Cat Not Using Litter Box

We have a three kittens that are 3 1/2 months old; one of the kittens keeps pooping on our living room carpet and won't use the litter box like the rest of the kittens. Why is that?

By Dawne from Saint Ann, MO

Answers:

Cat Not Using Litter Box

It could be that you aren't cleaning the box often enough. Also, one box for three kittens, even though they're small, might not be enough. Always keep the boxes in the same place but if you need to move them then do it only a few feet at a time each day until they are in their new destination.

There are also some answers that might be helpful in the archives below. If the behavior doesn't change after more frequent box cleaning and/or adding a second box please call your vet. If the kitten starts urinating outside of the box call your vet right away because it could be a medical problem. (12/08/2009)

By Deeli

Cat Not Using Litter Box

Each cat is supposed to have its own litter box. Actually, each cat is supposed to have two litter boxes, one for eat type of "duty" that it does. So you would need 6 litter boxes for 3 cats. I would try three litter boxes to see if that fixes your problem. (12/11/2009)

By Carol Swanson

Cat Not Using Litter Box

Maybe the kitten is a little slow and just hasn't figured out what a litterbox is for. Pick up some of his droppings and place them in the litterbox. Then place him in the box and let him smell his droppings. He may make the connection once the box has his scent in it. I had a couple of kittens that loved to dig in the litter, but took a while to figure out what it was used for.

They sat and watched the other kittens use the box for weeks before trying it themselves. To reiterate what someone else said, do not move the litterbox on them at this age--it can really mix them up. (12/13/2009)

By susan