How to Teach Him to
Stay In the House

Cats have a well-deserved reputation for being clean, both in beauty and in personal cleanliness. Generally, it is easier to teach them to be home to the kitties that to the puppies of dog, because those cover instinctively his dregs and rust with earth and this way they tend to use the sand in their trays. Generally and when her babies have between 3 and 4 weeks, the mom cat teaches her kitties where to do their things, coinciding with the weaning and the first solid meals. For when a kitty is old enough to take him home, the probable thing is that it is not necessary to worry for this type of basic education.

The box or hygienic tray has to be separated well from the containers of food and water, preferably in a calm and easily accessible corner. It does not suit to put him in a heavy traffic corridor, not near a noisy domestic appliance not close to where the meal is prepared or eaten. Though we have the intention of allowing the cat to go out, in order for him to get better to his pleasure in a corner of the garden, it is necessary to be sure that he can use the tray in the interior when it is necessary. If the cat has to remain inside the house because of wounds or disease, he will know what to do.

What type of box or tray?
For reasons of hygiene, the hygienic trays must be done of a material without pores that can be disinfected easily, like metal, plastic or glass fiber. Normally, they are of rectangular form and must have approximately 36 cm. Of large and between 8 and 15 cm of height. There are some commercial boxes that are covered to avoid bad odors. If they use one of these, do not forget to change the sand daily. For these occupations there are also disposable trays for trips, the exhibitions and in pet shops.

Several types of sand can be used. The cats have their preferences but, in general, it is better to put a very absorbent commercial sand. The normal ground and sand can be dirty and sawdust does not absorb very much. The aromatic sand can be more attractive for the owners than for their cats, that can refuse to use the box if they do not like the aroma of the "refreshing" chemists. Remove the dirty sand as soon as possible, at least once a day and with more frequency if there are two cats that share the box. Throw the dregs in the lavatory. It is necessary to clean and disinfect the box completely, at least once a week. The pregnant women must never handle the sand or the box, because there is a certain danger of which the toxoplasmosis could affect the unborn baby.