New litter box, Kitten doesn't know where to go to bathroom

Go and get that other litter box you had and set it up right away. When introducing a new litter box to any cat or kitten, always leave the old one available for them. Alot of cats/kittens will be leary of a hood/swinging door. It sounds like he thinks it is a little fort or something since he goes in and lays in there. What a character you have on your hands. Oh dear, the last thing you want is for this kitten to start going out-of-the-box and that will be worse than the poop playing issue. I would get that old box set up immediately

Having the old, uncovered shouldn't end up being permanent. I think feralrv meant to have BOTH out for the time being so if he is intimidated by the hooded one - he has somewhere else to go.

Maybe put some cat attract litter in the hooded box? Give him a treat when he uses the hooded box as well if you catch him doing so. If he is going into the box to hang out - I don't think he is put off by the smell of the plastic

I think in time he can use the hooded box - but for now it's best to keep both. It is frustrating he is playing with his poop -but trust me, you will be a lot more frustrated if he starts pooping out of his litter box all the time and you have THAT to deal with.

Cats like making decisions "by themselves." So, you need to set up the old one next to the new one so he can decide on his own terms to start using the new one. Cats rarely respond well to immediate changes, especially in the area of dry food and litterbox changes, so a transition time is needed where both boxes will be side by side.

Yes, I meant for you to keep the old box, and the hooded box next to eachother wherever you usually keep the box. Another suggestion is you can also get a rubbermaid container without the top on. Cut a hole in the front of the rubbermaid container, about seven inches around. This way your kitty will have a harder time throwing the poop out and scattering litter. I am sure it is a huge mess, him playing in the litter pan and trying to get his poop out to play with it. The rubbermaid container will keep the litter in alot better and it will not have a hood on it. Get a large rubbermaid tote for this.

If you have thrown out the old box, can you go and get another one similar to it? I would also then take the hood off of this new one right away. I really don't think it is the plastic smell that is keeping him away, I think it is the hood with the flap door. He might feel comfortable going in there to rest, but to do his business, he might feel trapped and vulnerable. They do make litter boxes with higher sides now, you just have to go to Petsmart or Petco to find them. I alway recommend buying the largest open box you can find and with the highest sides.

I know it is a mess with his litter box playtime, but if he starts going outside of the box, that will be a much bigger problem. Sorry you are dealing with this. I know this is not a funny problem you have going on and want to help you if I can...Have you tried play sessions with your kitten? With those wand type toys. I have a huge selection of them in a cabinet that I take out in the evenings and play with my cats. It helps burn off energy and I think your kitten is bored and needs someone to play with him and interact with him. Just do not leave those wand toys out when you are done playing, cats can get tangle up in them and that is very dangerous.