Cats are known for their cleanliness in both their grooming and toileting habits. As compare to puppies, kittens are usually easier and quicker to house-train. Due to their instinctive nature, kittens by design will cover their faeces and urine with soil and so naturally, they are attracted to use the litter in their boxes.

Between 3 to 4 weeks old when kittens start to eat solid food, the mother cat would have start teaching her kittens where to relieve themselves. By the time your kitten is old enough for you to bring home, your kitten would have learn some basic toilet training.

The litter box should be placed in a quiet but easily accessible corner and away from your kitten’s food and water bowls. Avoid placing the litter box near loud appliances, busy hallways, or especially close to where you prepare and have your meals.

If you have the intention of letting your kitten having access outdoors to relieve itself at a designated location in the garden, you still need to provide a litter box for your kitten to use indoors when necessary, especially during periods of confinement during sickness or after an injury.

For choice of litter box, select one that is make of non-porous materials such as plastic, metal or fiberglass and can be disinfected easily. Select a covered one if you want to conceal unwanted smell. Just remember to change the litter daily!

There are many different types of litter material to choose from but for best results use commercial litter that are highly absorbent. Try not to use soil and sand as they tend to be messy and you can forget about using sawdust too, as it is not absorbent. Scented cat litters are also not advisable as some cats may refuse to use the box if they dislike the scent.

For hygienic reasons, remove all soiled litter as soon as possible, or at least once daily or more often if more than one cat is using the litter box. Dispose the faeces straight down the toilet. At least once a week, clean and disinfect the litter box.

One word of caution, do not let anyone who is pregnant to handle cat litter or boxes because there is a slight risk of toxoplasmosis affecting the unborn child.

For recurring case of “accidents” for your house trained cat or kitten, please consult your vet. There may be some unknown problems that cause your cat or kitten to relieve itself accidentally in the house. Clean any accident area immediately to eradicate any odor that be left behind. If possible, use a suitable biological cleaner recommended by your vet or local pet store to eliminate all odors. Failure to remove all scents would result in your cat or kitten coming back to the same spot regularly for relieving.

Tip #1
To avoid unsettling your kitten when you first bring it home, use back the same type of litter box and litter your kitten was using in its previous home.

Tip #2
Whenever your kitten feels the need to relieve itself, place your kitten into the litter box, especially when it wakes up and right after meals. You may need to show your kitten how to scratch the litter with its front paws.

Tip #3
Reward your kitten with praises or tidbits whenever it relieves itself in the litter box. This will in turn instill and reinforce your kitten with good toilet habits.

Tip #4
In case of “accidents”, do not punish your kitten by rubbing its nose in the mess as the smell will only serve to underpin the location as a toilet in your kitten’s memory.

Tip #5
To stop your kitten from relieving itself again in the same spot after an “accident” in the house, use a biological cleaner recommended by your vet or local pet store.

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