12/16/2020
CAT KENNEL TRAINING: Cats can be kennel trained similar to dogs, only cat kennels are set up differently. This is one of our cat kennels, the bottom level has a tote with a top for a litter box, which is covered a movable rug. There are 4 different levels, bottom level has plastic base with a litter box and weighted water bowl. 2nd level has carpet rug (attached to left side on kennel but slides up for litter box cleaning) there is also a carpet covered 2"×4" board attached to wall for climbing to different levels. 3rd level (needs to be sealed) has lip to keep balls on this level for playing. Food is also kept on this level, which prevents our dogs from eating the cat food, plus the kittens learn to eat in their kennel, just like a dog would. The cat kennel has the same rules that a dogs kennel has, this is THEIR safe zone. The door at this level is never left open, a back leg could get caught up when jumping down, which would leave the kitten hanging from back leg, do not leave it open! The 4th level has a small lip on edge, helping keep the kittens from falling, this level is covered with carpet as well, and they love sleeping there. A cat kennel is a wonderful tool in training kittens, it is to be their safe zone! Which means if you have children, they are not to touch or mess with the kittens while they are in there. This also helps establish good litter box habits, establishes where they are fed, can be used to put the kittens away when trying to teach house manors, and your unable to supervise what they are doing. It's easyest to curve bad habits when they first do them while your watching, and are able to properly reprimand said behavior. It's easyest if a bad habit is never started, rather that trying to fix a problem. The kennel can also be used in helping fix problems. Our kitties love their kennel and when they are ready for a break, nap or they are hungry, they go to their kennel. This solves food issues if you have lots of animals, they should each have there own feeding spot. Plus after good kennel habits are formed, they love to go lay on the top shelf for a break. Leave one of the bottom doors open when they are out.
I have noticed a fair number of people having problems potty training their kitties. It's always easiest to establish good litter box habits in a small area, advancing to larger with time. The kennel can also aid in getting your kitty accustom to scarry things; dogs, other pets, the vacuum and can also be used to put your kitten away if you have company you don't want messing with your kitten until you have established the rules between you and your kitten. One other very important thing to note* THE KENNEL IS NOT USED FOR DISCIPLINE,
I will also add, there are other ways of doing this same training technique for older cats or other cats that were never properly introduced to a Cat Kennel at the appropriate age. I can talk about that in a different post.
