Training your cat to use a litter box is well worth the effort. Cats being cats, there can be set backs and varying levels of frustration along the way. This is a guide about litter box training a cat.
We had a problem with one of our cats pooping around the litter box, but not in it. In fact, she really liked the bathroom rug. Our vet recommended we lay down foil in the places she was pooping, because they don't like the feel of foil on their paws. Well, we covered the entire space where she was going except for the litter box and a small path to it. It worked like a charm. Kept at it for a while, then slowly started removing the foil. If she started back to her little habit, we put the foil right back. This took a while, but Ms. Kitty finally got the message!
By Sarah from Hixson, TN
I'm trying to get my new kitten to use the litter box, but she keeps eating the litter. What should I do?
By Mel from West Palm Beach, FL
By Beth
01/09/2010
You didn't say she wasn't using the box. Only that she is eating it. I agree that changing to a different litter could solve that. But is she using it otherwise?
My friend and I recently rescued a kitten that had been thrown over her fence. It turns out the kitten has radial paralysis and a break. The vet said he may need to amputate his front leg. How do I teach him to use a scratch tray when he will only have one front paw? Even though it had been mistreated and not looked after, he was so smoochy, that wouldn't have made a difference to me; I would have loved him anyway.
By Sharyl
By lah34a
03/04/2012
We have a kitty boy who isn't missing a leg, but his hind legs drag. I can't recall the long veterinarian's name for it but it's due to his being separated from his mother for a few days and missing out on nutrition.
Anyway, don't worry about your little guy! Frugalsunnie is so right about the fact that he will adapt and thrive. We decided early on that our little guy would probably figure out things for himself. He runs (like a bunny!) and jumps and plays just like his brother.
I would suggest starting your kitty out in a shallower litter box so he can access it more easily. I used an old cake pan when our guy was small and he took to it right away.
How do I make the cat poop in litter box not outside? She poops right in front of the litter box.
By jjniya
By FC1
01/17/2012
Hang out with her in the bathroom for a while after she eats. When she starts to poop, pick her up and put her in the box. If she stays and finishes her business, reward her with kind words and petting. If she tries to get out, keep putting her back in. Do this for a few days or until she reliably starts going straight for the box.
You might also try a different kind of litter. If you're using clay or something else that doesn't do much about urine odor, you could try adding a thick layer of baking soda and mixing it in, adding a bit more each time you scoop the poop out (which should be every time you go to the bathroom). Pine pellet bedding for horses is another option; it absorbs the urine and smells like pine trees. They sell it as cat litter, too, just for about 3 times the price.
Fishercat
Does anyone have any tips on litter box training a new kitten. My daughter just got a new kitten and is having problems getting him to go in the litter box.
I am fostering two baby kittens about 8-9 weeks for our local humane society. I have had them for about two weeks. I plan to adopt them once they have had their shots and are spayed.
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