How to Retrain a Cat to use the Litter Box in Four Days

The question that comes up time and again during my Livestreams is, "What can I do, my kitty isn't using their litter box?"

If they are already spayed or neutered, then take them to a licensed veterinarian to verify that they don't have a urinary tract infection or bladder crystals. If they don't, and they're not under any stress caused by other cats bullying them or humans arguing. First, try gently picking them up and placing them, along with their "accidents," in the litter box. 

If they still are going outside the box, then it might be time to try the following 4-day retraining process:

First, you'll need to get an XXL pet playpen, much like this one https://a.co/d/3hPaXQk

Lay pet pee pads down, covering the bottom and partly up the sides of the pen.

On one side, place a bed as well as food and a water fountain. 

On the absolute opposite side of the food and water fountain place a small to medium-sized litter box.

The litter box should never be close enough to get into the food or water if kicked out.

For days One and Two, your fur baby might repeatedly make a HUGE mess. This could be because they are being retrained, or because they're mad that they need to be retrained. 

Now, they will most likely meow in protest because they want out, and you'll want to let them out, but trust me, you're not doing them or you any favors. 

Any time they go outside the box, quickly clean it up, placing the "oops" into the litter box, even if that means placing the paper towel in there too.

At the next regularly scheduled cleaning, remove them. This lets them know it's there even though it's been cleaned.

WARNING: When washing their litter box, do NOT use harsh chemicals. The only thing needed is hot water, or at most a little Dawn dish soap. By sterilizing the box, you are eliminating THEIR smell, which can cause confusion, especially if there are other cats in the house. They need their smell to be in their box. The rule of thumb for a multi-cat home is one box per cat, plus one (extra box).

If you follow these instructions, by Day Three, they should be using the litter box [fairly] regularly, and you can let them out for playtime, but return them at night and nap times.

By Day Four, they generally are using the box on a regular basis. 

The hardest part of this process is listening to their protests and not succumbing to them. When these steps are followed, and you stand strong, your fur baby should not have any further accidents after this four-day retraining process 😊