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My newly adopted kitten isn't using the litter box. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

I have just adopted a 4 month old kitten and I have had her about 24 hours now and she is yet to use the bathroom she is eating very well and I was told she is litter trained but I don’t know what the issue is

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2017

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 16th, 2018
There is no need to be worried, keep her aware of the litter box location several times a day, it's normal for a new kitten to behave this way in the first few days after adoption, don't worry she will be fine.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2018
I would recommend having her checked out by a veterinarian. If she has a small bladder I would say she is most likely urinating somewhere in the house if there is nothing in her litter box. From a move cats can get stressed out and not eat as much but my concern would be more that she isn't urinating.

If she is truly not urinating this is a life-threatening emergency and typically would act sick and painful also. I would look around your home to see if you smell or see any spots with her urine.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on August 16th, 2019
This is not unusual. You should keep Sheba in her room with her litter box until you are sure she knows how to use it. Here is a helpful link:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/litter-box-training-for-your-kitten/

You might pick up any bath matts or anything else she may be tempted to urinate on. Also check the room for any accidents. Make sure you are using a clay based, clumping cat litter in an uncovered litter box. Sheba will come around with some time. If she still has not used the bathroom by this afternoon, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Is it normal for a newly adopted cat to not eat, drink, or use litter?

Yes, it may take a day or two for her to relax. I recommend confining her to a room or two that is quiet with her food water and litter. Leave her alone overnight so she can have privacy and minimal stress. Giving some wet food may encourage her to eat. You can spend some time in her place several times during the day but I’d keep her in there until she’s eating and using the litter box. Then you can gradually introduce her to the rest of the house and people. Be patient and she should settle in soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Puma.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

Training & Behavior

My new cat won't come out, eat, or use the litter box. Is this normal?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My guess is that Claire is just very scared in her new home and needs time to get comfortable. Put a littler box and food near the bed and close the door. Go in multiple times per day to sit with her. She will get more comfortable with time. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

New kitten not eating or using litter box after 24 hrs? When to act?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congrats on your new baby! Sometimes when animals come to a new house they are scared and need time to adjust. For a kitten, I recommend placing them in one room with the litter box, food and water. When they get used to that room then open the door and let them explore, but leave everything in that room. Then as they get used to their new house get the food, water and litter box where you want it. At 8 weeks old Ash should be eating kitten food. Try dry and canned and see if he has a preference. Sit with him and encourage him to eat. Place him in the litter box a few times. If he still isn't eating or using the box by 48 hours then I would recommend you have him evaluated. Hopefully he just needs a bit more time! Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

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

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My 8-week-old kitten isn't pooping. Is this normal for a new kitten?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You should offer a small amount of food about 3-4 times daily and in really small kittens, every few hours might be needed. Eliminations and the frequency thereof, are dependent on many things depending on food intake, type of food, water intake etc. As long as she is not straining and trying to poop, it could be up to another 24-36 hours. She is getting accustomed to her new and that is probably slowing up the fecal elimination process. Again, no straining to have a bowel movement usually means that everything is ok, especially if the kitten is eating and drinking normally. Just keep monitoring for a bowel movement and monitor behavior, appetite, etc. If things change and you are unsure have your veterinarian evaluate the kitten. I hope everything works out ok.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new 8-week-old kitten won't use the litter box. Should I worry?

I would be a little worried that Jinx might be urinating somewhere else in the house! I'd recommend confining her to a small area like a bathroom with the litter box so that you can closely monitor what is happening - pull all rugs up. It is also possible that she is nervous about her new situation and simply hasn't urinated yet. If she is eating and drinking well and you're not seeing her straining to urinate or defecate you could probably give her another 24 hours of very close supervision. If she still does not go I would recommend seeing a veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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