The litter box, especially for those living in an apartment, is an essential tool when you choose to adopt a cat, and it is crucial to teach them how to use it correctly.
Sometimes the goal is not that easy to achieve, but with a little patience and by following a few tips, even the most reluctant cat will learn to do its business in the litter box.

Tips

• It is important to train the cat right from the start. The sooner you teach a cat to use the litter box, the easier it will be for it to become a routine.

• Be patient: every cat has its own pace. Especially if the cat was previously left free to do its business elsewhere, it is likely that getting used to this new practice will take some time.

• Buy a spacious litter box, so the cat feels free to move around inside it.

• Choose the location for the litter box carefully. It is important that the box is in a spot clearly visible to the feline and easily accessible. You can also choose to place more than one around the house. The important thing is that it is not in a place that is too noisy or a high-traffic area, so the cat feels at ease.

• Avoid moving the litter box. Once you have chosen a spot, it is best to leave the box there, to prevent the cat from feeling disoriented regarding where it needs to do its business.

• Keep the litter box clean; it is best to change it often. Cats are animals with a great sense of cleanliness.

• Choose quality litter. It is preferable to opt for a product without perfumes and that does not produce excessive dust, so the kitten does not inhale it.

• For the first few times, place the cat in the litter box yourself, so it can explore it and to remind it to do its business there.

• Do not change the litter brand often. Once the cat is used to a type of litter and seems comfortable, it is best not to change the brand or type.

• Reward the cat when it uses the litter box. Unlike punishing it when it doesn't use the box, which leads to developing a sense of fear toward you, it is best to reward it when it goes in the box, to associate it with something pleasant.

Which litter box should you choose?

• Enclosed litter box: in addition to the tray for the litter, it has a cover to close it and a small door that the cat can enter through. For many cats, this can be a place where they feel more secure. Furthermore, it keeps odors contained.
• Open litter box: it consists exclusively of the tray and may be more suitable for cats that might feel trapped in an enclosed one.

Which litter should you choose?

• Non-clumping litter: composed of clay, which absorbs liquids evenly across the entire surface.

• Clumping litter: composed mainly of bentonite, which forms clumps when it comes into contact with liquids.

• Silica cat litter: composed of silica crystals, which have great absorbent power.

• Biodegradable litter: made from organic waste materials, it can even be flushed down the toilet.