It can be a daunting task when it comes to litter-training a cat. However, it is very important that they are trained, after all, you would not want them to soil your bed or furniture.

It is important to teach them from being kittens how to use their litter tray and then they will certainly continue to use the tray as they grow older.

Listed below are some basic requirements when it comes to successfully litter-training your cat:

1. Familiarize your cat with the "safe" areas within your house

When your cat is at a young age, it is possible to box-train them. Place them in a large short sided box where they can play and litter. This is so that they will not roam around the house freely when they are not properly trained yet. Be sure to carry out all hygiene rules and clean the box when the young cat has littered. By giving the cat free rein on every area or room in your house, they will presume that they can litter everywhere.

Firstly, familiarise your cat with certain areas of your house where you permit them to roam around. Then begin to introduce the area where the litter tray is located.

As the cat owner, you will become to know the certain times when your cat will eliminate. The More usual times are after feeding, when they wake up and after going outside and walking.

2. Feed them on a regular basis

It is important to feed your cat on a regular basis in order for them to maintain a schedule of some sort within their system. After feeding, try to entice them to go to the area where the litter tray is located.

Playing with your cat and keeping it active will help them to eliminate. Be sure that the litter tray is within easy reach. When doing this on a daily basis, your cat will realise that the litter tray is the correct place to urinate or soil.

When your cat has finished a nap, place it close to the litter tray. Be sure that you give words of encouragement and stroke the coat to soothe. Your cat will also recognise your response as one of happiness.

3. Clean the litter tray

Cats are generally very tidy creatures. If they see or feel that the litter tray is dirty, they will not want to use it.

Some ways to keep the litter tray clean and train your cat to use it are:

- Your cat will not use a litter tray that smells bad, therefore after your cat has used the litter tray, be sure to clean it ready for the next time.

- As soon as your cat has used its litter tray, clean the tray with lemon juice or vinegar to remove the smell of urine and replace the tray with fresh litter. This will make the tray clean and pleasant smelling for your cat.

- Place the litter tray in an area that is easily accessible to your cat. If you assign one room for your cat, then place the litter tray at the opposite end of their sleeping area.

- Always supply your cat with clean drinking water, this may also be placed close to the litter tray so that they can urinate after drinking.

- If you have more than one cat, place several litter trays in strategic areas.

- Stress can cause a cat to stop using a litter tray. Cats will react to stress by urinating or soiling on your furniture. A physical reason may result in your cat soiling on your carpet or wetting your bed sheet. It may be possible that you cat has urinary tract problems that you do not know about. In any case, consult your veterinarian if your cat is suddenly urinating more than usual or soiling your furniture.

4. Do not associate the litter tray with punishment

If your cat happens to litter on your carpet, do not lead them immediately to the litter tray, as the cat will see this as punishment and this will result in you finding it difficult to get them to use the litter tray again.

Copyright 2007 by Joan Masterson

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