Many kittens learn the idea of the litter tray from their parents. While they are not certain that this is the use, when actually shown the way by a human they understand quickly. This behaviour means that each kitten is different, so even if you have had a kitten train to use the litter tray quickly before, a new kitten may not – it all depends on the amount they have retained from watching their parents.

However, this only dictates speed and not method. The general way of training a kitten to use a litter tray is simple, but effective. The process needs to be repeated almost without fail, as you are having to instil behaviour and knowledge into a cat that will last their lifetime through. It is important to get the lessons right and be consistent in your training, as this will lead to the most effective learning.

Training a cat to use a litter tray is, thankfully, not a complicated procedure. In the early weeks of a kitten’s life, simply take them to the litter tray as often as possible – if you can, hourly is ideal. Make sure they know where the tray is and are comfortable there, and that the tray is clean but not heavy with detergent. The tray needs to be a pleasant place to be.

A good time to put your kitten in the tray is soon after they have eaten. Young kittens have quick digestive systems, and tend to need to use the bathroom soon after eating. Give the kitten a few moments when they have finished eating, then move them straight to the litter tray. Sit with them and gently stop them from leaving until they have done their business, then give them plenty of praise and fuss and allow them to leave the tray.

Cats are not stupid, and any kitten will quickly catch on to what they need to do and what the tray is for. For most cats, litter training becomes a habit of a lifetime if taught correctly and they rarely need to be reminded. Be consistent and keep calm, and soon your cat will use the tray as and when they should.