Difficulties in Litter Training Cats

Cats are convenient pets. They don't need to be taken outside frequently because they do their "business" inside in litter boxes. Cats usually learn to use litter boxes quickly with minimal training because of their instincts, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Some cats are difficult to train, but you can usually pinpoint and correct the reason.

  1. Location

    • Many cats resist using a litter box if it is located in a high-traffic area. They prefer privacy and will choose a quiet area to relieve themselves if the box is in a noisy area or frequently has people and other pets passing by. You can easily resolve this by moving the box to an out-of-the-way location or purchasing a covered box to shield your pet during use. The Pet Paws pet training site warns against putting the box too close to eating or sleeping areas, as cats do not like to leave their waste near living areas. The Humane Society of the United States cites nearby noisy appliances as another potential feline turn-off during litter training.

    Litter Type

    • Pet store shelves are brimming with different litter types. Litter is made from substances like clay, silicone, shredded newspaper or biodegradable plant products. The humane society explains that cats are fussy about litter consistency, with many preferring clumping litter because of its sand-like texture. Try this option if your cat resists another litter type during training. Cats that previously lived outdoors might respond if you mix some potting soil into regular litter, according to the humane society. This also prevents them from digging in house plant pots.

    Smell

    • Many companies sell scented litters to appeal to human noses, but the Humane Society of the United States warns that many cats don't like the fragrance. You may have trouble training your feline to use litter if it emits a strong smell. Use an unscented product and clean the litter box every day. Cats will also reject a box that is smelly and dotted with feces and urine.

    Fear

    • Some pet owners will punish a cat if it doesn't use its litter box. This interferes with training by teaching the cat to associate the box with unpleasantness. If you shove the cat's nose into a mess on the floor, smack it and drop it into the litter box, it will think of the box as a bad thing. It can't distinguish between the punishment and the proper place. Be patient during the training process so your cat doesn't develop any fears that might keep it away from the proper potty place.