How to litter train a new kitten

#Middlebury #Kitten #LitterBox

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m getting a new kitten from my neighbor. His name is Striper, and he’s 10 weeks old. But I’m worried that he won’t know how to use the litter box. Once he moves in, how can I train him to use the litter box? – Kaley in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

DEAR KALEY: Once kittens are able to move around and explore, their moms teach them right away where and how to go. This is a survival skill: Cats hide their waste so that it’s harder for predators to find them and so their prey doesn’t know they’re around.

However, you’ll need to make sure Striper knows where it’s appropriate for him to go. So, before he comes home with you, prepare for his arrival.

• Have the litter box ready to go, filled with litter, and a scoop and bag nearby.
• As soon as Striper arrives, bring him to the litter box first before anything else. Let him sniff around and get familiar with the box.

What if Striper doesn’t use the litter box? Here’s what to do:

• If you catch him in the act, don’t scold him; pick him up and place him in the litter box.
• Let him sniff around again and allow him to leave even if he doesn’t go again.
• Get to know his behaviors. Once you recognize Striper is about to go, you can pick him up and get him to the litter box.
• Give him lots of praise when he uses the box and a little treat when he’s done.
• If Striper still won’t use the box, try shifting it to a new location and show him where it is.

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