It’s Natural: Tips for Litter Training Your Cat

Bringing home a cat is a special and important moment for any family. Whether you are a veteran pet parent bringing home a new cat, or a new pet parent experiencing the joy of cat ownership for the very first time, acclimating your new cat to its litter box is an important step in those early days. There are a few things you can do to make the litter training process a breeze.

1. Set your cat up for success

   There are some things you can do before your cat’s arrival that may really help with litter box success. First, ensure the litter box is big enough for your cat. A typical rule of thumb is to make sure your litter box is about one and a half times the size of your cat. Second, make sure your litter box is in a location that doesn’t feel too trapped. Cats do not like to feel cornered when using the litter box, as it makes them feel threatened. Lastly, if there are other cats in the household, it is important to have at least as many litter boxes as there are cats in the house. It is recommended that you have one extra box so your cats have options. For example, if you have three cats, you would have four litter boxes throughout the home.

   After these considerations are met, simply make sure that your cat is aware of the box’s location. You may wish to place your cat gently in the box once or twice. Most cats will naturally seek out a place that feels like dirt or sand to eliminate. Once your cat knows where the litter box is, they should soon learn to use the box instinctually. If your new cat needs an extra push to use the litter box, Naturally Fresh offers a Natural Training Kitten Litter, which includes a powerful blend of natural herbs that attracts your new kitten to their litter box. If you’ve just gotten a cat adult who’s struggling to use the litter box consistently, Naturally Fresh Herbal Attraction® Cat Litter was made with them in mind. Formulated with a lend of naturally scented herbs that have been shown to be extremely effective in attracting cats back to their litter box, this formula is a calming, natural solution.

2. For a litter switch, consider a gradual transition

   Ask the individual you are adopting or purchasing the cat from if they are using a litter box and if they may be already used to a certain litter. If your cat has been using one type of litter consistently, but you are interested in trying a new litter, take it slow. You may wish to place a small amount of the new litter in with the old, and gradually increase the amount each time you change the litter. Cats may find it easier to transition to a new litter with a more gradual pace.

3. Follow your cat’s natural wiring

   Cats are naturally wired to bury their business in nature. Cats have evolutionary instincts designed for survival, which leads them to bury their smell in an ancestral effort to ward off predators and better hunt prey. Providing them with an all-natural litter like Naturally Fresh that is similar to what they might find in nature may help reinforce this natural instinct. There are a number of litters on the market today that are made of all natural ingredients. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter, for example, is made of 100% walnut shells. It is not only biodegradable, non-GMO, and non-toxic, it covers up odors, clumps well, is free of silica dust and absorbs three times better than clay litter. All-natural litters are a great option for families looking to honor their cats’ natural instincts while using a product that is safe for pets and the environment.

4. When in doubt, ask a professional

   If your cat is resisting the litter box, it could signal a medical condition. To rule out any medical issues, visit your veterinarian. If your cat is still having trouble using the litter box, consider the box’s cleanliness, location, and the amount of litter in the box. Cats like clean boxes due to their natural instinct to hide their scent from predators. It’s also important to remember to never punish a cat for eliminating outside the litter box. This may result in the cat associating the litter box with punishment.

Encouraging your cat to use the litter box is a big step in your cat’s life, and a way for you to demonstrate your care and love. Providing a clean, safe litter box filled with litter that celebrates a cat’s natural instincts is a great way to start your relationship on a good note.