There is no such thing as “litter training” for cats as it is instinctive to them. The cat you will bring back home will most likely already be trained to use a litter box. The only thing you can do is to make sure to provide your cat with an accessible litter box. It is with different trials that you will find your cat’s preferences for the location of the litter box, the type of litter to use and make sure to have an appropriate size for your cat.

It is also recommended to frequently show your cat the litter box for the first couple days. If he was used to an uncovered litter box, you may go step by step. Don’t put the door to it and once your cat is comfortable to use it, you can add the door and show him how to make it slide.

Does your cat fails to use the litter box and makes your life miserable? Here are the possible reasons your cat is not using the litter box:

Many factors could bring your cat to dislike his litter box. For example, cats don’t like dirty litter box. Clearly, the definition of dirty may vary from cat to cat. Some are happy if you clean the box once a day while others want a litter box cleaned after each use.

Furthermore, your cat might dislike a covered box as he might dislike the depth of the litter or the size of it. Your cat should have enough space to turn around, scratch and dig. You might also try different types of litter and different location where to put it. Privacy is also an important element for your cat to feel comfortable using the litter box. It is all a matter to find your cat’s preferences.

Most cats don’t appreciate having urine or feces from another cat in their litter box. Each cat should be provided with its own litter box and you should add an extra litter box in a different location.

If ambushing is a problem, create more than one exit from the litter box, so that is the ambusher is waiting by one area, your cat has an escape route.

If you have a mal cat, he probably tries to mark his territory by spraying it, you may want to consult a veterinarian and think about neutering your cat.

Another reason why your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box could be that he has a medical problem such as urinary tract infection or that he has crystals in the urine that makes it painful. Cats often associate this pain with the litter box and begin to avoid it. If it is the case, your cat needs medical attention. Only a visit to your veterinarian for a through physical examination can rule out a medical problem.

This is harder to detect and resolve. If your cat is frightened, he may lose control of his bladder. Some cats adapt very good to changes while others don’t and show it by eliminating somewhere inappropriate. Ask yourself questions as the following to help you pin point the reason your cat avoids his litter box:

• Is your cat recovering from an illness?
• Is there a new member in the family? Baby, cat, dog? Or has one left?
• Did you recently change apartment? Did you change the location of his litter box?
• Is there a loud noise outside or inside the room where the litter box is located?

Those are all questions that could help you making the appropriate changes so your cat would be reassured. Most importantly, give your cat the attention he deserves and try to respect his daily routine. That could help him a lot.

Extra tips to prevent the litter box problem persisting

Cleaning soiled areas

Since cats like soiling an area that already smells like urine or feces, it is important to clean properly all those areas. You could buy from a pet supply store a fluorescent black light. Urine stains will glow in the dark under that type of light. Once you find the urine spots, you can clean them with an enzymatic cleaner, also available in a pet supply store. It is the best way to eliminate the odor to prevent your cat to re-mark the area.