Kittens are adorable little creatures. They are cute when they play, angelic when they snuggle, and peaceful when they sleep. They also enjoy eating as their little bodies work to grow bigger. As a result, they tend to need to pee and poop frequently throughout the day. So, how will you know when your kitten needs to relieve themselves? There are a few clues that will tell you when it’s time to make sure your kitty gets to the litter box. Here’s the lowdown.
The 5 Signs That Your Kitten Needs to Pee or Poop
Keeping an eye out for signs that your kitten needs to pee or poop should make it easier to avoid most accidents inside the house. There are five specific clues to look for that should tell you that it’s time to get your kitty to their bathroom spot.
1. There’s Squatting Going On
One sure sign that your kitten needs to pee or poop is that they keep getting into the squatting position as they move around the room. There will also likely be sniffing while the squatting happens. If you don’t get your kitty to the litter box quickly, there is likely to be an accident that you’ll have to clean up.
2. They Are Clawing and Scratching at the Ground
Cats naturally cover their pee and poop outside to try to hide it from predators. To make the process easier, they typically dig a shallow hole to relieve themselves in before covering it up with surrounding dirt and debris. So in the house, your kitten might try to claw and scratch at the ground in an attempt to ready a space for bathroom use.
3. They Are Kneading on the Furniture and/or Blankets
Kneading can be a sign of many things, one of which is the need to pee or poop. If your cat is kneading the furniture or a blanket and there doesn’t seem to be any other reason for it, such as enjoying a petting or getting ready to take a nap, chances are that it’s time for a potty break.
4. You Are Hearing Verbal Communication
Some kittens meow frequently, while others are quiet. One time when almost all kittens will verbally communicate is when they can’t find anywhere suitable to relieve themselves. If you find that your kitten is roaming around the house seemingly looking for something while meowing or making any other kind of noise, it’s a good idea to get them to the litter box immediately.
5. Your Kitten Has Eaten a Meal Recently
It’s safe to say that a kitten will need to use the bathroom sometime soon after having a meal. Therefore, you should take eating a meal as a sign that the litter box will be needed sooner rather than later. Creating a habit of taking your kitten to the litter box a few minutes after each meal should help keep accidents to a minimum.
Tips for Litter Box Training Your Kitten
Litter box training is a must if you don’t want your kitten to pee and poop around the house when they get older. You should start litter box training your kitty as soon as you bring them home. Here are a few tips to make litter training easier on yourself and your kitten overall.
Make Frequent Trips to the Litter Box
It is important to take your kitten to the litter box often throughout the day so they have a chance to relieve themselves before they end up having an accident on the floor somewhere in your home. Try to get your kitten to the litter box once an hour or so throughout the day. Once they go in the litter box a few times, they will start to seek the box out themselves when they need to use the bathroom.
Make Sure the Litter Box Stays Clean
If the litter box is not clean, chances are that your kitten will avoid using it and look for another place to relieve themselves. It’s a good idea to filter the litter in the box twice a day, especially while your kitty is learning to use it. This will help encourage them to seek out the litter box and give them the space and comfort that they need while relieving themselves.
Utilize Treats as Rewards
A great way to encourage your kitten to use the litter box on their own is to reward them with a treat every time they use it when you bring them to it. They will quickly learn that if they head to the litter box to relieve themselves, they will get something tasty in return. Soon enough, they will use the litter box without the treat.
In Conclusion
Cats can be finicky when it comes to using a litter box. Starting litter box training early is the key to avoiding accidents around the house. Hopefully, the signs outlined here will help you determine when your kitten needs to pee or poop so you can get them to the litter box quickly and avoid those unwanted accidents.
Featured Image Credit: Stefano Garau, Shutterstock
