If cats are so independent and resistant to training, how do they ever learn to use a litter box? In fact, no matter what your rug would tell you, your cats are naturally inclined to use litter boxes. All it takes is a little bit of training and a regular cleaning schedule, and your cat will be a litter box champ.

First, a little background: Your cat's instincts will help the training process. Although they may seem willing to relieve themselves anywhere, cats have strong preferences that favor a well-maintained litter box. First, cats want to find a loose, soil-like surface on which to relieve themselves. Second, they prefer to relieve themselves in a clean spot.

A cat's preference for soil-like surface makes the litter box more attractive than a rug or a sofa (so far, so good), but large planters, sandboxes and other spots can give your litter box competition. Especially when you are training your cat, try to block access to surfaces that might compete with the kitty litter for your cat's attention.


Even if your litter box provides the only soil-like surface in the house, your favorite rug may become a kitty latrine if the kitty litter and the litter box are not cleaned regularly. Kitty litter should be cleaned every day. And the box should be cleaned at least once a week to remove offensive odors. When cleaning the box, you can use water with a bit of lemon juice or bleach to carry away smells. Note: Most experts recommend that your house have at least one litter box per cat, so that each cat will almost always have a clean spot to go in.

Your cat will prefer that the litter box be far from his bed. If the two are too close, your rugs are in jeopardy again.

Now, on to the training: Since your cat should naturally gravitate to the litter box, your training objective is really just a matter of helping your cat to discover the box.

Start by getting to know your cat's elimination schedule. He probably relieves himself after waking, after eating and after exercise. Mealtimes are the easiest for you to track, so after feeding him either lead him to the litter box, or pick him up and place him in it. When he is in the box, stroke and praise your cat so that he will remember the litter box as a clean, happy place. If your cat does not relieve himself in 10 minutes, wait another half hour or so and repeat this exercise. Be sure to praise him when he relieves himself in the box.

It may take a while for your cat to use the litter box reliably, so keep the training going for a week. Remember to keep praising, keep cleaning and have a little patience with the learning process.

We went to reliable sources for the above information, but don’t forget – we’re just cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.