Toilet Training a Cat – Cat Training Hints

train-your-cat3 Toilet training cats is more difficult than toilet training other domesticated animals. The reason is that cats tend to be set in their ways. They are extremely independent creatures that aren’t easily influenced by humans. If you are struggling with toilet training cats, you need to evaluate your situation and make sure that it’s nothing that you’re doing to cause the problem.

When toilet training cats, keep in mind that as difficult as it may seem, once your cat has caught on, he will likely continue using the litter box from that point on. So although it is stressful, it will probably be a short lived problem.

The following tips will help you when toilet training cats:

1.) Keep the litter box clean.
Cats are clean animals and they like a tidy environment. They are also extremely sensitive to smells so keep that in mind when toilet training cats. Scoop the litter box out daily and thoroughly wash the litter box weekly and fill it with fresh, unscented litter. Failure to do these things may cause your cat to avoid the litter box.

2.) Use good, quality litter when toilet training cats
Cheap litter is usually very dusty. This dust irritates your cat and will cause an aversion for the litter box. I know you feel like you’re literally throwing money away to spend more on litter that your cat will poop on, but in essence, you are also wasting money to buy litter that your cat won’t use at all. I’m not saying that toilet training cats requires the most expensive brand of litter, just that you should avoid buying the cheapest brand. A mid-grade litter should do fine.

3.) Don’t punish your cat when he has an accident.
Toilet training cats can be just as stressful for your pet as it is for you. Cats rarely react to discipline. To correct and change the behavior of a cat, positive reinforcement is key. Instead of yelling or doing any other form of punishment, try rewarding good behavior. If you catch your cat using the litter box, give him a treat as soon as he is finished. This will make toilet training cats easier as he will want to repeat his behavior often in order to receive a treat.

4.) Be Patient.
Toilet training cats doesn’t happen overnight. If you stay consistent and don’t lose your endurance, your cat will be using the litter box before you know it. Even though it is a difficult time, it’s not worth losing the bond you have with your cat. So remember to stay calm when toilet training cats.

If you try everything you know to do, you may want to visit a veterinarian to find out if your lack of success with toilet training cats is due to a medical problem.

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