by Lauren Bove

Created on: February 09, 2010   Last Updated: February 23, 2010

Few trappings of kitten ownership are more important than the litter box.  As adorable as the wee one is, one drop of wee on the carpet and the charm is broken.  Before you do anything else besides pet and love that new kitten, get a litter box, litter and a scoop. Training your kitten to do her business in the box should be consistent and constant, but it will not be hard.  

Thanks to the mother cat's excellent natural instincts, your kitten already comes with a bit of experience in the area of litter training.  If the litter box is relatively close to the sleeping and eating areas a cat will naturally eliminate waste in the proper place.  The old saying:  "Don't poop where you eat," remains true to this day.

For kitten training, do get a small sized box that is easy for the new kitten to manage.  The safest litter filler is the simplest litter.  A natural clay litter has the absorbency you want with the texture that your kitten will find irresistible.  Fill the box to a shallow level (about 1 to 2 inches is enough) as to be inviting and not overwhelming.  As most kittens transition best in a small area of the new environment, the litter box should be available within that space, visible to you and preferably away from potted plants to avoid any unnecessary kitty confusion.

Immediately after the initial welcome home, introduce your kitten to the box.  Gently place the kitten in the litter box.  Scratch around a little (while it is still sparkling clean) and the the kitten will get the idea naturally.  Help her out by helping her to scratch with her own paws, as well.  Repeat the process intermittently, often and as soon as you observe the kitten showing any signs that she must go potty.  If any accidents happen or start to happen, don’t get upset, and relocate the kitty to the box, directly.  

Keep the litter box scrupulously clean.  Scoop daily and wash clean at least weekly.  Kittens and cats are finicky, naturally tidy and quite sensitive to smell.  If a box is too dirty for her taste, she may find a “nicer” spot to go, like your prized ficus.  Your advance work at the start will pay off for a lifetime.  Warning:  Once a kitten has had an accident anywhere in your home besides the proper location, completely clean that area with a good quality pet waste cleaner.  There are many excellent products you can find at the pet store or on the internet.  Find one that removes any trace of the bacteria and stain as cats tend to go where they scent and sense that they have gone before.

Patience, watchfulness and consistency will pay off.  Most kittens train immediately - a trait any parent can admire.  Your kitten needs your gentle guidance in every area of her growth so keep cool and have faith in her natural instincts.

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