Are you tired of cleaning up after your cat?
Those of us with furry companions know all too well how much of a mess they can make. We love cats and shower affection on them, yet cleaning after your cat on a routine basis can get tiring very fast and sour your love for your furry buddy.
Beyond your own inconvenience, it also increases the risks of illness and disease. If your pet cat is defecating on the floor too much, then take it to the vet. If the vet can ensure that there aren’t any medical conditions that are causing this behavior, then you need to litter train your cat.
Litter training your cat can make your life a lot easier. Although it takes time, the payoff is more than worth it.
Here is how to start:
Choose Right Litter Box
Choosing the right litter box will be the first step. Ensure your litter box is of an appropriate size so your cat doesn’t feel trapped. If your cat is young or very old then choose a box with lower sides for easy entry.
Get a minimum of two boxes to reduce chances of your cat defecating in other parts of the house. The litter box should never be a hassle for your cat to go to. You should also choose the appropriate form of litter to fill it. Go for a clumping variety which is preferable to cats and makes cleaning easier.
Train Your Cat
The next important part after you have gathered your equipment is to teach your cat the purpose of the litter box. You should take any fresh poop and put it on the litter. That will show the cat the litter box is the place for defecation. You will need to do it a few times before the association develops. Cover the poop with your fingers to teach your cat the act of burying.
When you notice your cat wants to defecate then take it to the litter and allow it to feel comfortable in it. Ensure your cat does not come out to defecate or pee elsewhere. You will need to do this many times since cats are creatures of habit and habit formation takes time.
Block Previous Places
The most important step will be to block the previous places your cat used to defecate. First, you should wipe them with strong odorous substances like vinegar. These will dispel the smell particles which cats can detect. You should also try blocking them with furniture or other objects.
If the cat continues to go there to defecate despite all of this, then place its water and food there. Cats do not like associating their water and food with places to defecate.
Reward and Punishment
You will need to use the carrot and the stick method to get your cat used to the litter. Present them with treats or praise them once they are done using the litter. Play with the cats in the room which has the litter box. This will create positive association for the cat. Since they usually defecate after playing, chances are that they won’t look for spots other thann the litter box.
If you spot your cat going defecating anywhere other than the litter box, spray it with water.
Conclusion
House training cats to use the litter box can be exhausting. Why not reduce some of the workload and hire professional maids? Molly Maid provides excellent maids who are all too familiar with the challenges of house pets and cleaning up after them. Leave the cleanup to our crew while you focus on your pet cat.
