How to transition cats from pee pads to litter box and protect rugs?

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/

Cats usually have no issues using a litter box. I suggest you use sand instead of litter because they prefer that over litter in all scientific studies done. Also, put as many litter boxes around the house as you can and use dilute bleach solution to clean all the places the cats have already gone to remove the smell. This article may help you more. ( https://m.wikihow.com/Retrain-a-Cat-to-Use-the-Litter-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.

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.

Start now with closing the cat door at night and keeping Kitter in with a litter box available. After a few days or a week keep him inside only. That way he will adjust before the stress of moving. Most cats naturally use the litter box but you may want to confine him to a smaller area with the box at night when he's in. Use plain litter without fragrance and clean it daily and fully empty it and scrub it with mild dish washing soap weekly. Cats are fussy and if the box is dirty they can start going out of the box. Also pick up bath mats and laundry so he doesn't start urinating on those. He should be fine, most cats adjust well. Make sure you play with him a lot and he may enjoy a cat tree since he is probably used to more exercise when he's outside. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Kitter.

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.

I would be interested to know whether or not Sophia is even going near the box at all, or just eliminating anywhere she feels like it. It sounds like you may need to try and isolate her from the other cat for a while and set up a litter box trial. My advise would be to keep Sophia in a bathroom or a small room for a couple of days. Set up two to three litter boxes in there. Each litter box should have some different qualities (different types of litter, cover vs uncovered, different amounts of litter etcetc). If you choose to use a bathroom, I would also remove anything in there that is soft or squishy that your kitty might feel like is a good place to eliminate. Two or three days will be sufficient in terms of time to see how she reacts to this. In terms of litter, there is a company called Catattract who gives a 100% guarantee or your money back concerning the effectiveness of their litter. This is something you may want to try eventually. The stuff isn't cheap but I have had some great luck with it so far. If you need a more detailed or in depth behavioral consultation, let me know and I'd love to help you out.