These proven tips will help you train your new kitten or cat to use her litter box. (If you adopt an adult cat that doesn't seem to be litter box trained, you may need to train her as if she were a kitten.)

1. Make sure the box sides are short enough to allow her easy access (no taller than 4 inches). Consider a box with a top cover to contain odors and provide privacy.
2. Remove solid waste daily.
3. Choose an appropriate litter. Clay litter should be replaced weekly to keep odors and bacteria under control. Clumping or scoopable litters are recommended primarily for adult cats: their main advantage is that liquid clumps also can be removed daily, leaving the rest of the litter fresh. Organic litters are plant-based products that are often made with recycled, biodegradable materials. Whichever you choose, remember that many kittens prefer unscented litter. Once you and your feline friend find a type and brand you both like, stick with it-cats are creatures of habit.
4. Put the box in a quiet comfortable spot that will give your cat privacy, away from her sleeping and feeding areas. Avoid sources of distracting noise such as an automatic washer. If you have more than one cat, each pet should have her own litter box in a separate location. Even single cat owners sometimes find advantageous to keep a second litter box in another area.
5. Start to train. After showing your cat the location of her litter box (or boxes), begin by gently placing her in a box once every hour. Although she may scurry out, praise her whenever she uses the box. Also place her in her box whenever you notice her digging in a corner or pawing at newspaper-signs that she may have to go.
6. Clean the litter box regularly. Thoroughly clean the box weekly to keep odors under control. Use warm soapy water-not scented disinfectants that your kitten may dislike.
7. Protect plants. To discourage a new cat from making your potted plants her litter box, cover the soil surface with rocks or pinecones.
8. Lavish the praise whenever your cat successfully uses her litter box, and never scold her when she doesn't.