House training a cat: what not to do

Compared to dogs, house training a cat can be a relatively easy task. Kittens are quick to adapt to a pattern of routine and new surroundings, as opposed to puppies that may require more work to get them house trained. Learning how to house train a cat for the first time is not a difficult process. However, there are a few common misconceptions about what to do when house training cats. If you’ve recently adopted a new kitten or stray cat or even if you’re new to cats in general, read on as Reveal discusses the best ways to train a house cat.

For first-time cat owners, house training a new cat is an essential first step towards seamless cohabitation between feline and human. When considering the best ways for house training new cats, owners should clue themselves up with the basics first. Firstly, cats are instinctively clean animals. As such, they tend to go about their business in a regular spot, so as not to spoil their territory. This is important when factoring in training cats to use a litter box.  

However, they are also instinctively outdoor animals and, unless already conditioned as an indoor cat, they will want to go out and explore as nature intends. This is something that new cat owners should consider when wanting to either domesticate a cat or limit their time outdoors. 

Although house training a cat can be easy, it’s easier to fall into bad habits when training cats for the first time. Whether based on bad advice from others or just a bad judgement call, most cat owners have been guilty of making at least one error when it comes to house training a cat for the first time. With this in mind, we’ve decided to cover some of the do’s and don’ts for first-time cat owners looking for the best ways to house train a cat. 

Teaching your cat how to use the litter box is a vital part of house training. This is arguably the first step that every pet-owner should take when house training a cat and is the one that gets misinterpreted the most. While there are a few universal truths when it comes to litter training, these are the biggest do’s and don’t for new cat-owners:

The best way to litter train your cat is to keep it as simple as possible and start immediately. Whether you’re training a new kitten or an older stray cat, the easiest way to get them adjusted to a new routine is to teach them right from the outset.

When first training them to use a litter box, confine your cat to a small space in the house, such as the utility room or a bathroom, in order to keep them in close proximity to the box when it’s required.

Wherever you place your litter  box, it should be a quiet and private place so that your cat can go about their business in peace without an audience. In addition, make sure you don’t put the litter box next to their feeding bowls. Humans don’t like eating where they go the toilet and neither do cats! 

As cats instinctively cover their tracks, so to speak, it is advised that you ensure your pet is naturally attracted to the litter and will use the box without prompting. Should your cat go elsewhere during house training, transfer some of their faeces or urine into the litter. The scent will help draw your cat to the litter box, as a subliminal reminder that this is where they should be going to the toilet. 

While you should be regularly cleaning the litter box, it’s a good idea to add a tiny bit of soiled litter on top whilst house training a cat until they are using the litter box unaided. This will help to further reinforce the notion that this is where your cat must relieve themselves. 

One of the biggest mistakes that first-time pet owners make when it comes to house training a cat is how to discipline them correctly whilst learning to use the litter box. The notion of ‘rubbing their nose in it’ should they go to the toilet in the wrong area is terribly outdated. 

However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t inform your cat that they’ve done something wrong. If you catch your cat in the act, squirt them with a light spray of water from a bottle spray. Should you catch them again, repeat the same action. This will startle them and help deter them from making future mistakes as they begin to associate the feeling when not using the litter box for toilet trips. 

Instead of having to discipline your new cat or kitten, the best course of action is to anticipate behaviour ahead of time. For example, if you notice your cat looking for a suitable corner by sniffing, scratching or beginning to crouch, try to catch them at this stage before they do anything  and place them in the litter box. 

This helps to avoid any potential accidents by helping to eliminate any opportunity for your cat to relieve themselves anywhere other than  their litter box. Another useful tip if you live in a house with carpet is to thoroughly clean any soiled areas, as the smell may encourage your cat to use this spot again in the future. 

To further reinforce good behaviour whilst litter training, praise your cat when they do the right thing and use the litter box for going to the toilet. In some cases, you may even want to incentivise your cat with treats or playtime to reward the good work they are doing. You’ll be surprised how much positive reinforcement works on cats just as well as it does on people!

It may sound obvious, but make sure your new cat has had at least a month or so to get used to her new home before letting them outdoors. For kittens, it is particularly important that they do not come into contact with other cats outside of your home before they are completely house trained and vaccinated. 

Should you be training an older stray cat, while they may be familiar with the outdoors, it is always best to make sure they are accommodated with their new home first so they know they are safe to return. This is particularly important if the cat has come from a troubled home before you adopted them. 

Instead, provide your cat with access to the garden area of your house in stages. Begin with a confined, supervised area, which would be difficult for your new cat or kitten to escape and become lost. This will slowly ease them into finding their footing outside before you can let them become completely independent and come and go as they please. 

If you are planning on giving your cat outdoor access, we strongly advise installing a cat flap in your home. Cat flaps used to be a mainstay of the UK cat-owner’s home. However, it seems that in recent years, fewer people have been installing them. Despite this, we believe that some older traditions are best kept and would definitely recommend a cat flap for your furry friend. 

Cat flaps will provide your cat with independence and let them feel as if your home is their home, meaning they can come and go as they please, just like you. In addition, many modern cat flaps are equipped with light springs or magnets that automatically close the flap once your cat passed through. This addition helps to prevent drafts from blowing into your home and allows quick access for your cat. 

Here at Reveal, we can offer expert advice about house training your new cat or kitten. We can provide you with everything from pro tips for first-time cat owners to guidance on the most suitable diet for your cat.