Litter Training

Kittens should be introduced to the litter box when they start eating solid foods.  They need a box with shallow sides: a cookie sheet or cake pan is perfect.  After they have eaten, place them in the box. They will learn how to use the litter box very quickly.  Sometimes they learn how to use the litter box without any help from us, as they have been watching Mom use her box. 

Observe how the kittens watch all of Mom’s actions: they find her quite fascinating and are learning how to act like cats by observing her.

Orphans may need a little more assistance from you. Simply pick them up and place them on the litter after each meal.  When you bring home your foster kittens, show them where you placed their litter box.  Keeping the box clean is very important…daily cleaning is a must. No cat or kitten wants to use or smell a dirty litter box.  Make sure the litter box is as far away from the food and water as possible.  Place the bed near the food, not the litter box.  

When first learning to use a litter box, kittens do best with clay (non-clumping) litter.  Once the kittens are older (around 8 weeks old) you can give them clumping litter.  Please do not use clumping litter with kittens under 8 weeks.