Dan's Pet Care Animal Glossary

Glossary Term: Litter Training

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Litter training is the process of teaching a pet, usually a cat, to use a litter box for eliminating waste. The process usually starts when the pet is a kitten and can be completed in as little as a few days depending on the cat’s age, intelligence, and willingness to learn.

The most important thing when litter training a pet is to make sure they have a designated spot to go. This can be a corner of the room or a designated spot filled with a litter box. Make sure the litter box is easily accessible and placed in an area that is quiet and away from food and water dishes.

Once the litter box is in place, it’s time to introduce the cat to the litter. Put a small amount of litter in the box and let the cat explore and get used to it. If the cat begins to dig or scratch, reward them with a treat. After the cat is comfortable with the litter box, start to gradually add more litter.

If the cat begins to eliminate anywhere other than the litter box, gently take them to the box and place them in it. Do not scold or punish the cat, as this could make the process more difficult.

Once the cat is consistently using the litter box, it is important to keep it clean and fresh. Clean the litter box at least once a day, and replace the litter every two weeks or so.