When a new kitten arrives at home, one of the most frequent questions asked by cat owners is how to teach their kitten to use the famous cat litter box. Contrary to what many people think, it is completely possible to train a feline to do something, including the ritual of going to the "bathroom". The truth is that many kittens go to the litter box naturally, appealing to instincts,while others may need a little extra help learning everyday sanitary etiquette. If you have a little furball at home and don't know what to do to educate him, don't worry! Paws of the House has prepared a guide on how to teach your kitten to use the litter box the right way. Check it out below.

First step: how to choose the most suitable cat litter box?

Before discovering how to care for kittens and teach them to use a litter box, it is necessary to take some care when choosing the most suitable sanitary container for them. The choice of the type of litter is also important during the process of educating the use of the litter box. See the tips:

• There's no point in buying the prettiest accessory if it's not functional for your feline. So, opt for a shallow litter box so your kitty can get in and out easily. Otherwise, he may end up giving up on the task and start pottying out of place. Some models are taller on the sides, but with a kind of lower entrance at the front;

• If you have a kitten and do not intend to buy another litter box in the future, choose one that is large enough for the adult animal to make a full lap inside;

• Silica, sand, clay and wood pellets are the main options for litter boxes. In addition to the diversity, the types of litter can vary from brand to brand. While some kitties adapt easily to any of them, others may not like certain textures and scents;

• Changing brands or types of litter may upset your cat and cause it to change its litter box hygiene habits. If possible, continue using the same product if your cat is already adapted to it.

Step by step to teach kittens to use the litter box

It's relatively simple to teach a kitten to use a litter box, since the whole ritual - sniffing, choosing the best spot, digging and hiding the waste - is already part of the felines' instinct and intelligence. However, there are a few details and steps that can help your kitty do the right thing. Some animals may also have more difficulties.

• First of all, you should choose the most suitable place in your home to place the litter box. Give preference to a space away from your kitten's food and water, where he will have more privacy and tranquility to do his business. Felines may also feel more comfortable if the litter box is away from where they sleep. Avoid moving it withfrequency so as not to confuse or stress the pet;

• For the first few days your kitten is home, put it in the litter box after feeding time (about half an hour later) or when it wakes up from a nap. Encourage it to move around in there for a while. If the kitten jumps out, that's fine, don't be discouraged;

• In the beginning, always praise your pet after correct use of the litter box. On the other hand, do not punish him if he pees and poops out of place, as he may associate the punishment with the mistake and thus make education difficult;

• If your kitten seems lost or starts rummaging through carpets, cushions and upholstery, for example, put it in the litter box immediately. Often, the action of scratching soft objects can indicate that the animal is looking for another place to use.

Other tips to encourage your kitten to use the litter box properly:

• It's a good idea not to give your kitten full, unsupervised access to the house until they start using the litter box frequently;

• Clean the litter box properly. Remove the litter from the box daily and change the litter once a week. It is also important to sanitize the litter box weekly with mild soap and water. Felines are very sensitive to scents and therefore it is not recommended to use heavily scented cleaning products;

• Some kittens, especially those rescued from the street, may start using plant pots as litter boxes. Inhibit this behavior by covering the ground with aluminum foil, jagged rocks, or any other item that makes digging difficult;

• If you have more than one kitten at home, each of them should have their own litter box. Felines appreciate privacy and hate having to share their "private bathroom";

• Having an extra container is also important so that the cat always finds a clean place to use.

Litter box: kittens may stop using it overnight, here's why!

There are a few reasons why cats, even kittens, may stop using their litter boxes - from health issues to environmental factors. Here are the main reasons:

• Change in sand type markings, aromas and textures;
• Sand that raises dust;
• Not too much litter, as cats like to bury their waste;
• Very fragrant cleaning products may have been used to clean the box;
• Litter boxes that do not have the waste removed with the ideal frequency. Cats are demanding animals and do not like their litter trays dirty;
• Something that has frightened the cat near the box, such as loud noises (from a pre-programmed washing machine, for example), children and other pets;
• Some physical and mental health issues can cause your kitten to stop using the litter box. If you've followed all the tips and really tried everything, take your pet to the vet so they can determine the cause of the problem.