How can I get my new kitten to consistently use his litter box?

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.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This sounds behavioral and will likely go away over time. However, in the meantime while the behavior is occurring, I would recommend switching the type of litter or even consider spraying bitter apple onto the litter itself. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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!

Congratulations on your new addition! Unfortunately, going into an enclosed space is not "normal" for a kitten, so it may take some time for him to start using the litter robot. I have a few suggestions for you. First, the "correct" number of litter boxes is the number of cats plus one, so I would add another regular litter box (if Harry is your only cat). I would not recommend that the box be covered or lined and that it is cleaned daily. You may also want to try products like Cat Attract Litter (https://www.drelseys.com/shop/cat-attract/). I am attaching a handout below that discusses inappropriate urination in cats in case it gives you more ideas. https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951508 If you think Harry is stressed with his new home, you could also look at adding a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.

It may take your new kitten time to get used to her new surroundings. Try keeping her in a smaller area, like a bathroom, with her littler box and food/water. Being in closer proximity to them may encourage her to eat and use the box. You may also want to try offering her canned kitten food, as opposed to kibble. This may encourage her to eat more. When she does eventually defecate, if it is outside of the box, place the stool inside the box to help her learn where to go. If these tips are not working and your kitten is still refusing to eat or drink, you may want to consider taking her in to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sure Gala just needs time to adjust. If your house is large it is always best to confine new cats to one room for several days, until they have used the box. Then let the cat out to explore the house but leave the box in that room. Then over time move the box to the location you prefer it to be in. You can also place Gala frequently in the box so she knows where it is. I am sure she will go soon! If it is longer than 2 days for urine I would start looking around the house if you decide to not confine her and if it is greater than 3 days for poop I'd have her seen by your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish you and Gala the best of luck!

Fortunately, most kittens figure out how to use a litter box consistently pretty early in life with minimal training. Since kittens typically prefer to eliminate on loose substrates, including litter, they are often quite happy to head straight to the litter box. When first introducing the litter box, begin by confining your kitten to a small room or to a large crate with a litter box when you are not interacting with them. After meals or playtime, place your kitten in the litter box, as they are likely to go at these times. Be sure that your litter box is fairly shallow, as tiny kittens may struggle to physically get into a litter box with high sides. Small treats can also be given as a reward each time a kitten successfully uses the litter box.