New Kitty--Doesn't like the litter box!!

[TammyAlphabet]

We got a new kitty today! Was litter trained at the animal shelter. Now he won't use the litter box! I put down some bedding for the kitty to sleep on and he just popped down and peed on it. I rubbed the pee stain on the inside of the litter box to try to give it the "scent". But the kitten jumps out of the litter box in a panic everytime I try to put him in it. What am I to do?

 

[disneynutt1225]

When I brought my cat home from the shelter it took a few days for him to get acclimated to his litter box. Just keep your kitty confined to a room or two, and whenever he poops outside of the box, put it in the litter box. He'll get it within a matter of time.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Are you using the same type of litter that they used at the shelter? Some times what seems like very little difference in "feel" to us is a huge deal to kitty's paws. If it is not the same try thier litter first, if that solves the problem but you want to use something else you can slowly mix your preffered brand with the cats prefered brand until kitty uses your choice.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I didn't think to ask about it. I will call and ask what kind they are using tomorrow.

 

[MosMom]

After kitty eats/drinks pick him up and put him in the litter box. He will start to catch on again. Another thing you can try is confining him to a dog crate with his litter and see if he gets it.

 

[MAKmom]

Was this kitten a house cat or outside/farm kitten? House Cat mothers teach grooming & litter use. Out Side Mothers teach hunting & stalking.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I don't know if it was a farm or house cat. But, it was litter trained, supposedly, at the shelter.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I agree with the previous poster that said to confine him to a room w/ litter box & food.

I would probably make the room a bathroom or a room without carpeting Good luck and enjoy your new kitty!!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I have done that. Thanks for all the advice so far!

 

[LisaS]

I agree with previous posters to keep the kitty confined to one very small room (such as a bathroom) for a few days. It's often better for a new kitty for other reasons than just the litterbox. It can be overwhelming and scary to go from living in a cage at the shelter to having access to the whole house in one go. Start them off in one small room and gradually give them access to more of the house but be sure to spend LOTS of time with him so he can get to know you!

Also, he might not like the location of the litterbox. If it's too out in the open that could be a problem. And as others have said, he might not like the litter.

Last summer we trapped four feral kittens. We kept them in a large cage for a week or so with a bed, a litterbox and food and water bowls. I was amazed when they took to the litterbox immediately! So I think most kitties do figure it out pretty quickly, provided there aren't too many other options! When we moved them from the cage into one room, I wondered if we would have problems but they continued to use the litterbox!

Good luck !

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Hey! The new kitty is using the box!! Thanks to all you wonderful Disers!!

 

[WDWfan36]

That's great

OT: BUt this is my 700th post!!!! YAYAYAYYAYAY!!!

 

[disneynutt1225]

That's great! Glad he caught on!

 

[grlpwrd]

What a timely post... I am bringing my fur babies home this weekend. I know what to do now - thanks!

 

[justplaingoofy]

Hope everyone is enjoying there new "babies"