Litter Box Tips: Bringing Home a New Kitten or Cat
Your kitten from me will already be litter box trained before they go to their new home. HOWEVER, when you take a cat or kitten to a new home, the FIRST thing you do, is show them where the litter box is and set them in the box. *Put the litter box in a corner or other secluded spot with 3 to 4 inches of a good clumping litter--cats do not prefer hooded litter boxes either. The first few days to a new home, such as, after your kitten has awakened from a nap, or shortly after she's finished eating, place her in the box. If she doesn't dig or scratch, gently take one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Just place her in it at hourly intervals until she gets the idea the first few days to the new home. Cats instinctively bury their waste, so it's easy to show them where to go potty and they will naturally go to the litter box when they need to potty. Make sure they always have access to the litter box. Make sure no one shuts them in a room accidentally or closes the door to the room that their litter box is kept. Make sure that you scoop the box at LEAST once daily (if you only have one cat, change the litter every few weeks). If you have multiple cats then you will need to scoop the box a few times daily and provide a box for each cat. You can add fresh litter between full litter box cleaning too.
TIPS FOR LITTER BOX ISSUES:
How old is your kitten?
How long have you had him?
How old was he when you got him?
Are there other cats (or pets) in the house?
Does he have his own tray, or is expected to share?
Where is the litter box/tray kept?
Was he litter tray trained when you got him?
Have you talked with the breeder, shelter, original owner or etc?
Often, when kittens are weaned from their mother and/or siblings too early, they will develop behavioral issues because they haven't had the opportunity to learn from them.
Also, being relocated to a new home can stress them, and initiate behavioral problems. Keep in mind that stress can instigate bladder infections, so a visit to the vet might be warranted.
Therefore, you will have to teach him.
Before you begin teaching, get rid of anything they have pottied on! Wash it, dry it, fold it, put it away... out of sight. Cats WILL return to the same place to 'do their business'. Be sure to clean whatever is affected -- floor, carpet, bedding, etc. because it WILL hold his scent. There are deodorizing products you can use too.
The tray should be easily attainable in a room with low traffic, activity, and noise. Cats DO prefer their privacy! It should also be clean -- I suggest you don't wash it at this point, just change the litter. If he previously used the tray, it will have his scent in it and encourage him to use it.
At least every one to two hours (depending on his age) you will need to physically place him in the litter tray. Gently take his front paws and show him how to dig in the litter for a few seconds. Talk quietly to him, encourage him, and praise him! Then allow him time to 'sniff around' and investigate. He might make a 'deposit', or he might not. Either way, give him praise and let him know he is being a good boy!
I hope these tips help.
TIPS FOR LITTER BOX ISSUES:
How old is your kitten?
How long have you had him?
How old was he when you got him?
Are there other cats (or pets) in the house?
Does he have his own tray, or is expected to share?
Where is the litter box/tray kept?
Was he litter tray trained when you got him?
Have you talked with the breeder, shelter, original owner or etc?
Often, when kittens are weaned from their mother and/or siblings too early, they will develop behavioral issues because they haven't had the opportunity to learn from them.
Also, being relocated to a new home can stress them, and initiate behavioral problems. Keep in mind that stress can instigate bladder infections, so a visit to the vet might be warranted.
Therefore, you will have to teach him.
Before you begin teaching, get rid of anything they have pottied on! Wash it, dry it, fold it, put it away... out of sight. Cats WILL return to the same place to 'do their business'. Be sure to clean whatever is affected -- floor, carpet, bedding, etc. because it WILL hold his scent. There are deodorizing products you can use too.
The tray should be easily attainable in a room with low traffic, activity, and noise. Cats DO prefer their privacy! It should also be clean -- I suggest you don't wash it at this point, just change the litter. If he previously used the tray, it will have his scent in it and encourage him to use it.
At least every one to two hours (depending on his age) you will need to physically place him in the litter tray. Gently take his front paws and show him how to dig in the litter for a few seconds. Talk quietly to him, encourage him, and praise him! Then allow him time to 'sniff around' and investigate. He might make a 'deposit', or he might not. Either way, give him praise and let him know he is being a good boy!
I hope these tips help.
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Sources: http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/9-provide-all-the-comforts/, IAABC, Maine Coon Crazy Facebook Group Admin
