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Why won't my new kittens use their litter box in our new home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed

Hi, I have two 8 week-old kittens who were litter trained at their old home, but won't use the box here. We put them in and they just jump out, help?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2016

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.
Vote Icon14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Contact the previous owner/breeder and ask what type of litter was used. You can also provide several litterboxes and sprinkle some litter attractant into each one.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Toby and Tia. Most kittens will take to litter training fairly easily. A standard size litterbox may be too large for the young kittens though. You need something very low so that they can get in and out. There are kitten size boxes or you can place litter on something flat for them. Place them in the box ir litter area frequently. Have enough litter in there so that they can dig. They may play in the box initially. If they go in the box, give them lots of praise. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 29th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Unity. You can try several things. First, offer her a kitten sized box with a very low lip. This will make it easier for her to get in and out of it. Next, you should have 4 litter boxes if there are 3 cats in the home. Make sure they are in quiet and safe area. Try placing in her the box every hour or two when you are home and rewarding her if she goes. You can also try a different litter substrate if she does not see to prefer what is currently in the box. Finally, ensure she does not have any diarrhea as it can be associated with urgency which will make potty training very difficult. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My new 6-week-old kitten won't use the litter box. What should I do?
Provide a litterbox or two for them. Use litterbox attractants to get them to investigate the box. If they go elsewhere, you can use a tissue to soak up the urine or pick up the stool and place them in the litterbox. Monitor the kittens for cues they are going to go. This can include circling, pacing, lifting the tail or sniffing about. Place them in the box immediately. Be patient and be consistent. Use an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle to thoroughly clean soiled areas.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My 6-week-old kittens won't use their litter box. How do I train them?
I recommend first to have the kittens examined by the vet to make sure they are healthy and free of infections or parasites. If they are healthy, I recommend to start littler box training. Here is a link which may help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/litter-box-training-for-your-kitten/ Similar to crate training a puppy, I recommend to keep the kittens in a small room with their litter box. They can come out for breaks while being supervised but otherwise, they should be in their room. This includes sleeping there since you are having trouble with them urinating on your bed. Also make sure you are using a large, uncovered litter box with a clay-based clumping litter that is easy for the kittens to climb into. The box should be scoped at least twice a day for right now. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My new kitten won't use the litter box. What if he dislikes it?
He may not like the type of litter you are using. In all the studies done on cats they have found that most prefer plain old sand as opposed to any type of cat litter. My suggestion would be to put a few boxes out in various locations in the house and put a different type/style of litter in each one to see which one he likes best. Remember that most cats don't like to use the box if it is in a noisy, high-traffic area so put at least one box somewhere quiet. Being that he is so young/small still the sides of the box may be too high for him to comfortably get in/out of the box so try to find some with lower sides or make one with lower sides yourself. You can use shallow foil baking pans, tupperware containers, etc. Finally, you can make one box covered. Some cats preferred a covered box. Cats are usually very easy to litter train so if none of the above works then you should get him to your vet for an exam. He may have a urinary tract infection or some other issue that is making him not want to use the box. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat just had kittens, but won't use litter box. What to do?
Your cat may be reluctant to leave her new kittens so you could try moving the litter box a little closer to her so she can use it, but still see her kittens. It may take her awhile to go since she has just gone through a major ordeal. If she hasn't used the litter box by tomorrow, or if she stops eating, I would recommend taking her (and her kittens) to the vet to be checked out. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why won't my cats use their new covered litter box after training?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
How can I help my kitten learn to use the litter box properly?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My new kitten won't eat, drink, or use the litter box. What's wrong?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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