One of the many wonderful things about having cats is that they don't need any extensive potty training! Unlike the house training process for dogs, cats are much more relaxed. Cats are naturally drawn to using the litter box as long as they are provided with a comfortable environment and encouragement. Still, when bringing in feral kittens there are several things that a new foster parent can do that'll make the transition smoother.
- Introducing litter at the right time.
Some kittens may be too young to start using the litter box when you first bring them inside. If their mother is absent and you bring a litter of babies inside when they're newborns, they need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom as their mother would do. Kittens don't usually start using the litter box until three or four weeks.
- Choosing the right litter!
Safety and preference are the operative words when choosing the proper litter. Of course, using the safest, most effective kind of litter is paramount for any pet parent. There has been some controversy surrounding the use of clumping litter recently. This clumping litter is made out of sodium bentonite which expands when it comes into contact with liquid. Some of the concerns are that as cats and kittens clean themselves and lick their paws after using the litter, they can ingest clay particles. As well, kittens don't know exactly what is safe and what isn't yet so the risk of them chewing on some litter is an issue. Litter dust is also a potential cause for respiratory issues in people and pets as it contains crystalline silica particles. The safest bet, especially for kittens, is using a
pellet based litter that is less likely to be ingested and doesn't give off dust.
Preference is also extremely important when selecting a litter. Cats can be finicky and sometimes are so stubborn that if they don't love the texture of a certain litter then you might find some unwelcome surprises around your house. Again, patience is key. You might have to try out several kinds of litter before the kittens settle on one they like best.
- Choosing the right placement.
The litter box should be placed in a safe, smart space. What I mean by this is that the box needs to be set up in a way that makes natural sense to the kitten. Cats are drawn to corners and areas away from where they sleep or eat. Placing the litter box in the farthest corner or perhaps in the closest with the door open at all times is the best option. If you're fostering kittens that are 3-8 weeks then they should have no problem having access to the box as they are being housed in a single room of your home.
Positive reinforcement comes in two forms here. Making sure the kitties have a clean toilet to use and praising them when they use or attempt to use the litter box. Cleaning the litter box once a day is essential for the cats comfort and for the sake of the smell, honestly. If a kitten uses the box, shower them with pets and treats to show them that this is good behavior that you want to continue.
Best of luck with your potty-training!
No comments:
Post a Comment