Cats have been programmed for thousands of years to cover their “waste.” In the wild, this helped to eliminate the cat’s scent and elude predators. Most cats are naturally attracted to a litter box because it provides a place for them to cover their waste.
However, there are a few things you can do (and encourage your clients to do) to promote good litter box habits:
- Place the litter box in a quiet location that your cat has access to at all times.
- Always keep the litter box clean, scooping the waste daily.
- Change the litter often – at least once a week.
- Avoid cleaning the litter box with strong cleaners since the odors may repel your cat.
- If you have a new kitten, place the kitten in the litter box after it wakes up and also after meals.
- Praise your kitty lavishly afterward to reinforce the fact that it’s a good thing to use the litter box.
- Avoid using scented litters. Cat’s don’t like strong smells and may be repelled by the smell.
- Don’t move the litter box unless absolutely necessary.
- Give each cat its own litter box.