How to Accept Blame when You Deserve It

When you know you are at fault for a problem, the mature and responsible thing to do is stand up and own up to the mistake, accept the consequences, and be part of the solution. Recognize where you went wrong and be prepared to fully own what you did. Talk to the person and tell them what went wrong and apologize. Then, move on from the situation, knowing you will do better next time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Realizing Your Mistake

1. Recognize you're wrong. To accept blame, you must acknowledge your wrongdoing. Reflect on your words or actions and know what you did poorly or wrongly. Gain some clarity about the event and why you may have done what you did.^[1]
   
   • Admitting you were wrong doesn't mean that you're weak or inept. In fact, being able to own up to your mistakes takes a lot of courage and self-awareness. It is a sign of maturity.
   • For example, if you said you would pick up the dry cleaning but didn't, don't make an excuse. Just own that you said you would do something and you didn't pull through.
2. Don't try to shift the blame. Keep the focus on you. You might share the blame and the other person may have said or done wrong things as well, but focus only on your part. Just because you accept your own blame doesn't mean you're free to blame other people for their parts.^[2]
   
   • If you own up to your part, the other person may not own up to theirs. Even if they don't, know that you did the right thing by admitting your wrongs. Remember that you can only control your own actions, not anyone else's.
   • For example, if a project didn't get finished and you were part of the problem, own up to your part. Don't start blaming other people, even if they were part of the problem.
3. Say something sooner rather than later. Waiting to see how things shake out is a bad idea. As soon as a situation starts being unpleasant, own up to your responsibility in creating it. The sooner the problem is identified, the sooner a resolution is possible, and that minimizes consequences.^[3]
   
   • For example, if you let someone down, talk to them as soon as you can and let them know how you feel. Say, “I was going to go to your event, but I didn't make it and it's my fault.”

[Edit]Speaking to the Person

1. Admit that you were wrong. Admitting you were wrong shows that you're willing to accept that you are imperfect and make mistakes. It can be difficult to admit your wrongs, but doing so shows others that you're willing to take responsibility for what you do.^[4]
   
   • For example, say, “I was wrong to yell at you yesterday. Even if I'm upset, I don't want to yell.”
2. Apologize. If the situation warrants one, make a sincere apology. Accept your wrong and make it clear that you are sorry for whatever hurt or problem it caused. Be gracious in your apology and willing to admit your fault.^[5]
   
   • For example, say, “I'm sorry I messed up the project. It's my fault, and I take responsibility for things going wrong.”
3. Validate the person's feelings. If the other person is upset, be understanding. Validate how they feel and what they might be experiencing. Start by reflecting their words or feelings to show that you understand, and let them know that you understand their feelings.^[6]
   
   • For example, say, “I can tell you're disappointed. I would be, too.”

[Edit]Moving Past the Event

1. Propose a solution. Part of accepting blame and taking responsibility can include making up for your mistake. Come up with some solutions to right your wrong. This might mean putting in some extra work or promising to do better for next time. Whatever it is, show that you're willing to change to make things better. Making amends can help to restore justice and put people back on equal grounds.^[7]
   
   • For example, if you're to blame for something at work, offer to stay later and fix your mistake.
   • If you mess something up with your family or friends, say that it will be different next time and mean it.
2. Accept consequences. Accepting responsibility for your behavior may be scary, especially if you know there will be consequences. Take your consequences as courageously as possible, and when it's done, it's really over. You'll have learned your lesson and maintained personal integrity in the process. Try to grow from the experience and avoid repeating your mistakes.
   
   • For example, coming clean might mean you face consequences at work or school. Or, you may have to fess up to something to your family or partner that you know will make them upset. You might know some backlash will happen, but do the right thing.
3. Reflect on your behavior. Recognize your mistake and reflect on what may have contributed to it. Perhaps you had a stressful day and lashed out at someone. It is easy to displace your anger onto people who really had nothing to do with your bad mood. Perhaps you jumped to conclusions and were wrong. Whatever it is you did, think about it and try to make any necessary changes as a result.
   
   • For example, if you forgot something because you were rushed, try to slow down or allow more time for activities.
4. Get accountable. Have someone in your life who can help keep you accountable for your words and actions. This might mean you have a friend who calls you out or you meet with someone to talk about accountability. Having someone to talk to about taking responsibility can help you deal with it better and faster.^[8]
   
   • For example, meet with someone each week and talk about what you're doing well and what you're struggling with. Let each other know when the other needs to accept responsibility for wrongs.
5. Move on from the situation. Nobody's perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Don't linger on a mistake or continuously try to make it up to the person you hurt. Once you've admitted your mistake and made amends, do your best to move on from the event. Even if you made a big mistake, don't guilt yourself forever. Accept what happened, learn from it, then move on.^[9]
   
   • Once you've taken all the steps to make things right, don't live in guilt or shame. Let go of what happened.
   • If your guilt over what happened is causing you a lot of distress, or you just can't seem to move on, consider seeing a counselor to help you work through it.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If you are too shy to apologize in person, send them a text or a letter. If you are sending a letter, putting in a small gift, even a sticker, may help them accept your apology.
• Don't assume that your boss, parent, spouse, or teacher will think the worst of you if you make a mistake. Owning up to mistakes early will earn you respect from them. It won't make them think less of you.
• You don't have to make a big deal out of some things. Small mistakes are easily handled by saying, "Oh. That was my bad. I'm sorry."

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Communicate Your Weaknesses
• Be Honest
• Apologize
• Protect Yourself from Blame at Work

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-get-better-admitting-you-re-wrong-ncna1003356
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-would-aristotle-do/201207/stop-playing-the-blame-game
3. ↑ https://hbr.org/tip/2019/02/when-you-make-a-mistake-be-quick-to-admit-it
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201012/how-admit-youre-wrong
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/worry-wise/201207/how-apologize
6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/pieces-mind/201204/understanding-validation-way-communicate-acceptance
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/positive-psychology-in-the-classroom/201304/the-positive-psychology-making-amends
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/202102/the-difference-between-shame-and-accountability
9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201703/8-empowering-ways-stop-feeling-guilty

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How to Make Pastillas

Pastillas, or pastillas de leche, are a sweet and sugary dessert that is well known and loved by many people in the Philippines. You can make this dessert without cooking at all, or you can do a bit of cooking to make this delicious treat. If you want to know how to make pastillas, just see Step 1 below to get started.

[Edit]Ingredients

• 2 cups of powdered milk
• 1 can (14 oz.) of condensed milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of margarine

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making No-Cook Pastillas

1. Pour the powdered and the condensed milk in a bowl. Just pour 2 cups of powdered milk and 1 can (14 oz.) of condensed milk into a bowl. This recipe should make about 80 candies.
   
   
   
2. Mix the powdered and condensed milk together. The mixture may be a little thick and hard to mix together, so have patience and a thick and sturdy spoon.
   
   
3. Add the margarine to the mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of margarine to the mixture; alternately, you can use real butter. This will help add an extra creamy flavor to the treat. Mix it in with the other ingredients.
   
   
4. Shape your candy into circles or cylinders. Choose the shape you'd like for your pastillas; they can be circular, or they can be more cylindrical, like Tootsie Rolls. Just use your hands to give them their desired shape; you can wear gloves if you want to. Place the shaped candies on a plate.
   
   
5. Pour the sugar on a plate. Pour half a cup of sugar on a plate.
   
   
6. Roll the pastillas into the sugar. Make sure that all part are covered.
   
   
7. Wrap the pastillas in cellophane. You can cut the cellophane in advance to get the desired shape. Then place the pastillas in the cellophane and wrap the ends of it.
   
   
8. Serve. Put the candies on a party plate and enjoy. You can have them for dessert or serve them as a snack whenever you like.
   
   

[Edit]Cooking Pastillas

1. Combine the condensed milk, powdered milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Make sure to stir the ingredients thoroughly as you heat them until they turn to a paste.
   
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   
   
3. Add the butter. Continue to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
   
   
4. Remove from heat. Take the pan off the stove and move the mixture you've cooked into a bowl. Let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is cool enough to be touched but still a bit warm.
   
   
5. Shape the mixture. Use your hands or a knife to shape the mixture into bite-sized candies. You can make a circular shape, a cylinder, a cube, or whatever shape you want. You should make about 80 pieces.
   
   
6. Roll the candy lightly in sugar. Use your hands to make sure each piece is lightly but evenly covered in sugar.
   
   
7. Wrap the candy in cellophane. Place each piece of candy in the center of a cellophane square and roll it into a cylinder or whatever shape you like, and tuck the ends of the cellophane into the roll.
   
   
8. Serve. Enjoy this tasty candy during any time of day.
   
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• For the pastillas that needs to be cooked, you can boil a can of evaporated milk first before adding the powdered and condensed milk. This will make you pastillas more creamy and white in colour.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Cellophane

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Understand Filipino Culture

[Edit]References

• http://redblackapron.tumblr.com/post/31114676184/pastillas-de-leche-filipino-milk-candy

[Edit]Quick Summary

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How to Turn Off Message Notifications on an iPhone

To turn off message notifications on an iPhone, Open Settings → Tap on → Tap → Toggle “Allow Notifications” to off.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• To disable message notifications, tap > > and switch “Allow Notifications” to the off position.
• To change the type of notifications you receive, switch off "Show in Notification Center," "Badge Off Icon," or "Show on Lock Screen" from notification settings.
• To change the way you get alerted for each notification, go to > > and choose a new alert tone and vibration type.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Disabling Message Notifications

1. Open Settings from your home screen.^[1]
   
2. Tap on .^[2]
   
3. Tap on .^[3]
   
4. Toggle “Allow Notifications” to the left. This is done by tapping the green slider on the right and will turn off all Message notifications.^[4]
   

[Edit]Modifying Message Notifications

1. Toggle off "Show in Notification Center". This will disable Message notifications from showing up in the center when you access it by swiping down from the top of the screen.
   
2. Toggle off "Badge App Icon". Doing so will disable the notification that pops up next to the app's icon on your home screen.
   
3. Toggle off "Show on Lock Screen". Doing so will disable notifications from popping up on the lock screen while your phone is not in use.
   

[Edit]Modifying Notification Alerts

1. Open Settings.
   
2. Tap .
   
3. Tap on .
   
4. Tap on .
   
5. Select an alert tone. This is done by tapping on the tone you want to use for notifications.
   
   • Tapping on the various tones will give you a preview.
6. Tap on .
   
7. Select a vibration by tapping on it.
   
8. Tap on . It’s located at the top-left corner of your screen.
   
9. Tap on . Doing so will bring you back to the Messages notifications page where you can make more modifications.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Turning on “Preview Messages” allows you to see some of the text without fully opening it.
• You can only turn off notifications for one app at a time.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v162129_b01]. 8 May 2022.
2. ↑ [v162129_b01]. 8 May 2022.
3. ↑ [v162129_b01]. 8 May 2022.
4. ↑ [v162129_b01]. 8 May 2022.

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How to Get Started in Standup Comedy

Standup comedy can be a tough world to break into, but it’s also a fun and potentially rewarding hobby or career. If you’d like to become a standup comic—whether amateur or professional—you’ll need to begin by crafting a short set list: at least 5 minutes of jokes. Work on your delivery, comic timing, and onstage persona. You can start out by performing at weekly open-mics, which generally provide a friendly audience. If you’d like to move up in the comedy world from there, you’ll need to start talking to comedy club managers or bookers and find ways to get on a performance schedule.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Writing and Compiling Jokes

1. Jot down joke ideas in a notebook. Take notes as funny thoughts come to you, or write down strange occurrences that strike your funny bone. At this point, you don’t need to be writing full-fledged jokes; just write down situations, lines, or personal anecdotes from your past that seem funny and could be used as material for jokes in the future.^[1]
   
   • If you don’t want to carry a notepad around, many smartphones have a notepad app built in.
2. Organize one or two funny ideas into a joke. Based on what you find funny, start to write longer jokes and anecdotes derived from ideas you’ve noted. Look for ways in which you can present material in surprising, unexpected, or bizarre ways. It’s a common move in joke writing to lead the audience in one direction, and then surprise them by reversing the premise in the punchline.
   
   • Repeat this process over and over: develop a funny idea of observation, pair it with similar funny ideas, and write out a full-length joke or anecdote.^[2]
   • For example, if you jotted down that you hate being stuck in traffic and, the next night you went on a bad date, you could work these into a joke about how bad traffic and bad dates seem to go together in your city.
3. Watch and listen to other comedians. Comedians—especially stand-up comics—can learn a great deal from more established performers in their field. Go to your local comedy club as often as possible, and watch all of the online standup specials that you can find.
   
   • Pay attention to the comedians: note how they time their jokes, how they move from one topic into the next, and where they seem to draw their source material from.

[Edit]Working on a Standup Routine

1. Organize your set list. Once you’ve written 20–30 jokes or a handful of funny anecdotes you’d like to tell, start thinking about your set list. This will help you organize your ideas into a coherent structure.^[3] So, structure your set list to open and close with big jokes. You want to lead and close with your best material. Your audience will be disappointed if you open with a great joke and then end without any equally funny material.^[4]
   
   • For example, if you open with a joke about your childhood, you could structure your set list along somewhat autobiographical lines, and follow with a joke about your adolescence or high school.
   • When you start performing standup comedy, a set list can be short, even as little as 5 minutes long. If you’re just starting out, it’s okay if there are some mediocre jokes in the middle of your set list.
   • See how the jokes play to an audience, and then make alterations to your set list accordingly.
2. Select a performance style. Although a good set list is necessary to succeed as a standup comic, it will fall flat if you stand motionless and deliver every joke with the same inflection (unless you’re a committed deadpan comic). To convey your material well and make the audience laugh, choose a style of standup performance that suits your jokes and your own personality.^[5]
   
   • Some comics choose to be almost manic on the stage, and jump around with excessive energy. Others take the deadpan route and deliver joke after joke without altering their facial expression or delivery tone.
   • You could also choose to engage mostly in self-deprecating humor, in which you and your life experiences are the butt of most jokes.
3. Coordinate your movements and facial expressions. Successful comedians tend to perform specific hand gesture, facial expressions, and body movements to elicit laughs from the crowd. Decide what to do with your face and your body language. You could dynamically move around the stage, or limit your motions to more restrained gestures.^[6]
   
   • For example, you could gesture with your hands to accentuate a point you’re making. Some comics will even incorporate the microphone or mic stand into their act—you can gently tap the mike on your palm or the floor for the sound effect.
   • As far as facial movements, you can make a funny face at certain points during your routine to accentuate an unexpected or ridiculous point in your joke. Or keep a straight face during the entire performance, and let your lack of reaction offset the humor of your jokes.
4. Memorize and rehearse your set list. Although memorization can be challenging, it will help you when you’re performing onstage. Your audience won’t find your material funny if you forget jokes mid-act or if you have to read anecdotes from a sheet of paper. Rehearse your entire set list until you can tell it backwards and forwards: practice at home in front of a mirror, when you’re driving to work or school, and when you’re in the shower.^[7]
   
   • Don’t be afraid to revise your jokes or your set list. If you’re rehearsing your material and realize that one or two jokes don’t seem as funny as the others, remove them and swap in other, funnier material.
5. Ask for feedback from friends and family. Once you think your set list is in good shape and you can deliver it without looking at notes, it’s time to get some feedback. Practice your set in front of any family members or friends who will watch. Listen to their feedback, and respond accordingly.
   
   • This can help you be better prepared to deliver jokes before your audience in a crowded room.

[Edit]Performing Your Comedy

1. Start performing at open mics as soon as possible. The only way you’ll improve at your comedy performance is if you perform the jokes in front of a crowd. Open mics are a great way to start: they are generally free, don’t put a lot of pressure on performers, and encourage beginners to try new material. If there’s a local comedy club in your area, look at their online calendar and see if there’s an upcoming open mic.^[8]
   
   • Bars, coffee shops, and even some music venues also host open mics.
2. Develop your persona as a comic. Once you start delivering jokes in public, you’ll need to have a comic voice or presence that you use to deliver your jokes. For example, maybe you want to deliver your material deadpan, or maybe you’ll rely on physical comedy to draw laughs. Find what persona and voice works best for your particular type of comedy.
   
   • Many beginning comedians think it’s wise to imitate an already established comic. In fact, it’s better to just be yourself—performing comedy in the style of an already established comic (e.g. Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Sarah Silverman) can seem cliché or lazy.
3. Get to know other standup comics in your city. Just like in any other hobby or line or work, networking—and making friendships—is a valuable way to get yourself noticed. You can also start forming connections with other comics and even venue owners and event organizers.^[9]
   
   • If you see a more established standup comic, introduce yourself and say something like, “I’ve seen you at quite a few of these comedy events around town. Do you know of any good venues for up-and-coming comics?”
   • Or say, “Do you know any booking or event managers around town who could help me get a show?”
4. Submit to a comedy festival or comedy venue. Once you’ve performed at several open mics and gotten to know a few other comics in your area, it’s time to perform at a more legitimate venue. If you can find email or Facebook contact information for comedy-festival or comedy-club bookers, politely ask if they can feature you at an upcoming show.^[10]
   
   • Starting out, you’ll likely be placed in the middle of a comedy night, sandwiched between two reliable acts.
5. Don’t be afraid to fail. No comedian starts out perfectly funny: you’ll have nights where the audience doesn’t laugh at your jokes or where hecklers challenge you. Every successful comic has experienced this as well. Keep going, and book another show (or return to your favorite open-mic) even when things don’t go your way.^[11]
   
   • Audiences can also vary widely from one night to the next. What the crowd on Saturday found hilarious may bomb with a crowd on Monday.

[Edit]Tips

• Use your phone or a video camera to record yourself delivering a short 3-minute portion of your standup set. This will be useful to send to comedy-club booking managers, who need to see some of your performance before they book you on their stage.
• Sometimes commenting on a joke you’ve just completed can get you more laughs than the joke itself. But use this trick sparingly!
• Sometimes a joke that you think is mildly funny can work great on stage in a comedy club in the middle of your set list. Remember, people are ready to laugh at jokes before you have even said anything.
• Joke writing takes practice. The more jokes you write, the better you will become at timing, delivery, and at developing your own personal style.
• Since standup comics rarely sit on the stool onstage, you should plan on standing for the duration of your set list.
• Use your personal experience and point out things that you find funny or awkward. The crowd will find it easier to relate.

[Edit]Warnings

• Do not copy other comedian’s acts. Don’t even steal someone else’s joke, or borrow a punchline from another comic. Doing so is not only unethical and strongly looked down upon, but it could end your comedy career before it even begins.^[12]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Perform at a Comedy Club
• Start Doing Stand up Comedy
• Keep Your Cool About Acting
• Be a Comedian
• Be an Actress
• Write Comedy

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-a-beginners-guide
2. ↑ http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-a-beginners-guide
3. ↑ http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-a-beginners-guide
4. ↑ http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-a-beginners-guide
5. ↑ https://blog.udemy.com/types-of-humor/
6. ↑ https://blog.udemy.com/types-of-humor/
7. ↑ http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/15769901634/how-to-do-stand-up-comedy-a-beginners-guide
8. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-stand-up-comedia.html
9. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-stand-up-comedia.html
10. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-stand-up-comedia.html
11. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/01/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-stand-up-comedia.html
12. ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/features/2014/the_humor_code/joke_theft_can_a_comedian_sue_if_someone_steals_his_material.html

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How to Train an Outdoor Cat to Use a Litter Box

Does your cat need to learn how to use a litter box? Training it takes patience, but is possible to succeed.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting Started

1. Get an open litter box instead of a closed one.^[1] A closed litter box may look nicer and be better at keeping the smells in, but an outdoor cat may not like it. Outdoor cats are used to the open, and a covered box may make them feel closed-in.^[2]
   
2. Make sure that the box is big enough. The box needs to be large enough for the cat to be able to move around in.^[3] Look for something that is the same length as your cat, plus another half.^[4][5]
   
   • If you can't find a box that is large enough, use a plastic bin instead. Make sure that you cut a hole in the side so that the cat can go in and out. Be sure to leave the lid off.^[6]
3. Experiment with litter types. Different cats prefer different types of litter. Most outdoor cats are used to soil, so it might be a good idea to start with something that is similar in texture. Start with something that is fine, sand-like, and unscented.^[7] Over the next few weeks, mix in a little bit of litter. After a few weeks, you will be using just litter.
   
   • Keep an eye on your cat whenever you add more litter to the soil. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, he or she might not be ready for the change. Add in a little bit more soil.
   • If you don't know what sort of litter to use, consider buying a few different types and placing each one in a separate box. Choose the one that the cat uses.^[8]
   • Consider using a natural litter, such as wood bark pellet, ground corn, or walnut shell pellet. These may appeal more to an outdoor cat.
   • You can also sprinkle a little bit of cat attract litter on top of your regular litter. This might get your cat to use the litter box.^[9]
4. Make sure you have enough litter boxes. You need to have at least one litter box, but you may consider getting an extra one while your cat is learning to use it. If you have more than one cat, you will need one litter box per cat.
   
   • Another rule of thumb is having 1 litter box per cat plus 1 extra.^[10]
5. Put the box in the right place. The best places are quiet, such as a bathroom or laundry room. If you place the box in a busy, noisy area, the cat may feel stressed or anxious, and go to the bathroom elsewhere. If you notice that the cat has been going to the bathroom in a certain area, try to place the litter box there.
   
   • Never place the litter box in the same room as the cat's food and water. Cats are clean animals and may refuse to eat if their food is too close to their bathroom area.
   • Avoid placing the litter box near "scary" areas. If a cat has to pass a dog's kennel or a noisy washing machine in order to get to the litter box, he or she may find some other place to go.
   • Consider placing the box near the door. That way, if your cat tries to go outside to go to the bathroom, he or she will see the litter box and may try to use it instead.^[11]
   • If your cat has trouble getting to the litter box, he won't want to use it.^[12]
6. Know how to accommodate kittens. If you cannot find a small enough litter box or plastic bin, you may use several sheets of newspaper instead. Keep the newspaper in the same spot and throw away the paper right after it gets dirty. If the kitten starts to go to the bathroom elsewhere, pick the kitten up and move him or her to the newspaper.
   
7. Make sure you clean the litter box at least every other day. Cats won't use a dirty litter box, so you want to make things as appealing as possible. Use a litter scooper to lift the feces and clumped urine out of the litter.^[13]
   
8. Be sure to change the litter once a month. Simply scooping out the poop and urine is not enough. Over time, the litter itself will absorb odors and become stinky. This won't be appealing to your cat, and it may find another place to go to the bathroom. To prevent this from happening, you will need to toss the old litter out once a month, clean it with an unscented detergent and fill the box up with fresh litter.^[14]
   

[Edit]Training and Rewarding the Cat

1. Show the box to your cat and let your cat smell it. Some cats will understand that this is their new bathroom, while others will need more help. Try lifting your cat up and gently setting him or her down onto the litter. If your cat jumps out, do not force him or her back into it. The cat may need more time to get used to the texture.
   
   • You can also place catnip along the opposite of the litter box rim. This way, your cat has to step into the box to smell it.^[15]
2. Give your cat a reward when he or she uses the box. If you see your cat using the box, wait until the cat is done before giving it a reward. Praise the cat, and pet it where it likes to be petted. Be sure to give your cat a treat as well.
   
3. Know what to do if your cat doesn't use the box. If you see your cat going to the bathroom elsewhere, but still close to the box, pick your cat up and carry him or her to the box. If the cat is too far away, wait until the cat is done, then move the poop into the box. Let your cat see the poop in the box. If you cat went pee, see if you can cut the pee out of the item and move the scrap to the box. If the cat went pee on the carpet or on something that cannot be cut, clean the area immediately using an enzyme cleaner. This will break down the cat urine.
   
   • Do not use an ammonia-based product to clean cat urine. Ammonia smells similar to urine to a cat's nose. If you use that to clean, your cat may return to the same spot the next time it needs to go.
4. Never punish your cat. If you punish your cat, he or she may start to grow afraid of you. If you try to force it into the litter box, the cat may also grow afraid of the box and try to avoid it.
   
5. Consider using a litter attractant. It's a powder that looks a little bit like dried catnip. You add it to the litter box; it helps attract cats to it. You can find litter attractant in the litter or medical section of a pet store.
   
6. Be aware that this can take some time. Some cats will start using the litter box almost right away, but others will need more time to figure what it is for and how to use it. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
   

[Edit]Knowing What to Do When Nothing Works

1. Try moving the box to the place where the cat is eliminating. If the cat is avoiding the litter box, he or she may have a reason. Maybe the area is too noisy, too dark/bright, or too drafty. If your cat keeps going to the bathroom in the same spot, try moving the litter box to that spot.
   
   • Make sure that you are cleaning up the places where the cat eliminates. Any trace smell of feces or urine will tell the cat that this is a bathroom spot, and the cat is more likely to return to it.
2. Consider taking the cat to a vet. Sometimes, cats avoid litter boxes for medical reasons.^[16] For example, if the cat has a urinary tract infection, he or she may try to seek out a softer surface to urinate on. Cats are also attracted to their owners and will seek out their smell when sick, hurt, or frightened. If you find that your cat has been going to the bathroom on your bedding or clothes, there could be an underlying health problem.
   
   • If your cat keeps avoiding the box, study its urine and feces. A red or pink tint to the urine usually signifies an infection. If the poop is tarry or has black or red streaks in it, your cat could be very sick. You should take your cat to the vet immediately.
3. Be sure that your cat isn't just marking his territory. If you have a male cat who is not neutered, he may be spraying your house to mark his territory. Neutered male cats do not do this. Ask your vet about getting your male cat fixed; this may help resolve the spraying problem.
   

[Edit]Tips

• If you have a feral kitten, try keeping it in the bathroom, which is usually cozy and quiet. Be sure to include food, water, a place to sleep, some toys, and a litter box.
• Consider cleaning the litter box with an ammonia-based product. Ammonia smells similar to urine to a cat and may encourage your cat to use the box.
• Cats tend to use the bathroom after eating. Keep an eye on your cat after you have fed it to see where it goes to the bathroom.
• Do not leave blankets or clothing on the floor. Your cat may find those more comfortable to pee or poop on.

[Edit]Warnings

• Never hit or punish your cat for not using the litter box. You cat may grow resentful of you, and fearful of the litter box.
• Avoid cleaning the litter box if you are pregnant; have someone else do it for you. Pregnant women are at risk for picking up Toxoplasma parasites, which are often found in outdoor cat feces. This parasite can lead to brain damage and blindness in the fetus.^[17]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Litter box
• Cat litter
• Litter scoop
• Litter attractant (optional)

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
2. ↑ Cat Behavior Associates, How to Litter Box Train an Outdoor Cat
3. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
4. ↑ Cat Behavior Associates, How to Litter Box Train an Outdoor Cat
5. ↑ [v161835_b01]. 22 June 2021.
6. ↑ Cat Behavior Associates, How to Litter Box Train an Outdoor Cat
7. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
8. ↑ Cat Behavior Associates, How to Litter Box Train an Outdoor Cat
9. ↑ [v161835_b01]. 22 June 2021.
10. ↑ [v161835_b01]. 22 June 2021.
11. ↑ ASPCA, Bringing Cats Indoors
12. ↑ [v161835_b01]. 22 June 2021.
13. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
14. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
15. ↑ [v161835_b01]. 22 June 2021.
16. ↑ [v161868_b01]. 28 September 2021.
17. ↑ PetMD, Pregnancy and Cat Litter Toxoplasmosis

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