My kitten's paws are full of poop

Hello everyone

I only registered here because I really need help with my kitten, Dolce. I adopted him 5 days ago. I was told he's about 2 months of age. He wasn't very trained on using the litterbox. Now he knows that whenever he needs to pee or something he goes to the litterbox. I trained him only 2 days ago to bury his poop. He obviously does it wrongly! He keeps stepping on the poop and every time he steps out of the litterbox, his paws are full of poop. And then I struggle with washing his feet. I know I shouldn't shower him since he's a little kitten. But he smells ugly. And he won't let me wash his feet probably with water.

I know he needs time to learn how to bury his poop without touching it. So my question is ... how do I get his paws and feet washed?

Welcome!

What about baby or multi-purpose wipes (for people, not for surfaces)? A moist paper towel or cloth?

I suspect the main problem is not he does it wrongly, but his poo is too rare!  Even if it is not full diarrhea, but still too rare.

What food are you giving him?  Is it much different from what he had earlier??   Is he properly dewormed??

Too quick change in food, or being stressed by change of home, may by itself cause  diarrheas.   But there are many possible causes...

The tip by Pinkdagger  on wipes is of course useful, as far as it goes.      @Dalya

I shall ask a mod to mvoe this question to our  forum for Pregs and kitten care.

You dont need to do anything.

Good luck!

Baby wipes! Great idea! Thanks pinkdagger

When I adopted him, I noticed he wasn't well fed, I guess. Because he was only fed solid food. I took his food with me when I adopted him so he can still be fed the same way. But I noticed he was struggling with chewing the food. So I bought him kitten's food. It's not totally liquid. It has chunks of soft chicken and beef. And in those 5 days I noticed he is eating better. However, I'm having problems with making him drink water. He doesn't drink enough I think. And yes, maybe his poo is too watery! I was kind if suspecting that! Is it his food? Should I take him to a vet? StefanZ

As he nowadays eats mosty this wet you give him, he wont drink as much.  Wet food contains almost all the water they need.  You can try with some another brand, it helps sometimes.    Another of mine favorites is goat milk.  

  But what about deworming?   If he hadnt had properly deworming, he should. At least for round worms.  And one of the symptoms of worms is water /diarrheatic poo.

I dont think you must go to the vet because "its something wrong" with him - not yet!   But a check up with a new kitten is always wise.   If you want to have insurance on him it will too be necessary with a clean bill of health.  Or at least, a clean bill of health on the areas you do get insurance for.

Also, you can discuss the deworming and vaccination plan.

Re dewormers: there are some  good dewormers you can buy yourself, without receipt.  But you must know exactly what you are buing, as there are some dangerous dewormers sold OTC.   The easiest way is to get help from your vet.

Last but not least.  This way you do establish contact with your vet as his paying patient.   Next time you really need a vet advice, it will be easier to phone and ask - you are his paying patient, after all...

Good luck!   @Dalya

StefanZ I was watching him today. He actually steps on the poo. However, his poo didn't seem to be too watery. It looks better than yesterday. So yes, he steps on the poo with one foot when trying to bury it. I tried the baby wipes. They're kind of helpful.

The guy that gave me this kitten said that the next vaccination appointment is in two weeks. I think I can keep an eye on him and watch his behaviour until we see the vet.