Litter training is one of the first things you’ll need to tackle with a new British Shorthair kitten, and fortunately, British Shorthairs tend to be fairly easy when it comes to toilet habits. They’re clean, intelligent cats that catch on quickly, but like with anything, setting the right foundation is key.
As a cat breeder and feline behaviourist, I’ve spent a lot of time observing how British Shorthairs handle litter training. I’ve also worked with my own kitten, Rosie, who was, thankfully, an excellent pupil when it came to learning the litter box rules.
Here’s what you need to know to make sure your British Shorthair kitten grows up to have excellent litter habits.
Why Litter Training a British Shorthair Is Easy
British Shorthairs, like most cats, have an instinctive drive to use a litter box. They naturally seek out sandy or soil-like surfaces to do their business, which makes litter training much easier than with some other pets.
The breed is also known for its cleanliness, so most British Shorthairs will instinctively start looking for a designated area to relieve themselves from a young age. That being said, you’ll still need to guide them in the right direction and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Litter Training Your British Shorthair Kitten
1. Choose the Right Litter Box
The first step is choosing the right litter box. For a British Shorthair kitten, you’ll want something that’s not too high or difficult to access. British Shorthairs are stocky, muscular cats, and a litter box with high sides might intimidate them at first.
Box size: Choose a shallow or medium-sized box for a kitten. As your British Shorthair grows, you can upgrade to a larger box, but make sure the sides aren’t so high that your kitten struggles to get in.
Covered vs. open: Some cats prefer covered boxes, but British Shorthairs are generally relaxed about this. You might want to start with an open box so your kitten feels more comfortable and doesn’t feel trapped.
Accessibility: British Shorthair kittens can be a bit plump even at a young age, so ensure the box has low sides for easy entry.
2. Choose the Right Litter
British Shorthairs can be a bit picky about their litter, so experiment with different types to find the one they prefer. For kittens, start with a non-clumping, gentle litter that won’t irritate their sensitive paws.
Non-clumping litter: This is often softer on their delicate paws and easier to manage at first. I started with a soft, unscented litter for Rosie.
Clumping litter: Once your British Shorthair is a bit older, you can switch to a clumping litter, which is easier to clean and control odours.
Natural options: Some British Shorthair owners prefer natural, biodegradable options like wood pellets or paper-based litters.
Rosie was particularly fond of the soft, clay-like litter, which she seemed to find comfortable under her paws. She used the box from day one, with no issues.
3. Place the Litter Box in the Right Spot
Where you place the litter box is just as important as the litter you choose. Kittens need a quiet, low-traffic area where they feel safe but also have easy access. British Shorthairs, known for their calm and relaxed nature, do best when they have a little privacy to do their business.
Avoid noisy or high-traffic areas: Don’t place the box next to loud appliances or in areas with too much human activity.
Consistency: Keep the box in the same location, so your kitten always knows where to find it.
Don’t place near food: Cats like to keep their eating and toileting areas separate, so avoid putting the litter box near their food and water bowls.
4. Show Your Kitten Where the Litter Box Is
At first, you’ll need to show your kitten where the litter box is. After meals, gently place your British Shorthair kitten in the box. They’ll likely investigate the new environment and might start pawing around instinctively. Be patient and don’t force them to stay in the box for long periods—just show them and give them some space to explore.
When Rosie first arrived, I put her in the box after meals and after naps, and she quickly figured out what to do. If they need help, you can gently place their paws in the litter to help them understand what it’s for.
5. Clean the Litter Box Regularly
A clean litter box is crucial for a good litter training experience. Cats are very clean creatures, and if their box smells or has too much waste in it, they may avoid it altogether.
Scoop daily: Clean the litter box at least once a day to remove clumps and waste.
Deep clean weekly: Empty the box, wash it, and replace the litter once a week.
Use odour control: A bit of baking soda sprinkled in the box can help control odour and keep it fresh.
Troubleshooting Litter Training Issues
Although British Shorthairs are generally easy to litter train, there may be a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
1. My kitten keeps going outside the box!
If your kitten is going outside the box, don’t panic. It could be that the box isn’t clean enough, or the litter you’re using is too harsh on their paws. Make sure the box is in a quiet, accessible location. If the issue continues, you might want to try a different type of litter.
2. My British Shorthair won’t use the litter box at all!
If your kitten refuses to use the litter box, it could be due to stress, a change in environment, or health issues. It’s important to rule out any medical problems first—if your kitten is having accidents outside the box, a trip to the vet may be in order.
FAQs About Litter Training British Shorthairs
Most British Shorthair kittens will pick it up in a week or two, especially if they’re shown where the litter box is after meals and naps.
Yes! British Shorthairs are generally clean and easy to litter train, especially if they’re shown where the box is early on.
Use a litter mat to catch stray litter from their paws, and consider a deeper litter box that prevents litter from being kicked out.
Scented litters can sometimes be overwhelming for sensitive cats, so it’s best to stick to unscented options for kittens.
Ensure the box is clean, accessible, and in a quiet spot. If issues persist, consult a vet to rule out medical conditions.
Final Thoughts About British Shorthair Litter Training
Litter training a British Shorthair kitten is usually straightforward and stress-free. With patience, the right equipment, and a bit of gentle guidance, your kitten will be using the litter box like a pro in no time.
Rosie was easy to litter train, and now she uses her box reliably. It’s a process that’s as simple as it is essential, ensuring that your British Shorthair grows up with excellent habits.
By following these simple steps, you’ll set your British Shorthair up for success in the litter box and beyond.