by Lana Gatewood

Created on: January 19, 2010

I have had many kitties in my day, some starting at a adult age, but most of my babies were babies. But this tip is good for some adult cats that aren't used to using a litter box.

For Kittens:

1st: Make sure you use a litter box that is low enough that your kitty can get in and out easily

2nd: Make sure to use safe litter with low dust. Small grain

3rd: take your kitty and hold it with a firm but gentle hold, and speak really gently to him/her re-assuring him/her that all is ok, it keeps your kitty calm. Some kitties don't really like to be held, so this is definitely recommended.

4th: set your kitty in the litter box and allow him/her to get used to the feeling of the litter under it's feet for a couple of minutes then take your kitties front two paws and gently scrape them into the litter, showing him/her how to "cover -up",

5th: Make sure to guide your new kitty to his/her litter box from time to time, when you notice they are looking for it.

Follow these steps for the first two or three days of having your new kitty, til he/she is going all on his/her own.

Remember your new Kitten is just like a human baby, it has to be taught everything.

For adult Cats

Most times when you take in a adult cat that has changed homes one or more times, they tend to be a little nervous about the change and can become disoriented. Remember be patient, just like you it takes time to adjust to a new place.

Simply follow all the same steps as you would with a Kitten.

With an adult cat, it helps to reassure them with a positive tone in your voice, or if they are ok with it even a brush down their back, works too. By doing this they feel more comfortable around you and they tend to be more willing to go to the litter box without coaxing.

If after a week or two your kitty, makes your laundry hamper or something else of yours, their litter box. Don't get angry, they are just letting you know they are not happy with you in some way. Most times they do it because their litter box is dirty.

As with any cat or kitten, we just have to be patient and caring, cause the fact is, cats don't do as they are told, they do as they want to, when they want to.

Learn more about this author, Lana Gatewood.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.