Training your kitten

Your kitten learns in two different ways: it starts by imitating its mother’s actions and learning through new experiences and positive reinforcement. While kittens are more independent than puppies, it’s important to train them to adopt the right behaviour from an early age and learn the rules of sharing a home with other people and animals.

Maine coon kitten black and white
Kitten sitting on a cat tree

Why train your kitten?

Your kitten learns in two different ways: it starts by imitating its mother’s actions, and learning by itself through experimenting. While kittens are more independent than puppies, it’s important to train your kitten to adopt the right behaviour from an early age and teach them the rules of sharing a home with other people and animals.

How to train your kitten to recognise its name

Teaching your kitten to respond when you call their name is simpler than it sounds. These simple tips should prove useful.

Maine Coon kitten sitting indoors on a cat tree

  • Choose a short name without too many syllables. This will make it easier for your kitten to recognise
  • Call your kitten by their name for deeding or play, and repeat their name during the activity. This positive reinforcement will help your cat to recognise the name
  • Try not to repeat the name when punishing your kitten as this will give the name a negative connotation
  • Say your kitten’s name and then immediately give them a treat
  • Or say their name and roll them a paper ball
  • Kittens are often more responsive when they are hungry. So try these exercises before mealtime.

How to train your kitten to use a litter tray

Most kittens learn the basics of toilet training by watching their mother. However, if you kitten doesn’t know how to use a litter box, it will be your job to show them what to do. Toilet training your kitten before they get into bad habits can save them and you considerable anxiety and stress.

Grey and white kitten standing in a litter tray

Why does my kitten not use their litter box?

There are a number of reasons why your kitten might not want to use their litter box. Here are some of the most common to watch out for:

Cleanliness

It’s important to clean your kitten’s litter box on a daily basis, remove strong odours and add fresh cat litter

Size

The litter box may be too small and your kitten is not comfortable using it

Location

If the litter box is in a noisy or busy place, or too close to food and drinking bowls, your kitten may be anxious about using it

Bad experience

It’s important not to watch or disturb your kitten while they are in the litter box to avoid creating a negative connection

Small kitten climbing on a cat tree

How to train a kitten to use a scratching post

Kittens instinctively like to sharpen their claws. To help them do that without causing damage to furniture, it’s a good idea to invest in a scratching post and train your kitten on how to use it, when they first come into your home.

Tabby kitten lying down in a cat tree

Why doesn’t my kitten use their scratching post?

Every kitten is different. So, if your pet is not using their scratching post, it could be because it's in the wrong location, or perhaps it doesn’t look or smell right.
 
The scratching post should always be placed where your kitten spends most of its time. You should also make a note of how your kitten likes to sharpen its claws off the post. Does it stretch up on its back legs? Or stretch out on the floor? This action could help you to choose a tall scratching tower or a long scratching matt to match.

Kitten socialisation

Socialisation should start as early as possible, to avoid any unwanted behaviours and help them develop into confident, even tempered adult cats. Find out how you can socialise your kitten.

Socialising your kitten
Sacred Birman kittens and mother black and white
Pack shot of kitten products

Tailored nutrition for kittens

ROYAL CANIN® kitten nutrition supports growth and development by providing all the nutrients essential to a kitten's needs in the first year of life.

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