Cat scared of basement, won't use litter box. What can I do?

I would recommend adding another litter box (or 2 since the "correct" number of litter boxes in a house is the number of cats plus one) to the basement first. Make sure it is not in an area near a washer or dryer that may make noise and scare them or near their food or water bowls. Once they are using the boxes in the basement consistently, you can try moving the upstairs box. I would recommend moving it gradually. I know it can be a hassle, but the last thing you want is cats that are not using their litterbox, so it's worth going slowly to be safe. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

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/

It can be stressful for cats to move into a new home. There are a few simple things you can do to help them litter train in your house. First, have at least 1 litter box per cat plus one; therefore, if you just have the two kittens, I would recommend 3 litter boxes. Second, make sure the litter box is large. The kittens will keep growing, and if it becomes too small, they won't use it. Third, some cats don't like covered litter boxes and some like them. You can try to boxes covered and uncovered, and see what they like best. I would recommend using the same litter that was used at their old home because they are used to the smell and texture. Make sure their litter boxes aren't close to their food and water, cats don't like to use the bathroom near their food source. While you are litter training them in your house, don't let them have free rein of the house when you are gone. Place them in a small room with their litter boxes while you are away from the house, and provide them with water and a place to sleep at the opposite end of the room from the boxes. Make sure you clean the litter box daily. If they continue to have problems going to the bathroom outside the litter box, it may be a health issue, and I'd recommend bringing them into your vet for a health check.

It could be that Necolaj is a bit scared still! If she is going potty in the same place outside of the litter box, moving the litter to that spot may encourage her to start using it. Placing her stool into the litter can also help her learn that this is where to go by smelling her old stool there. An enzymatic cleaner can also be used to clean up any accidents so that she isn't encouraged to keep going potty there as well. If she's still getting used to you, lots of love, patience, kitty treats and a favorite toy can help her get more comfortable over time!

Well, he now knows where his litter box is and he knows what it is for. He will likely use it when he has to go. He may not have to pee or poop yet. I often change litter boxes for my cats and they have never had a problem accepting them (I have 5 cats). If you want to, you can take a bit of poop from where you just cleaned out the old box and put it into his new box. Don't panic, he will figure it out.

It can sometimes be overwhelming for kittens to go all the way downstairs to find their litter box, especially if the house is fairly large :) I would recommend providing an additional litter box for Jinx upstairs so that there is one available nearby if he has to go to the bathroom while he's up there. Another option would be to confine him to a single room with his food and water bowls and litter box for the next 1-2 weeks to make sure that he is using it every time, then gradually begin to give him more freedom in the house as long as he is not having accidents. Also make sure to thoroughly clean the spots where he has had accidents, ideally using an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle or Urine Off, to make sure that the odor is completely gone - otherwise, it can act as a signpost drawing him back to the same places to use the bathroom in the future.