If you acquired your new kitten from a breeder or pet store, they should already be trained on how to use the litter box. Mothers teach their kittens how to use a little box, and breeders are able to replicate that training.

If your new kitten has come from where they have not been trained to use a litter box, such as an outside environment, then you will have to teach your kitten how to use one if you do not want a lifetime of urination throughout your house. If you have cat pee problems, try cat urine removal products

Choosing the right litter tray and kitty litter

While there are many kitty litter trays available, you don’t need to get too sophisticated. When your kitten is young, avoid any kind of automatic litter box as it may scare your kitten from using the litter box. Choose a litter tray that has a lot of space for your cat to roam around in. Make sure its walls are low enough for your kitten to be able to walk into inside.

Kitty litter can take some experimentation. Try different kinds if you see your kitten does not like a certain type. Avoid any scented litters because most cats actually don’t like the smell. Do not buy cat litter that clumps into clay. If your kitten swallows it, they can be in a lot of trouble as it may cause intestinal blockage.

Teaching your kitten to use the litter box

When you begin potty training your kitten, you have to keep a close eye on them. You will want to keep your doors around the house closed so they have less room for roaming around. In addition, block off any areas where the kitten can get out of sight.

The natural instinct for cats is to bury their urine and poop. If your kitten begins scratching the floor, it’s a sign that they are about to go. Gently pick your kitten up and move them to the litter box. Once inside, demonstrate the surface of the litter by scratching it with your finger. The kitten should understand that they can dig too, and they should be able to pick it up from there.

Other signs of being ready to go include crouching in a corner, or in a hidden place. If you’re playing with your kitten and it suddenly takes off, it could be a sign that they’re ready to go.

If it takes a few tries, never raise your voice with the kitten. You do not want to associate anything bad with the litter box. If your kitten has peed or pooped outside of the litter box, bring it into the litter box. By bringing the scent to the litter box, they should associate it with going over time.

Developing a routine with your kitten

A kitten’s natural tendency is to pee or poop after eating. When they finish eating, bring the kitten to the litter box and scratch it with your finger. Do the same after they are done with a long nap.

Where to put the litter box

Cats like their privacy! Put the litter box in a low traffic area of the house. Corners are preferable. You may need additional litter boxes if you have more than one kitten, or if your house is very large and you are letting your kitten roam free.

Litter box maintenance

Keep your litter box clean! Cats, in general, are very tidy. They may avoid using a litter box if it gets too dirty and soiled. Change the litter daily, and remove the hard bits every chance you get. Wash the litter box at least once a week.

Is your cat peeing outside of the litter box and ruining your carpet and floors? Is your new kitten making a mess of your house? Do you need cat urine removal products? There are many various reasons why a cat may not use a litter box. Read below to see if they apply to your cat or kitten.

Medical Conditions

If your cat has been trained to use the litter box, but all of the sudden begins to pee on your carpet and rugs, then it is likely a medical condition. The most common medical condition that can cause cats to urinate outside of the litter box is a urinary tract infection. If you think that is the case, take your cat to the vet for a check-up.

If you cat is frequenting the litter box often, even if they manage to make it without peeing on your floor, then you should consider a urinary tract infection regardless. See your vet as soon as possible.

Diabetes is another medical condition that can cause cats to urinate more frequently.

Dirty litter box

Cats are clean creatures by nature. They like to urinate in clean areas, and will bury their waste. If your litter box is dirty then your cat or kitten will avoid using it. Scoop out soiled litter often, and clean your litter box thoroughly every four to six weeks.

Cat or Kitten does not like your type of Litter

Cats are very picky. If you switch up your litter type and your cat stops using the litter box, then it’s a good sign they don’t like it, often because of the smell. Avoid scented kitty litter. If you want to switch to another brand of litter, say for environmental reasons, then start off by mixing them and gradually adding more and more of the other type of litter.

Your cat’s litter box is in a bad location

Cats like low profile areas when it comes to their litter box. Do not put the litter box in a busy location like a hallway near the kitchen. Try placing it in a corner in an low-traffic room so your cat can haves its privacy. Make sure your cat has free access to the litter box, so nothing in a room where the door will be closed. Keep your cats food and water away from their litter box.

Your kitten forgot where the litter box is

New kittens may have trouble remembering where the litter box is if you move it. You will have to educate them on the new location. Avoid moving the litter box with a new kitten if you do not have to move it.

Your Cat does not like to share

If you have more than one cat, there is a possibility that they will not want to share the litter box. Have one litter box in your home for each cat. Cats are territorial so they instinctively want their own space.

Having multiple cats may pose its own problems. When a cat marks its territory with urine, another cat can come along and reclaim it with their own urine. It’s a perpetual cycle that can never end, and their may be not remedy for it except reducing the number of cats you have in the house.

You will need Pet Stain Removal Products if you find your cat or kitten going outside of the litter box. Follow the steps above to prevent it!