Most cats are easy to train but there are some that are just not open to the idea of keeping in line with the rules you impose in your own house. There is always one cat that will refuse to follow anything you train him or her to do. If this is your situation, you have a big hurdle ahead of you. But if you know how to train a cat properly, you will be fine.
Cats, by reputation, are independent and stubborn. They are also known for being very particular about where they expel their waste. They can only do it in a certain type of place and this place has to be somewhere they like. This is why they like litter boxes. If you train your cats to use the litter box, they will continue using it as long as you keep it clean.
It is your main duty to keep the litter box clean because apart from being particular about where they do their business, cats are also particular about the cleanliness of the place where they do it. If the box is already full or does not smell so nice, your cat will look for another place where he or she can eliminate their waste. This is why you will find waste in the couch, your laundry, or any other part of your house that is not the full and dirty litter box. Once this habit is formed, you will a have hard time re-training your cat to use the litter box.
The perfect time to train your cat is when it is still a kitten. There are easy ways to make it realize that the litter box is for eliminating waste. First thing in the morning, take the kitten out of its kennel and place it in the litter box. Doing it right after a meal or a water break will also make the cat associate the litter box with removing waste. If you see it looking for a place to do its business, pick it up and place it in the box. Your kitten will be smart enough to know what the box is for.
The thing about cats is that they do not care if you praise their good behavior or not. They are not like dogs that can easily be trained with a few nice words or displays of affection. Cats will need to be taught that there is a certain way of doing things and they have to do it.
For example, if you cannot be with your cat all the time, you must leave it in only one room. The litter box should also be in this room so that it can do its business while you’re gone. If they do not use the litter box, pick up the waste with a scoop and put it in the box. Your cat will eventually get the idea.
You can also buy cat training kits that are sold today. They can be very helpful but they are not all you need to house train your cat.
More than anything else, consistency is important. If you train your cat consistently and patiently, he or she will eventually learn. You must do it with love, too. The kits that you buy should only be tools and your own love should be the main force behind the training. In time, you will be rewarded with a house cat that is both well-behaved and intelligent.