Hi, Liebling and Opal: I don't want another thread like the declaw thread with
. But please think about not rubbing the cat's nose in the mess. Maybe it work for someone's cat but often it is unkind to the cat and not helpful. The Humane Society I volunteer with tells cat owners to please not rub the nose or physically punish for accidents - instead cats and kittens need positive reinforcement and careful litterbox training.
From the Humane Society of Santa Clara:
Great Kittens Have Good Owners
If your kitten has a toilet accident outside of his box and you find it after he is finished, just clean the accident up with the enzyme cleaner (available at any pet store) and make sure you confine your kitten when you can not watch him. - Do not rub his nose in it, swat him with a newspaper or shake him. Your kitten will learn nothing by using these methods except to fear you, and it may cause the problem to become worse.
---
From Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association:
Litter Box Training Your Kitty
Never punish your cat for having an accident: Do not strike her or rub her nose in the mess; this will only create anxiety and compound the problem. Say "NO" then place her in her litter box and praise her there. Be sure kitty knows what the litter box is for. Many kittens assume it is a new toy full of stuff to bat around. Soak up any urine with tissue and place it in the box. Pop the poop in, too.
---
From VetWest Animal Hospitals:
Caring for your kitten - sleeping, food, training and play
Of course accidents will happen! If you catch your kitten in the act you should immediately place him/her into the litter tray and praise them.
NEVER spank your kitten, rub his/her nose in it, or reprimand after an accident has occurred. A kitten is too young to be able to connect this with what he/she has done wrong.
---
From Canadian Animal Rescue & Extended Shelter:
Kitten Care
If a kitten should ever have an "accident", NEVER rub his nose in it. This is very unhealthy as his sinuses could become infected. This practice will also teach him to fear people. Instead, gently pick up your kitten and put him in the litter box. The only time a kitten will not use his litter box is when he can't find it or if he needs medical help.
---
From the Humane Society of Silicon Valley:
Cat Litter Box Training
Do not use any type of punishment such as rubbing the cat’s nose in the elimination, shouting at him or swatting at him with a newspaper. These things do not teach your pet anything except to fear you and in fact, they may increase the problem of improper elimination
---
From For the Love of Cats:
Litter Box Tips
Never punish the cat. "Rubbing her nose in it" or other negative actions -- after you find an accident -- will only make the cat more anxious and fearful of you -- and could make the behavior worse! Cats learn only through positive reinforcement.
All the articles have good tips for cat training.
Thank you.