How to get my cat to use a new covered litter box in a different room?

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.

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.

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/

Be patient with Artemis. If she is anxious it may take her a while to get used to the new box. You can try putting a pheromone diffuser in the room as this may help to calm her down. Another option for a litter box if she does not like one with a cover is to get a Rubbermaid container and cut a hole in it low enough that she can walk through. This will be tall enough that she cannot urinate over the top. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!

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.

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.

You will need 5 boxes for 4 cats. You can also try to get the see through plastic storage boxes from a department store and use those (with foot-high walls). You can gently put each cat into the litter box and gently take a front leg and scratch the litter with it. It will take effort. The self-cleaning ones may be scary, so turn them off for a while so the cats get used to those boxes first, and then after they start pooping in them and peeing , you can manually turn them on as needed. However cats are very clean and they may not be happy to have old poop near ...