Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: My new six-month-old kitten uses the litter box. However, she does not cover up her urine or feces. What can I do to teach her how?

A: Not every cat follows the instruction manual when it comes to covering up waste in the litter box. This is perfectly normal behavior and is displayed by many cats. Whether or not your cat will do lots of digging and covering is mostly based on what she observed from her mother during elimination technique lessons. Since she's still young, you may find that this behavior will change as she gets older and gets more of a sense of territory.

Some cats, when they don't like the litter substrate itself or if the box is too dirty, may not dig before elimination or cover afterward because they want to spend the least amount of time in the box possible. Make sure you're keeping the box very clean and that your kitty likes the litter itself. If you're not sure about the litter, you can put out a second box with a different litter to see which one she prefers.