If you purchase a brand new kitten, usually it will have been litterbox trained by the breeder, however if that isn’t the case, it’s relatively easy to start your young fuzzball on the right habits.

The mother takes care of all the needs of her kittens in the first few weeks, but when food supplements are added into a kitten’s diet, it’s time to start litterbox training your kitten. You should begin with a newspaper-lined box. At this first stage, when kittens are exploring and learning about the world with their mouths, normal litter may end up in their stomachs (which would require a call to the vet).

At 6-8 weeks old, a kitten is ready for normal litter such as Natural Clay or Alfalfa. Do not use scented litter or clumping litter yet, as your kitten may still be prone to eat these types. Introduce this new litterbox by adding it to the already existing newspaper box. In time, when your kitten is read, she will convert from the old to the new. But always provide a choice during this transitional time: when you change to any new kind of litter. Once you are sure the cat is using primarily the new box, then you may take away the old one.

After 4months of age, the kitten is ready for clumping litter. This is the optimal kind to keep in the litterbox because it improves the sanitation.

While litterbox training your kitten, always remember to be patient and to let your kitten get used to each new box. Encourage desired behavior by giving loving attention and treats immediately after she uses the box.

Make sure to keep your kitten’s litterbox clean at all times, not just during training. A litterbox that isn’t clean, from the cat’s perspective, is one of the biggest reasons for discontinuation of its proper use. If you have several cats in your home, you may need to supply several litter boxes. Some cats will not share.

A very effective way to keep an eye on your cat’s health is to exam the stool before you empty the litterbox. Anything unusual, such as blood or diarrhea, is an indication that either the food is not providing your kitten with adequate nutrition, your kitten is dehydrated, or there is another medical problem. If unusual stool persists even if you try a better food, speak to your veterinarian.

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