how do you house train a kitten?

Question

My husband just got me two kittens and I am needing to learn to house train them. Should I have them declawed or not? I've never had house cats before! HELP?!?!

Answer 1

Cats are not like dogs, they do not have to be house trained. That's one of the best things about cats, they train themselves. All you have to do is to show them where their litter box is and where their food is and after that they are on their own. Let them wander around the house and find places that they like to sit in and places they like to sleep. Make sure from the beginning that you let them know what places they are not allowed to use as their own space. A water gun is always a good deterrent for keeping a cat away from things like plants, kitchen tables, stoves, etc. The water won't hurt them, just scare them. They hate water, but it doesn't do any permenant damage. Remember one thing about cats, they have very short memories, so if you do something to get them angry at you, the anger won't last long. Also, if they do something like barf on a piece of furniture, stick their noses into the barf immediately. if you wait it's too long and they don't understand what you are doing or trying to tell them.
Always make sure the litterbox is clean. When you have more than one cat this is vital, even they don't like the smell, and get the litter that is specifically for multiple cats.
As far as declawing, the basic rule is NO! The cat's claws are not really like our nails. The claws are an extension of their paws and you are maiming the poor things when you do it. Better to keep the claws trimmed, you can do this yourself or have the vet do it when you take the cats in for a visit.
Cats do not need to have baths if they are staying inside. They will clean themselves.
As far as food goes, be careful with giving your cat dry food. This is something that too many vets do not tell people. Most dry foods have ash and magnesium in them and these are elements that cause bladder problems in cats as they get older. Stick to products like Iams or any food that says it is low in ash. You can mix wet and dry cat food as the cat likes. Always always leave water out for your cat. They need a lot of water to drink. Also don't be surprised if all of a sudden your cat starts eating strange things, like people food. Cats can have a taste for fruit, bread, corn on the cob, and many other wierd foods, they are usually fine for the cat.
mostly just relax around the cat and don't be nervous, they will sense if you are nervous and will react to that. You want to have happy cats, so just play with them when you have the time. Get them something filled with catnip and even better, just drag a belt along the floor and they will follow and play with the belt.
Good luck and may you all have a wonderful life together. Cats are wonderful companions.

Answer 2

For cats using a litter box is almost automatic. But if you have accidents simply put the kitten in the litter box with the mess a couple of times and it should get the idea.

Whenever you do do not yell and scream when there is an accident because the kitten will begin to associate the litter box with being in trouble.

You should never declaw a cat unless absolutely necessary.

If you're having trouble with your kittens scratching everything try clipping their claws first. If you don't feel comfortable doing this ask the vet to show you how, it is really simple and if you take your time and a gentle hand the cats actually seem to enjoy it.

(at least my one weird cat did. LOL)

Don't worry about being a new cat owner they'll have you trained in no time.

Good luck and enjoy your servitude.
Eric.

Answer 3

Kittens are easy to litter train because it comes naturally to them. Just show them the litter box and make sure it's easy for them to get to. keep it clean, because cats don't like dirty litter boxes. It shouldn't take long for them to get used to using it. If clawing furniture becomes a problem, try using Soft Claws nail caps. I tried them with my cats and they work great. I feel declawing is only a last resort, because it can be very painful. Get them scratching posts and cat toys. And definitely get them spayed (if female) and neutered (if male). They will be much better pets, and will not want to roam in search of a mate. Also, it you have a male cat, having him neutered as soon as the vet says it's time will keep him from spraying all over the house (it's a way of marking his territory). Have fun with them, love them, and good luck!

Answer 4

Cats instinctively bury their waste, so put their litter box where they can find it-someplace with little traffic and quiet. You might take them to it after they have eaten. Only declaw them as a last resort, it is very painful to them, and can cause personality changes as well. Spay/Neuter them,and enjoy them. They are full of comedy, and lots of love. Good luck!

Answer 5

Cats almost instinctively know to use the litter box so as long as they know where it is they will use it you may need to help them along if they have an accident elsewhere by just saying bad and putting them in the litter box.

Answer 6

you might want to leave them in a small area, like put them in the bathroom with there litter box, water/food. so they know where to find it eaisly, and u wont loose them. leave them in there for a couple day until they feel comfortable enough to rome the house. then i would place the litter box somewhere else for the future and make sure they know where it is. It depends if you want them to be declawed. if they stay indoors, then its necessasary so they dont ruen your frueniture, but if they are outdoor cats you may want to leave there claws in so they can protect themselves.

Answer 7

I found that once you show the kitten were the litter tray is located it will not need any traning on how to use it. PLEASE DO NOT GET YOUR KITTEN'S DECLAWED IT IS CRULE.... Train your kittens to use a scratch post and not the furniture.