Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

Three days ago I found an approximately 10 week old tabby mix kitten in my garage. She is doing great except for the litter box part. I have set her in the box and helped her scratch around a little to get her used to it, but we still take her outside and she will go. This morning she pooped in the floor. We don't mind taking her outside but my family and I are rarely home during the day and sometimes evening.

We do have a 4 year old tabby but the two cats are doing good together, they already have separate eating spaces and they each have their own litter box. We just want the kitten to learn how to use the litter box so we don't have to come home to "accidents" all over the house. If you can help that would be greatly appreciated.

Abbey from Chattanooga, TN

Answers:

Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

Try putting dirt into the box, then gradually adding kitty litter until the whole thing is litter. I agree you outta take her to the vet as well, just in case! (09/17/2006)

By Shellee

Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

If your kitten's mother didn't or couldn't teach her how to use a litter box, it's possible she never will. I've been there. In my case the mother's litter box was in the basement and her kittens on the second floor. I told them they needed a second litter box, but it never happened.

I took one of the kittens anyway, and if he was near the box, he'd use it, if not, he'd go where he was. The vet tried all kinds of things including testing his blood and urine for problems. But I knew it wasn't that. Good luck, I hope it works for you. (09/27/2006)

By Lynn

Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

My ex-husband raises kittens extremely successfully to become socialised cats. He used to take the kittens outside, put them in a patch of dirt in the garden and "show" them what to do! He would repeat this until they understood the expectations and performed by themselves.

Last year, I adopted BeffieKat from a shelter. This poor cat did not know what trees are for and his nails were so long that I feared for my life!
I took him outside, put him into a peach tree and demonstrated how he is supposed to exercise his "arm" muscles and sharpen his nails. He was so scared that he just clung to the trunk for dear life, wrapping his arms and legs around the boughs.

I just kept on reassuring him and showing him what to do. I promised him we would exercise at least once a day and after about four or five days he caught on. Now he knows what to do and runs into the trees himself.
BUT I agree that your cat should be seen by the vet! (10/02/2006)

By Willem