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kitten is not using litter box

Skeeter

I had gotten my kitten 4 days ago, and he has not been using his litter box. Instead he has been having accidents behind the couch and has been urinating on rugs and his kitty bed. The litter box I have is accessible and it is in a private location. I have showed him where the litter box was whenever he wakes up or after he eats. He has attempted to use the litter box, but does not succeed, (I see him go in it and go through the motions as if he is going to the bathroom). I have tried to put the litter box where he has accidents, however he still persists on going outside the litter box. Im all out of ideas as to how to get him to use the litter box regularly.

Symptoms: Behavioral

• Experienced Advisor Mark Nunez says:

  October 13th, 2008 at 12:14 PM

  Try confining his to a small space.  Have his litter box, one that he can easily get in and out of, on one end and his food and water bowl on the other.  Keep him confined until he starts to use the box.  You may also want to try different types of litter.  Some cats like scoopable, some like non scoopable.  You will need to thoroughly clean the areas where he has soiled with an enzematic urine cleaner or his nose will draw him back to those spots.  Do not use anything with ammonia in it.

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• Sarah says:

  October 16th, 2008 at 01:56 PM

  Thank you for your help so far, he does like the finer litter, and he is voluntarily going to his litter box to urinate, I have confined him to a small area, however he refuses to use the litter box when he has to poop. When I let him out to play with him he will run over behind the couch and poop again behind there, I have used the enzematic cleaner on the spots and all around the carpet there, but he still will not use the litter box to poop. I would hate to leave him the that little room all day with out letting him out at least a little bit, his cries sound painful, and he scratches at the door desperately to get out. If you have anymore advice please let me know. Thanks again :) 

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• Experienced Advisor Mark Nunez says:

  October 18th, 2008 at 12:57 PM

  Give him a different litter box to have bowel movements in.  Maybe try placing it near the couch at first, then if he starts to use it you can move the location later.  You should always have one more box than number of cats.

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  Bring Balance to Your Unruly Dog

  I am a general practitioner with a special interest in canine behavior. I can teach you how to restore mental balance in your canine friend and strengthen the bond between the two of you.