Most cats shouldn't have problems learning to use a litter box, but Galaxy says pet parents should make sure to monitor their fur babies. Take a look at our top 5 tips for how to transition a cat to a new litter box. For example, an older cat or a pet with mobility issues may have difficulty going up or down stairs to reach its litter box. This can make it difficult when you need to switch your kitty to a new litter box. How to transition cat to covered litter box extra large. You can test out different types to figure out which kind your kitten prefers. There are also commercial products you can add to the litter to attract cats, such as Cat Attractâ"¢ Litter Additive. It's especially useful to set a litter box where you've seen cats use the bathroom before. Litter boxes should be designed specifically for the users — the cats. If the cat becomes anxious or stressed at any stage, don't force him to do anything.
You can find them in different shapes and models with varying specifications. If you are switching to a different box style, like a self-cleaning or covered one, you need to be extra contentious about these other factors. They'd rather hide them in closets and cabinets or disguise them as furniture. This is very important to keep your cat happy with the litter box. If you adopt an adult cat, most likely they'll already know how to use the litter box and will automatically seek it out when they have to "go"—no encouragement needed. Persistent, obsessive licking of genitals. He recently moved from my mother's house (where he used an open litter box) to my apartment. If you suspect a behavioral problem, always rule out any possible medical issues that may be causing the behavior by first having your cat examined by a veterinarian. Do not rush, as it may take some time for your cat to accept the new tray. How To Transition Cat To Covered Litter Box. Upgrade the litter for the new litter box if budget allows, and make it obviously more appealing for your cat by cleaning it much more often than the old one. Determine which of these areas are away from people and out of concerned neighbors' yards and place the litter boxes there.
Here's how: - Call him to the litter box and show him how the flap opens and closes for a while. Don't put pressure on your cat to go in straight away. If they are provided with an appropriate litter tray as a kitten, they will naturally follow their mother's lead in using the tray as they grow up. How to transition cat litter. More considerable changes to an entirely different box will require more patience. This will help her understand that the new box has the same function as the old one. Or he just might not know how to work the flap door. Be consistent in what litter you use, as changing the litter could cause your cat to stop using the litter box temporarily.
Cats love their routines; they're creatures of habit who rarely enjoy new things. Just like humans, our feline friends are stressed out by changes in the environment too, especially the environment where they conduct their business. If there are kittens in your neighborhood, make the walls shorter so they can climb in and out easily. It can also make it difficult to change your brand and type of kitty litter. Your cat might end up having more bathrooms than you do, but hey, it's a cat's world and we're all just living in it! How to Train Your Kitten. Change from uncovered to covered litterbox. Most cats won't use litter that's more than about two inches deep. It will attract them to use the litter box more without being anxious. Cats are clean animals, so they prefer to go to the bathroom in the fresh litter to ensure the new litter box is always clean.
All cats love peace and quiet to do their business, and community cats want to be around people as little as possible. How long does it take to litter train a cat? How to transition cat to covered litter box. Introduce the Litter Box. I finally had to take the lid off so he wouldn't go on the floor, and he immediately jumped in and peed. Keeping all else constant will minimize the shock of a new litter box to your cat. Your kitten can graduate to a larger litter box when it's a bit bigger.
With a proper place to do their business, cats are less likely to do so somewhere they aren't wanted. Be patient and do not get frustrated. Starting Out Right with Your New Cat and the Litterbox. We have affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. It is rather difficult for them to get dirty in a hooded litter box. Make it positive, fun and we guarantee he'll get used to his brand new hooded litter box much sooner! I would say the right way to describe is it reduces the odor.
Even in the same home, however, it may be necessary to move the litter box if you are remodeling or renovating rooms, such as converting a nursery, home office, or craft room where the litter box may no longer be welcome or appropriate. Taking the Flap Out. Avoid placing litter boxes next to noisy or heat-radiating appliances, like the furnace or the washing machine. Another thing you should pay attention to is the depth of the cat litter filled. The ceiling of the cover is very high, and there's a wide opening with no door/flap on the front. The location of the litter box is very important to whether or not your kitten is willing to use it. While some like the open tray, others enjoy their privacy more. Keep the litter box away from the kitten's food and water. Having no covers helps these little ones feel safe while they go the bathroom. Another common reason is that you are using a type of kitty litter your cat doesn't like. However, it is not likely to get rid of the smell completely. Put her toys around the new box. Sessions with the cat flap need only be a few minutes long and your cat will normally pick it up in a few days.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. They are perfect for people with a more sensitive smelling sense that gets triggered due to the litter box. Keep in mind that situations can change. A common problem can be that they are too used to being outdoors and having the whole world as their litter box. This type of litter doesn't need to be changed quite as often as the non-clumping kind. The most common types of litter that you'll find in pet stores are the clumping clay and non-clumping clay. I am trying to transition him to a covered litter box for odor reasons - I scoop frequently and use Clump & Seal litter, which is very effective, but in the smaller space a smell is still noticeable. Ultimately, everyone is happy when their cats, pleased with their toilettes, consistently use them.
They offer the advantage of privacy over an open litter box that some cats may prefer to have. Revisit our section on types of litter and give each type a try. When you change litter, make sure you srub the litter box thoroughly with water and soap or vinegar. However, if it's not taking to it very well you just need to slow it down and give it time. Some long-haired cats prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface, such as the bottom of the box. But if it's nowhere near where the kitten usually spends its time, then the kitten may avoid using it. Reasons For Switching To A New Style of Litter Box. Large, under-the-bed storage containers, also sold in superstores, work well as litter boxes too. Place the old one somewhere else that is less favorable. Avoid bleach or chemicals, since these can harm your kitten. Many cats are put off by the odor of scented or deodorant litters. At least once a day.