How to Potty Train Your Kitten

Cats are by far one of the most popular pets around the globe. Documented as far back as ancient Egypt, cats have kept homes free of mice and provided companionship for centuries. Kittens are very hardy little creatures, although adapting one to strict indoor living can be frustrating. Potty training your kitten will help keep your house clean and sanitary and will make your kitten a valuable member of your family.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Treats
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home. Most people prefer to keep litter boxes in areas such as the laundry room or bathroom to cut down on offensive odor and offer your kitten a bit of privacy.

    • 2

      Fill your litter box with clean, dust-free cat litter. Cats, especially young ones, are curious and love to dig in their litter box, so 3 or 4 inches of clean litter will help keep your kitten occupied while it learns to use the litter box.

    • 3

      Feed your kitten on a strict schedule. Kittens grow quickly, and their small bodies are not able to wait as long between potty breaks as older cats. A feeding regimen will help your kitten learn when it needs to go.

    • 4

      Set your kitten in its litter box after it wakes up and after meals. These are the times that the pet will be most likely to have to use the potty. Getting the animal in the box as soon as possible will give it the chance to associate the urge to go with its litter box.

    • 5

      Let the kitten spend a few quiet minutes in the box. Commotion, noise and traffic can be very distracting and might draw your kitten away from using the litter box. Stand quietly next to your cat, and allow it to do its business without interruption.

    • 6

      Praise your kitten when it uses the litter box properly. A small treat or play session with a favorite toy will let your cat know it's doing the right thing and will encourage it to use the litter box again.

    • 7

      Clean the box frequently. Cats can be extremely finicky, and a dirty, smelly litter box can prevent your kitten from using it at all. Scoop out the dirty litter once a day, and empty the entire litter box and wash down with a mild bleach solution once per week to kill bacteria and any offensive odors. Refill the box with fresh litter as needed.