My anxious kitten won't use her new hooded litter box. What to do?

I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with your kitties! It could definitely be the change in litterboxes. Many cats are finicky about their bathroom behavior and changes may upset them. I would consider taking the top off the new box temporarily until they become used to it, and once they are using it regularly you can add the top. Some cats may never be comfortable with a covered litterbox, but hopefully with time they will become used to it. Also be sure you haven't changed the litter type at the same time as changes in litter type can also upset them. You can also try taking some soiled litter from a used litterbox to provide some scent that may encourage them to use the new box.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like :-) Yes, that could cause her fear of the box, and may keep her from using it correctly. She may not like the cover on the box. I would set up two more litter boxes in the house without covers on them, show her where they are by placing her in them, and see if that helps with her using the box.

This could be tough if the cats have never used covered boxes before. If you have any of the used litter from the old boxes, put this in the boxes so it has their scent. Make sure to use the same type and brand of cat litter. It may help to leave the boxes uncovered for a few days o allow the cats to get in the habit of using the new boxes, then put the cover on. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I love that you have already switched to the unscented litter as that can be a big problem for many cats. Putting the litter box in the shower is a great idea. I would also make sure to clean up the spots he went outside the litterbox using an enzymatic pet stain cleaner to ensure he does not keep smelling urine/feces there and think that it is akin to a litterbox. Other things, like cleaning the litter box often, having multiple litterboxes which are different types of boxes, and trying different types of litter (such as fine-grain litter) may also help you figure out what type of litter Mittens likes. While it certainly sounds like Mittens is having trouble getting used to his new litterbox, it is important to remember that internal diseases (like organ, hormonal, or orthopedic diseases, among other possible causes) can cause Mittens to have a hard time making it into the litterbox so it is important to take Mittens to your vet for evaluation to make sure we are not missing something else that is making it hard for Mittens to make it to the litterbox. I have attached a link to an article with more great suggestions below. Good luck! https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-train-your-cat-to-use-a-litter-box/

The older cat probably has the smaller, younger one intimidated. I suggest providing more litter boxes, maybe one the smaller cat has exclusive access to. To avoid behavior problems due to territorialism, the rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one, that way no cat can 'guard' all the boxes and limit access to the others. Make sure the timid cat has plenty of places to hide, perch, separate food and water sources if needed, anything to help her relax and be able to be less intimidated by the other. Also, make sure the older cats get plenty of attention, playtime, treats, to help them stay calmer and less likely to lash out. Calming diets are also available, if you have not tried them yet. Royal Canin and Science Diet both have well-received diets of this kind. A good source of additional information about how to help cats get along and how to make your house more appealing and enjoyable for your cats is Jackson Galaxy's Catification books.

Hi and thanks for posting. A lot of cats do not take to the covered litter boxes as well as open non covered boxes. I would take the cover off of it if possible and see if she uses the littler box with the top off. I'd try that first. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like your new cat may be a digger! I highly recommend purchasing a litter box that has tall sides or an enclosed lid to help keep the litter better contained. You can also place a litter matter under it to help catch any litter that may be falling out. If you've only gotten her today she's likely still adjusting to her new home. I would give her a few weeks to settle in completely. If she doesn't go potty at all in the next day or so, or seems ill or in distress, a vet visit is also a good idea (and is a good idea with any new pet regardless!)