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Q. How do I train my cat to use the litter box?
A. Cats are very clever – some have even been taught to use the toilet – but most owners would be content to have a litter-box trained cat. To accomplish this, you need to manage space. Owners like to put litter boxes in the farthest corner of the basement. If a cat passes a potted palm along the way, the temptation to try another spot exists. Take a good look around you. If you were a cat, what might substitute for a litter box?
Make the box the first choice!
Next, remove the potential for mistakes. Supervision is critical. You cannot teach an animal that you cannot see. If you are unable to supervise, confine the animal. Create a cat room. Place the sleeping area, toys and water at one end. On the other end, place a clean litter box. These need to be apart from one another. Create an environment that almost certainly results in litter box use. (If you have a mid-efficiency furnace, do not use the furnace room. The urine can accumulate on the igniter and cause problems.)
If your training dilemma involves multiple cats, remember the following rule of thumb:
One litter box per cat plus one extra. Cats can get protective over their box.
Plan a schedule. Scheduled meals help predict your cat's bathroom schedule. You can direct the animal to an appropriate area. Cats typically go when they wake up, after eating or drinking and after periods of activity. At these times, take the cat to the box. Some people say gently scratching at the litter with the cat's paw helps speed things up.
When your cat uses the box, give a reward. Petting is good, but food rewards can really help get the message across. Pay your cat lots of attention. The litter box should be a happy place. 
Even with perfect training, you may have challenges. Cats can be rather particular at times. If a stray is making the rounds, it could be stressing your cat. If you have slacked off on cleaning the box, recommit to a daily cleaning schedule. The smell of a dirty box is very offensive to many cats.
Small things can be big to a feline. Your cat may object to a covered box, or the brand of litter you are using. Cats can also develop superstitious fears. If your cat gets startled in or around a box, you may have to buy a new style and start over.
Finally, consider things like the age and health of your pet. In some cases, a veterinarian may need to be consulted. Practical adjustments could be the solution, if the cat has lost some of its mobility or finds it challenging to navigate basement stairs in the dark.
Owners of multiple pets often create a barrier to the cat room to keep dogs out. Try installing a baby gate with just enough clearance at the bottom for the cat to go under. Your cat's aging body will appreciate not having to jump so much. Meet the animal's needs.
If you should catch a cat in the act in the wrong place, do not punish or scold them. Calmly move them to the box and clean the mess with an enzyme-based product designed for the job. Your goal is to teach your cat to go to the box. You do not want the animal hiding away from you when they need to go.
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Source:
Yvette Van Veen is a certified animal behaviour consultant. Her website is Awesome Dogs. You can write to Yvette with your pet training questions at
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