new kitten and litterbox

8 weeks old is pretty young to be away from his mom. He should have stayed with her until at least 12 weeks as the mother cat teaches them things like proper behaviour as in no biting, litter use, etc.

Because he is so young, chances are he cannot make it to a litter box as quickly as he needs to so I would firstly recommend having several litter boxes spread around so that there is one nearby when he needs to go. If he is looking for soft things to pee on then it's also possible he has a urinary tract infection and should be checked by a vet. He should be checked by a vet anyway at this point just to ensure he is healthy and be started on his first vaccinations.

I know it's sad, but good for you, Mikes Julie, for making the choice that's best for the kitten.

And when he returns in four weeks, he'll be all yours!

It will be tough, but when he comes back, little Calvin will be a better kitty for it.

Hi there -
Just make sure to do it quickly, so there is no problem in mom recognizing him... Four weeks will come really soon - I am glad you have the choice to send him back for a little longer...

Sounds like you have a warm, loving family. This will be great for the kids, too, to see the priorities you choose.

Like Carolinalima said, four weeks is no time at all; hang in there, MJ!

I think it will work itself out in time, but do get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Feeding him in the crate then waiting for him to use the box before releasing him is a good idea. Leave that crate open, he may start using that box regularly. Cats usually get the litter box concept quite quickly, especially if there is an older cat for him to emulate.

Are the sides of the box low enough for him to get into the box easily? Perhaps there is something about the litter he doesn't like. Many cats object to the strong perfume odors some litters have.

Welcome to the forum and please keep us updated on Calvin!

I do a lot of raising of bottle baby kittens and there is an amazing litter that I have become a firm believer in......Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Litter.This litter can be found at Petsmart for like $15 for a 20lb bag. I start to use it when the kittens can walk well enough and are peeing on their own. I have never had a kitten miss the litter. I don't know exactly what it is in the litter that makes them use it but its amazing. The only downfall to this litter is, when it gets wet it turns to cement, so if kitten accidentally steps in urine clump his little feet have to be washed asap. I wish you the best of luck.

It's good that the vet asked about the kitten's original home - I certainly never thought of that.

It does indeed seem as though little Calvin needs several boxes spread around so he can get to one quickly if he needs to go. As he matures you won't need to keep multiple boxes but in the meantime it will help both of you. He sounds like an absolute treasure and is in a lovely home with folks who truly care for him.

I second the kitten attract litter.

1 kitten, two litter boxes - that is the recommended (litter box # = cats +1). Make sure they are easily accessible...
I second the Kitten Attract Litter - I think it will solve your problem.
They also have a rebate, so your 1st litter will be free.

here is the rebate:
http://www.preciouscat.com/pdf/Free_...ll_8-17-06.pdf

A quick question because I don't see it mentioned anywhere in this thread (unless I'm so sleepy I missed it! )... but are you cleaning the areas where he peed outside of the box with an enzyme cleaner? Nature's Miracle is the most common, found at supermarkets and pet stores, but it is not the best, and often requires several applications. The two best are more expensive, but in our experience, worth it. We use Nok Out http://www.nokout.com/odorelim/pets/ - Anti-Icky-Poo is also really good: http://www.catfaeries.com/cleanup.html

It is SO important to use an enzyme cleaner. Cats are all about territory and smell - and if he smells his pee anywhere outside of a box, it will just encourage him to continue to have the problem. An enzyme cleaner is the only thing that removes the scent to kitty's far more sensitive nose.

We also cover the area with aluminum foil. When Spooky was stress-peeing outside of the box, we had to soak the couch cushions. We then covered them with aluminum foil. When we wanted to sit on it, we put a throw blanket over that... because you MUST douse - and I mean really soak - any area. Cat pee wicks, so it is really important to use a lot of enzyme cleaner and really let it soak in there - through a cushion or down to the floorboards. I mean soaking. Blot it up after 10-15 minutes, and then you must let it air dry. But if you're not doing this, it should go a long way to helping unconfuse him about just where is OK.

...and positive reinforcement also really helps. Just like with human children, understanding what they should be doing comes from praise - so even if you put him in the box and he finishes there, praise him to high heaven. It will help reinforce what he's supposed to be doing.

Thanks for the happy update! By the way, scratching the wall or floor around the litter box is quite a common behavior for cats. Ootay (rb 5/09) always gave the walls and floor a through scratching, all her long life.

Jennie does her business in one box, then reaches over and scratches a nice neat pile of litter.....in the box next to the one she's used LOL!