Why is my 5-week-old kitten eating litter instead of using the box?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is unusual but can happen. This is probably out of boredom. You can try changing the litter material to see if she becomes less interested. Otherwise, you may change the litter box to a different place in the house. That may help. Best of luck!

Hi there. Most cats prefer an unscented clumping litter with a fine, sand-like texture - so I would recommend offering something like this. The litter box should be large with low sides, so it's easy for her to get in. If you try this and she still has no interest in using the litter box, then you may need to observe what type of surface she prefers to potty on and use something similar to this in her litter box.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not uncommon as they are learning to use the litter box. This usually improves with time alone. I would recommend you discourage this behavior as much as possible but other than that it should improve. Good luck and have a great day! I hope you find this information helpful!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Now is a perfect time! Digging and using a litter box is natural to them. Make sure it isn't deep or too high for them to jump in and out of. You can put a little used litter in there (smell of urine and poop) to encourage them to use it. Kittens are very quick to learn. Put them in the box every few hours. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is often solved by trying a different cat litter and adding another litter box in the household. I think trying this would likely help you very much. He is also absolutely adorable! Good luck!

I would recommend that you have Gucci seen by your veterinarian. Eating non-food items such as litter can indicate an underlying medical problem such as parasites or nutritional deficiencies. Your veterinarian may recommend checking a stool sample or blood work to get a better idea what's going on. After it is determined that Gucci is healthy it is likely worth trying different types of litter such as cedar shavings or corn-based litter. It is very important that Gucci does not eat litter as this can cause an intestinal blockage.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a hard one. You have tried a lot. Mentally challenged cats use the box, so I don't think we can blame that. I think this is a behavioral problem or preference to this particular kitten. I would crate him 100% of the time with minimal bedding (1 think towel to lay on), his food/water and a box. He should stay in there until you find a substrate he will go on IN the litter box: astro turf, piece of carpet, empty box, newspaper, etc. I wouldn't allow him to go all over your house. Put his urine and poop in the box with him. Show him how to dig around in the box and cover it up. He should be confined until he has used the box for 2 weeks then can be let out under supervision only. Once you see him use the box consistently can he be out with out supervision. All soiled areas must be cleaned with an enzymatic pet cleaner and if you can block access to as many rooms as possible that would prevent him from wandering off privately. I really wish you the best, this is not going to be easy.