Greetings pet lovers. Today I have collected a lot of useful information for you, I will share my experience and secrets on how to teach a British, Scottish or street kitten to go to the litter box if he refuses to do so.
Every housewife dreams of a clean apartment; with the appearance of the smell of cat urine or feces, the calmness gradually disappears, irritation appears and the kitten wants to be punished for its actions. What to do in such situations, how to teach a kitten to go to the toilet or wait until walking down the street.
Appearance
The Fold cat has gained popularity due to the fact that it has a gentle character and beautiful appearance. The animal has a rounded head and a firm chin. The cat's jaw is powerful, extending into a small neck. The cat has beautiful round eyes, their shade goes well with the coat.
Cats have a short nose, but at the same time wide. If you look at the pet, its profile is streamlined and soft. The cat's ears point forward and are triangular in shape. The tips of the ears are slightly rounded.
The body of the Scottish Fold cat is medium-sized, strong and muscular. The pet does not look like he has extra pounds. The cat has rounded paws. The tail is long or medium in size and proportional to the body. Cats are a little more than cats.
What you need to know about trays
Experienced breeders recommend that you familiarize yourself with their main characteristics before purchasing a pot:
- Price – the cat box should be average in cost, not expensive, but not cheap either. When purchasing, you need to make sure of its durability - an adult cat that is accustomed to one toilet will be difficult to accustom to a new one.
- Dimensions – the box should not be small; initially, when purchasing, you need to focus on the size of an adult animal. Particular attention is paid to structures with a lid, a closed type - over time, an older cat may no longer fit into it.
- Material of manufacture – most often toilets are made of plastic. It should not be too light: large cats may accidentally turn it over when burying traces of vital activity.
The kitten must be litter trained immediately
- Defects - pieces sticking out along the edges of the sides can seriously injure a cat.
- Design - solid houses with a lid are more convenient because they create the illusion of security. Sand does not spill out of them, they are suitable for cats that are embarrassed to go to the toilet in front of strangers.
- Ease of maintenance - an important aspect is the condition for trouble-free cleaning of all corners. Separate designs are made for disposable bags, reminiscent of garbage bags.
- Appearance – the box should not have a strong chemical smell, bright or unnatural colors. Such characteristics indicate poor quality of the material and can harm the pet.
A tray with high sides prevents the filler from flying around
Important! To solve the question of how to train a domestic kitten to use the toilet, you need to choose the ideal box for it. Mistakes when purchasing lead to the pet’s denial of the toilet and the search for secluded corners for his needs.
Character
The Scottish cat has a slightly playful character, kindness and calmness. This breed becomes strongly attached to its owner and is good friends with other pets and small children. The main advantage of the Scottish cat is silence; they rarely meow and are very quiet.
This breed will be ideal for a person who leads a quiet life without fuss. Small lop-eared kittens may behave badly as children, but do not cause damage to the home. Animals love to hide various small objects. These cats love cleanliness very much, they are quite smart.
Adult cats are affectionate, calm and understand everything well. They know how to obey if it is in their interests. They can be stubborn if they don't want to do something. This breed loves to be friends with people; cats choose their leader and are constantly with him. Animals are very loyal, but never impose themselves. They love to lie near their owner, but not in a person's arms.
The Scottish Fold cat loves to meditate and stretches its paws forward. A pet of this breed prefers to sleep on its back and loves massage treatments performed with special combs. The cat has a gentle and soft character, so it will become a good friend for every person.
Most owners say that this breed is considered an ideal pet, as it does not harm and is well-bred. Externally, cats are cute, beautiful and gentle, they will not leave anyone indifferent. The character of the Scottish cat itself is good and harmless.
Ways to teach cleanliness
How to train a Scottish kitten to use the litter box (female, 2 months old)? Questions like this are very common on cat lovers forums. Newbie owners try to indicate not only the age, but also the gender of their pet.
Toilet training does not depend on the gender of the kitten. The basic rules that contribute to the speedy development of the reservoir are as follows:
- Choosing a temporary location for the tray.
- First acquaintance with him.
- Installing the tank in a permanent place.
- Carefully monitor your pet. As soon as he decides to go to the toilet, the kitten is carried into the tray.
Let's look at each point in detail.
Health
Scottish cats have a genetic predisposition to various diseases. This may not occur in all animals, but it is important to be aware of what problems a future owner may face. Thus, fold-eared cats are predisposed to diseases that are associated with the skeleton. Osteochondrodysplasia, which is inherited, is not excluded. This disease causes skeletal deformation, impaired movement and problems with the tail. The disease can develop in both a kitten and an adult.
The following signs of pathology are observed:
- lameness;
- stiff gait;
- avoidance of jumping;
- touching the cat's tail hurts;
- the animal walks squat.
If such a disease develops, it is forbidden to allow the animal to be mated. When breeding with a sick pet, there is a high probability that kittens will be born with problems with the motor system.
Scottish cats are prone to heart disease. If you get vaccinated and visit your doctor regularly, preventive measures can improve your pet's life. On average, this breed lives from 10 to 15 years.
How to choose the right toilet?
The process of training a pet to use a litter box without its mother is simple, but lengthy. It is recommended to start by choosing a cat litter box. The pot can have an open or closed shape and vary in depth and width of the sides. Many cats love open containers, but owners find it difficult to clean up cat litter scattered all over the floor every time. It is recommended to choose a large, spacious tray so that the cat is comfortable. If it is selected for kittens, one of the sides should be lower than the rest. This will help kids climb into it easily.
To protect an adult cat from touching the litter, it is additionally possible to purchase a special plastic grid that is inserted into the cat potty.
Filler
It is very important to make the right choice. Manufacturers present a wide range of litters for cat trays. The main characteristics of high-quality cat litter contents are:
It is important that the baby potty filler does not have any foreign aroma.
- no dust;
- hygiene;
- natural composition;
- lack of aromas;
- rapid absorption of liquids;
- absorption of excrement odors;
- easy disposal.
The formation of dust becomes a dangerous problem, since the animal, burying the filler, breathes it, which can lead to respiratory diseases. When training a Sphynx kitten to use the toilet, it is not recommended to use fillings with fragrances and antibacterial additives. The height of the filler layer should be 3-5 centimeters. There are such varieties:
- Absorbent. Their action is to absorb urine and eliminate odors. It is necessary to promptly change the filler when most of it becomes wet.
- Clumping. When it comes into contact with cat urine, dense lumps form. They can be easily removed with a dustpan; it is changed less frequently than regular ones.
Where to put it?
The ideal place for the tray is the bathroom, where it is quiet and cozy for the cat. Do not place the pot near the feeding and resting area. If it is located in the bathroom, you need to ensure that the front door is open and the animal has access to the tray at any time of the day. At a new place of residence, the animal may show fear and hide; in this case, it is recommended to place a pot near the place where it is hiding. If there is a need to move the cat potty to another place, then you need to move it gradually, moving it little by little.
Scottish cat care
Fold cats themselves adore cleanliness and take good care of themselves. They get their coats in order and quickly become toilet trained. If you have a scratching post at home, cats will not damage the furniture. Scottish cats quickly remember everything and try to behave well.
When the kitten grows up, he will not mess up the house and scatter all the things that do not lie smoothly. This breed prefers to spend more time with a person, and at the same time they are not intrusive. If the kitten is left alone at home, then you need to give him various toys so that he does not get bored.
We must not forget that there must be care for the coat of a Scottish cat. If your pet has a short coat, it will be easier to care for it. Then you will need to comb the cat once a week with special brushes.
You need to wash the animal depending on its coloring. As a rule, it is recommended for a cat to take water treatments once a month. If a cat participates in exhibitions, then it is washed a week before the event. You need to purchase a special shampoo for this breed.
Cats' claws must be trimmed. In fact, this procedure is carried out without pain for the animal. You need to sit the pet on your lap, take the paw and press lightly so that the cat releases its claws. Then you can begin the procedure, the main thing is not to touch a living nail. This can be understood by looking at the claws; they are light in color.
Regular examination of the ears and eyes is a must. Most often, Scottish cats have clean ears. If dirt becomes noticeable, take a cotton swab and remove the dirt. It is best to use special lotions to clean the ears. The eyes become wet in small kittens, so you need to apply eye drops and monitor the condition of the animal.
Frequent difficulties
The reason for not going to the litter box may be its color or shape.
Raising a British pet is not easy, especially if a person is experiencing it for the first time. There are a number of difficulties that owners of luxury pets often face. It happens that a stubborn cat has chosen another place for his toilet and flatly refuses to relieve his needs in the tray. In this case, there are two options to solve the problem. Firstly, the owner can make concessions: put the tray in a favorite place. But if such a rearrangement is impossible, then block access to this place for the cat. It happens that the cat simply does not like this tray. He may remind her of something unpleasant. Then only buying a new toilet can help. If this applies specifically to the filler, then it is worth replacing it.
Nutrition
In order for food to benefit the cat, you will need to follow some rules. First of all, there should be a balanced diet. As a rule, Scottish cats eat dry, wet food or eat natural food. The food should be of high quality and with a normal dosage of meat.
It is prohibited to mix natural food and feed at one time. It is allowed to give meat products, cereals and vegetables together.
The Scottish Fold cat needs to be given protein food. It is best to feed the animal low-fat meat products, fish, and dairy products.
When a kitten grows up, it must receive all the necessary fats; they are found in egg yolks and butter. The pet should eat on average 2-3 times a day in small portions. It is not recommended to feed a fold-eared cat in large quantities, as overeating can lead to obesity.
Upbringing
If a pet has some bad habits, it will be difficult to wean it. It is better to try to prevent their appearance. As soon as the kitten appears in the house, he must understand what is allowed to do and what is not allowed.
Scottish cats are required to adhere to the following rules in the house:
- do not scratch furniture;
- rest and go to the toilet in the right places;
- do not harm the plants that are in the house;
- be friends with all pets;
- do not climb on tables or steal food;
- maintain cleanliness;
- do not show aggressive behavior.
Do not yell at the cat, otherwise it will become aggressive and will not trust its owner. The little kitten gets used to the new place and owner quickly. If the animal does something wrong, then you need to say the command “no” and lightly spank it. This breed loves to interact with people, and cats need to be played with regularly.
Cats follow a certain routine, so it is not recommended to disturb them in the morning and evening. If you wish, you can train a Scottish cat. They love to stand on their hind legs and stand on them for a long time. To raise a Scottish cat you will need to gain strength and patience.
At what age is it time to start litter box training?
In the first few weeks, training is useless. Newborn kittens relieve themselves a little for themselves. The mother helps them poop when she licks the belly and genitals.
By the age of one month, not all cats are ready to use the litter box. However, some are already starting to use the cat litter box because they are trying to imitate their mother’s actions.
After reaching the age of 1-1.5 months, you can begin training. The kittens already understand what the tray is for and try to use it on their own if they are nearby.
However, they still do not know how to endure, so they can shit on the floor if they find themselves far from the right place when they want to relieve themselves. By 2-2.5 months, cats should always urinate and defecate in the designated area.
Colors of Scottish cats
Scottish cats come in a huge number of colors. They come in brindle, spotted, and marbled. The most popular shade of this breed is red. Scottish cats of this color have good intelligence and are easy to train. This pet has a bright and rich red hue. The color is located evenly throughout the body.
The Scottish cat's paw pads and nose are bright red. These cats have golden or copper colored eyes. In order to find an animal with this color, you need to make a lot of effort, since this shade is rare.
Preparing for the arrival of a Scottish kitten in the house
The character of the Scottish Fold cat is quite calm and lazy. To keep such a pet you will need a small amount of space. There is one drawback that in childhood the kitten is very playful and energetic.
Before purchasing a pet, you need to prepare as follows:
- Remove all wires, cables, phone charging devices, things that break. Small items will also need to be hidden for the safety of the pet so that he does not swallow them.
- You need to purchase dishes for eating food and water. You need to buy one made of ceramic or metal material to avoid the bowls from tipping over.
- You should purchase a tray and a special filler for it. It is necessary to accustom a Scottish cat to the toilet from the first hours in the house. It is best to buy a tray that has low sides.
- A place to relax. It is necessary to purchase a bed or a special house for sleeping. A Scottish cat can get used to sleeping with its owner, then a designated place will not be needed.
- Scratching post. It must be so that the kitten does not damage things and furniture in the house.
- Toys. This will help distract the baby from hooliganism, as he will be busy playing.
When an animal appears in the house, it must be immediately accustomed to a place for toileting and food. It is imperative to ensure that the kitten eats only from a bowl, then the food will not end up on the floor. As a rule, kittens are sold that are already litter box trained. In the first days, the baby may not be able to find the toilet on his own, so you need to show it to him constantly.
How to train a kitten to go to the litter box
What to do when a kitten does not go to the tray, but to another place, should he be punished and have a conversation with instructive stories? I want to warn you right away that it will not be possible to teach a street or purebred kitten to go to the litter box in 1 day. Be patient and only then will you succeed.
To help: How to remove the smell of cat urine
Where your pet will go depends on many things, including the conditions that you can offer him. The tray, filler and location of the cat litter play an important role in such actions. Let's look at these points in more detail.
Breed Features
A good advantage of the Scottish cat is its good learning ability and love of cleanliness. Most cats of other breeds love to take revenge, but the Scotsman will never do this. From childhood, they quickly understand the toilet and learn to sharpen their claws in the right place.
The pet has a quiet voice, and he makes it only when he is hungry or calls for help. The cat has powerful paws and a body, he moves gently and gracefully.
You can go on a trip with this breed, as cats can easily tolerate travel. They quickly get used to new places and often participate in exhibitions.
The Scots have a calm and balanced character. This breed feels comfortable in an apartment, as they do not like to live in the yard. A fold-eared cat does not require a lot of space and care, but you need to give the pet the necessary attention. It is best to take the animal outside for socialization purposes.
In order for cats to be friends with other pets, they need to be taught friendship from childhood. They can easily get along with any dog, as they have an easy-going character.
Scottish Fold cats are friendly and affectionate in nature. It is important that the animal is raised from the very first days in the house. Then you will be able to raise a good and cute cat. The main thing is to love and caress your pet, and then the owner will receive reciprocity.
Selecting a tray and filler
This subsection is short but informative. It will be useful for those who are getting a kitten for the first time.
When purchasing a tray, you should pay attention to tanks with high sides. They are good because the filler does not scatter in all directions when the pet carefully buries its waste. An excellent option would be a closed tray made in the shape of a house. These cat litter boxes are equipped with a special door so that your pet feels comfortable while in them. At first, when the kitten is small, the door can be removed.
As for the filler, many owners of “Scots” actively use silica gel. They absorb liquid well, forming small lumps that are convenient for cleaning. The package is enough for a month if you keep one cat.
