1. Encourage the cat to use a litter box. Most cats will prefer the litter box to other parts of the house because of the texture of the litter. But, there are still steps you need to take to make sure you’re offering the litter box as the best place to use the bathroom.
2. Make the litter box a comfortable place. Don’t frighten or startle your cat when it’s using the box, or it may form a bad association with the box and start avoiding it. Buy a large box, even if you have to spend a little money on it. Cats are more comfortable in a larger (in area, not height) box.
3. Take young or old cats needs into consideration. Keep in mind that kittens and older cats with arthritis or other health problems may have problems getting in and out of a box that’s too tall. Use low-height boxes in an easily accessible area for kittens and cats with special needs or buy an adjustable litter box.
4. Provide the cat with a scratching post. Scratching is a normal part of cat behaviour, and there’s no way you can train it out of them. If your cat still has its claws, he’ll need one or two scratching posts to keep him from scratching up furniture, wood work, and so on. By providing a post, you allow the cat to indulge in normal, healthy behaviour.
5. Discourage the cat from exploring forbidden surfaces. Cats are curious and will jump on counters or other places you’d like them to stay clear of. Scat mats, a perfectly timed mist of water from a spray bottle, or even a stern “no” can correct this behaviour. With time and patience, you can teach your cat to stay away from your protected areas.
Reference: Wikihow. (01/05/2018). [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Cat. [Accessed 15 May 2018].