A cat doesn't need to be taught what to do with a litter box. The only thing you need to do is provide an acceptable, accessible litter box, using the suggestions above. It's not necessary to take your cat to the litter box and move her paws back and forth in the litter, in fact, we don't recommend it. This may actually be an unpleasant experience for your cat and is likely to initiate a negative association with the litter box. If Problems Develop If your cat begins to eliminate in areas other than the litter box, your first call should always be to your veterinarian.
Many medical conditions can cause a change in a cat's litter box habits.
If your veterinarian determines that your cat is healthy, the cause may be behavioral. Punishment is not the answer. Cat-behavior advice courtesy of the Denver Dumb Friends League.