The Guide to Training Kittens

Training kittens is rewarding and fun. A litter of well-trained kittens are more likely to find good homes, and the bonding that occurs during training is meaningful to both owner and pet. Train kittens to use the litter box, stop jumping on counters and scratch only in designated areas. Patient, kind trainers will earn the respect and the love of their furry friends.

  1. Using the Litter Box

    • Most kittens learn to use the litter box from their mothers. Like puppies, kittens should be housed in a smaller, more confined area with easy access to the box until they are potty-trained. A laundry room or a cozy garage corner with adequate protection from the elements is sufficient, and the floors in these areas are usually easier to clean when there are accidents. Monitor your kitten carefully; when it wants to go the bathroom, quickly place it in the litter box. Keep the litter clean, and do not move the box without reintroducing the kitten to it in the new location.

    Playing Gently With Children

    • The best way to teach kittens to be gentle with children is to teach the children to be gentle with them. Trainers usually instruct children to move slowly and calmly around a kitten, pet and hold it gently, and respect the cat's wish to get away. When a kitten scratches or bites, take it away from the child, hold it firmly but gently against your chest so it can't scratch, and pet it until it relaxes. Alternatively, firmly tell it "no" and place it in its room or crate alone for several minutes.

    Scratching

    • Cats scratch; it's part of their normal behavior. However, scratching can be very destructive, especially to pricey furniture. Purchase a scratching post or pad for the cat, and place it in a central location or in the cat's room. When a cat scratches furniture, quickly pick it up, tell it "no" and place it in front of the post. Special repellent sprays for your furniture can help alleviate cat scratching, as well.

    Staying off Counters

    • Kittens like to jump; they jump up on chairs and window sills, and they sometimes jump on tables and counters. While some cat owners don't mind this behavior, others are concerned about hair and germs that cats might spread to the eating areas. When kittens begin jumping, be proactive about showing them where they aren't allowed. Remove kittens immediately from countertops and tables and say "no." Or squirt the kitten with water from a spray bottle when it jumps up. The best trainers are diligent and repeat the process until the kitten learns which places to avoid.