Using the litter box
Most cats learn from their mothers how to use the litter box at a young age. But stray cats, who have been adopted recently, may not know how to use it. Sometimes, even well-trained cats forget and begin to leave their remains inappropriately around the house. The reasons behind these changes may be medical problems or personal preferences.
This is how you teach your pet :
A - Choose the appropriate waste box.
1. Its preferable to choose a large box. The reason behind this is that the cat will comfortably use the box. If your cat is growing and you choose a small box, you will end up changing the box in the coming months. So, It is better to start with a large box. And regardless, If your cat is large or small, choose a low-rimmed box.
2. Decide:
Do you want an open box? Or closed?
Advantages and disadvantages of each box:
The best advantage of a covered box is privacy, which is appreciated by some cats. The cover will also prevent the dog from eating out of the box.
While covered crates tend to trap odor in the room, making the non-clean box unappealing to your cat
also with closed boxes, If your cat size is too large, they may have trouble digging in the sand.
Therefore an open box might make it easier, for larger cats.
3. Bring more than one box.
4. Where to locate the box:
Cats have a natural intuition to bury their 💩. But if the place is difficult to find, the cat may look for another place to relieve their needs. To solve this problem, place it in a convenient and accessible place. Do not put it beside the cat food. also, cats prefer quiet places.
B - make sure the box is in good shape and
1. Choosing the right box.
Cats prefer lumpy sand because it is comfortable to walk above. Some cats prefer odorless sand (animal welfare society warns against the use of scented-sand). Keep the box smelling clean this way the cat will get used to using the box.
2. Use an adequate amount of sand.
Do not put too little litter. However, this does not mean using a large amount of it. On the other hand, not filling the box with enough sand will give your cat a hard time burying the waste. Expert recommend (5 cm) and some are likely (10 cm) of sand. You can try both and let your cat pick!.
3. Cleanliness of the box
First, if you are taking care of a small cat or a cat that is still training, it is advisable to leave liquid or solid waste in the box for the first weeks to remind them where the box is. After you have trained your cat, you need to maintain a clean box because dirty boxes will push away your cat from it and will not use it. And will relive their need elsewhere.
Cleaning guide:
-It is preferable to remove solid and liquid waste daily. Some experts prefer twice a day. In order to maintain the cleanliness of the box.
-Wash the entire box once a week. With warm water, soap, and do not use any chemical.
After washing the box, refill it.
Training your cat how to use the box.
1. Know your cat's timing.
Most cats relive their need after sleeping, running, playing, or after eating. Knowing your cat's schedule helps you guiding them to their box.
2. Play with your cat next to the box.
Because most cats relive their need after playing, and if the box is placed in the room with a door, close the door and stay with them in the room.
3. Teach them what to do
If the cats learn from their mothers, then they need someone to teach them, meaning you need to carry them to their boxes and take them through the steps of digging.
Use your finger to shift some sand aside to show them this way ,they'll learn from you.
W - How to solve the cats need to waste outise the box.
1. Do not scream at your cat.
It is possible that your cat has a problem because of the sand's quality or from the box itself.
2. Place the waste where it belongs
If your cat does it outside the box, it is better to take the waste and put it in the box yo remind your cat instead of throwing in the trash.
3. place their food near the wrong waste place.
If your cat got used to somewhere else, place the food near it. Cats have a natural intuition! to avoid reliving their needs near food.
4. Try a temporary period of punshiment.
Little tip: "Always check if your cats urine, contains blood, vomit, or diarrhea , it may be a bad sign"
Types of cats' sand
There are three main types of cat sand
Which are :
Silica:
Mud or dust. which contains dust-like material.
Recycled plant materials.
Crystal sand:
Crystal sand is one of the most common types of sand used for cats. Its shaped in a similar way to transparent sugar granules. It consists of certain substances that make it act like a sponge in terms of liquid absorption ability where it absorbs to about (80%). Crystal sand is characterized by its ability to absorb bacteria and not to develop mold. It also has the ability to absorb odors up to 30 days
Clay sand:
Clay sand is well known for its ability to absorb animals liquids and waste. But this type of sand has a number of disadvantages, as it contains a large proportion of dust which makes it very bad for the cat's health and people with allergies. It is also heavily precipitate in the box where which makes it difficult to clean
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