House training is one of the behaviors closely associated with cats. It is a behavior that is acquired very early on, from the 22nd to the 39th day. Prior to this time, cats respond to stimulation by their mother, who licks the anal-genital area after each feeding in order to stimulate urination and defecation. True neurological control over this behavior is not fully operational until three to four weeks. At 30 days, kittens begin to approach the litter box or loose dirt for the first time. The behavioral sequence is triggered soon after and the kittens scratch the litter, eliminate and then cover their feces. Among especially meticulous cats, the latter part of the sequence can sometimes reach the walls of the litter box itself, making the noise they clearly wanted to hear!Contrary to what happens with dogs, there is no noticeable difference between male and female elimination behavior. Both eliminate by crouching down. If your cat emits a strong spray of urine horizontally, he is not relieving himself, but rather depositing his odor. Any elimination in an inappropriate place (sink, shower stall, bedroom, etc.) should be checked out for possible behavioral problems.
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