Cat Health

Unlike puppies, kittens naturally eliminate in sand or soil. The mother cat usually takes care of these newborn needs. When they have their mothers around, they don't need the assistance of their owners as they can simply imitate what their mothers do. Note that these changes may take a few weeks to be learned. So, it is better that they are kept with their mothers during the first few days after birth. These cats, compared to those without moms around, do not need further housebreaking. However, kittens without moms require a bit more attention. They have to be stimulated by gently stroking their belly and anal area using an absorbent cotton ball.

When you have a mother cat and a baby kitten in your home, always remember that they will need a bigger space to sleep on. Remember to provide a comfortable bed with good ventilation and is easy to clean. Furthermore, if you want housebreaking to become easier, you can always check out the different types of litter boxes in the market today.

In using a litter box, you may need to introduce it to your pet little by little. On the other hand, if you are considering the fact that your pet cat hasn't used a litter box before, then you might want to consider the following tips in helping them get used to having one.

- Place the box in an accessible area that is easy to see.

- Allow your cat to linger in the litter box after each meal or after taking a nap.

- Take its paws and show how to scratch the box.

- As soon as it begins to use the box and recognize its odour, leave it alone. Take note that they need privacy, too.

If you have just adopted a kitten, then you might need to place it in the litter box. In that way, your new pet can be able to explore their new home. And knowing that they still have their survival instinct, it is in their nature to make sure that their dwelling place is safe and free from harm.

Remember that it is a normal reaction if your cat jumps off the box during the first few attempts of exposure. Of course, you can also expect it to loosen up a bit after a few days and eventually get used to the idea of being in a litter box. Just give it some time to adapt to the new environment it is in.

Here are some other tips about basic litter box training for cats:

- Put the box in a quiet, secure, and private place that your cat is familiar with.

- Provide the right size of box for your cat.

- Select a type of box that is easy for your cat to enter.

- Use positive reinforcement or reward technique every time your cat uses it.

- Keep it clean. Do the cleaning at least once a week.

- If you have more than one cat, place their boxes far enough from one another.

- Sometimes, you have to scold your cat, especially if they eliminate outside the litter box. Once this mistake is tolerated, it becomes a habit.

- Avoid placing the boxes near a cat dish. Healthy cats keep themselves clean. Cat equipment should be cleaned regularly. If your pet refuses to use its box, you may have to ask help from a veterinarian.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com which sells cat carrier and cat bed as well as a host of additional products.

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