I hate pooping my kitten lol. Not just cuz I don't like the mess, but because she screams so much when I do it (no matter how softly). She's three weeks old, and is walking on all fours pretty confidently (although slowly). When can I expect for her to poop on her own, and is there something I'm supposed to do to facilitate this transition?
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How do you teach a kitten to poop by itself?
- Thread starter vek555
- Start Date
She should start gaining control of her bowels anytime in the next week or two. Usually, people know it has happened because they go to check on them and there is poop there. Once this starts it is a good indicator that it's time to start introducing solid food as well as a litterbox.
For food, it's best to leave out a bowl of dry next to a bowl of water, though it may be awhile before she starts on those. To really get her going start with wet kitten food watered down with some warm water or KMR. I find it helps to dab some on her paws and mouth- that way when she licks it off she realizes how good it is and will start to investigate more. Keep bottle feeding during this time- it will take her a few tries to figure out how to get it in her and not just on her.
As for the litterbox: most people start out with a kitten sized box. A small plastic litterbox, a high sided cookie sheet, or even the cardboard that wet kitten food comes in all work well. Just put a tiny bit of litter in there to start, and make sure you set up several as they can't hold it for long. When she has an accident clean it up as best you can and put it in the box so she starts to scent identify (solids you can just set in there, urine is best soaked up on a paper towel and then put that in there). After she eats put her in her box to encourage her to go there. It will take awhile for her to grasp the concept so be patient and clean all her accident spots really well with an enzyme remover so she doesn't get confused. Finally, be sure you use a non-clumping litter. She will taste the litter and clumping litter can cause a life threatening blockage.
It does take longer without Mom there to show her how but if you are patient and consistent she will figure it out in no time. Good luck!
For food, it's best to leave out a bowl of dry next to a bowl of water, though it may be awhile before she starts on those. To really get her going start with wet kitten food watered down with some warm water or KMR. I find it helps to dab some on her paws and mouth- that way when she licks it off she realizes how good it is and will start to investigate more. Keep bottle feeding during this time- it will take her a few tries to figure out how to get it in her and not just on her.
As for the litterbox: most people start out with a kitten sized box. A small plastic litterbox, a high sided cookie sheet, or even the cardboard that wet kitten food comes in all work well. Just put a tiny bit of litter in there to start, and make sure you set up several as they can't hold it for long. When she has an accident clean it up as best you can and put it in the box so she starts to scent identify (solids you can just set in there, urine is best soaked up on a paper towel and then put that in there). After she eats put her in her box to encourage her to go there. It will take awhile for her to grasp the concept so be patient and clean all her accident spots really well with an enzyme remover so she doesn't get confused. Finally, be sure you use a non-clumping litter. She will taste the litter and clumping litter can cause a life threatening blockage.
It does take longer without Mom there to show her how but if you are patient and consistent she will figure it out in no time. Good luck!
