The biggest difference between cats and dogs might just be that cats don’t need house training. It’s not like your attempts at training are going to have an impact, anyway. Just put out the fresh litter and keep the tray clean, and you’ll get along swimmingly.
From an early age the cat knows exactly what the litter box is for and how to use it. It’s built into their DNA, just like scratching fabric and tormenting rodents. In exchange for this inherent understanding, the cat owner must live up to their end of the bargain. If the litter box isn’t kept clean and becomes a soggy sandbox of urine and feces, don’t expect the fastidious feline to want to get her paws dirty in that. Who would?
The box should be cleaned out a couple of times a day, maybe more if the cat has a problem with its kidneys and is urinating frequently, for example. There should be one litter box per cat in the household. If you can’t maintain a perfectly clean litter box, get extra litter boxes to minimize your cleaning time.
There shouldn’t be more than an inch of litter in the box, by the way. It’s easier to clean a shallow amount of litter, and the cat won’t sink down into it. Don’t line the litter box with plastic liners or anything else. Liners tend to trap urine and tear. They’re more bother than benefit.
And never, ever, use clumping litter in a box used by kittens. Like children, kittens put stupid things in their mouths, and a clump of litter in a kitten’s stomach could spell tragedy.
This one should go without saying: don’t keep the litter box near the cat’s food and water source. Would you want to eat dinner next to the toilet?
While we’re on the subject of what’s appropriate, keep in mind that cats are private creatures. They often don’t want to be disturbed while sleeping and they also would like their private time when using the loo. To that end, keep the litter box in a quiet location such as under the basement stairs or in a room that’s used infrequently, away from dogs and screaming kids. It goes without saying too that you probably don’t want to look at a litter box anyway. Let’s face it: they’re ugly.
And as tempting as it is, don’t spray the thing with harsh smelling room deodorizers. Cats have extremely sensitive noses and shouldn’t be subjected to scents and strong cleansers. Keep the box fresh by blending in a little baking soda with the litter instead (unless the user is a kitten).
And if you still find after all your careful maintenance that your cat is urinating outside the box, then a trip to the vet is in order. Don’t assume it’s a mere attitude problem. Most commonly it’s the sign of a bladder infection, so act on it quickly and get the cat treatment. Your cat is trying to tell you something.
