In the world of cats, some little ones do have innate stubbornness. They always insist on letting things go their way, whether it's playing, resting, or using the restroom. If your cat happens to be of this "princess" type, it may appear particularly resistant when faced with new litter. However, don't worry, here are some methods that may help you.
Cats may feel confused about changing their litter. The new cat litter differs from the old one in terms of odor and texture, and these subtle differences are enough to make cats uncomfortable. Cats are born with the instinct to associate the smell and sensation of cat litter with their toilet time. To help cats adapt to the new litter faster, you can try putting a few pieces of feces from old litter into the new litter when introducing it for the first time.
This process may sound somewhat unpleasant, and even nauseating. But please believe that this is likely what your cat needs. When cats smell familiar smells, they are more likely to accept new litter and understand that it is their new toilet.
It should be noted that since bacteria can grow on feces, you should not leave old feces in new litter boxes for a long time. Just give the cat enough time to familiarize itself with the new litter and new scent. Once the cat starts defecating in the new litter box, you can promptly clean up old feces, allowing the cat to enjoy a clean and hygienic environment.
For those stubborn kittens, you can also try using rewards to encourage them. When you see a cat carrying new litter into the litter box, you can give some rewards immediately after it comes out, such as its favorite snacks. But please note that the reward method must be gentle and natural, and should not be too exaggerated or scare the cat. Otherwise, this may have the opposite effect, causing cats to develop a sense of fear towards litter boxes.
Finally, and most importantly, never punish a cat for using the restroom in the wrong place. Although it may be frustrating to find a cat's "gift" or cat droppings at home, please remember that cats do not understand these. Punishing cats only puts pressure on them, which may lead to more bad behavior. On the contrary, you should patiently guide the cat and help it gradually adapt to the new litter and environment.
