Choosing a Box and Litter

• Choose the right box and litter for your cat
  
  Pick a litter box made from a non-absorbent material, like plastic. These are easier to clean and deodorize, and do not absorb smells from the material they contain. Some cats are picky about the litter they use. Most cat litters are made of absorbent clay. Some varieties clump around liquid waste for easy cleanup and some contain crystalline time-release fresheners. Do not switch litters constantly, as a cat may refuse to use a new type.
  
  

Observation

• Cats give certain signals when they're ready to use the litter box
  
  Notice when the cat begins to sniff and scratch at different areas. These are indicators that the cat may need to urinate or defecate. Place the cat in the litter box. Scratch her front paws in the litter, as an indicator that this is where she should eliminate.
  
  

Handling Accidents

• Pick up the errant defecation, and place it in the litter box
  
  If the cat has an accident, do not punish him for it. This only teaches him not to eliminate in front of you and is counter-intuitive to your goal. Pick up the errant waste and place it in the litter box. Then, place the cat into the litter box, and scratch his front paws over the waste. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and by placing any accidental waste into the litter box, they will soon begin to associate the litter box as their elimination site.
  
  

Rewards

• Reward your cat when she eliminates in the right spot
  
  Reward your cat when she successfully uses the litter box on her own. This will encourage her to continue doing so. Rewards can consist of treats, petting or extra playtime and attention. Continue to reward her even after she has used the litter box several times to ensure the behavior continues.
  
  

When Litter Training Doesn't Work

• A clean litter box encourages cats to use it
  
  If litter box training does not seem to be working for your cat, you should call a veterinarian to eliminate the potential of any health problems like a urinary tract infection or kidney problems. De-clawing a cat may cause a cat to refuse to use the litter box due to pain in the nerve endings where their claws should be. Male cats who have reached puberty may begin "marking" their areas with urine, which is not associated with elimination, but rather a hormonal desire to let other cats know who owns the area. Neutering will often solve this problem. Cats may also refuse to use the litter box if it is unclean, if the litter is not to their liking or the box is placed in a very noisy, busy area of the house.