Why won't my kittens use the litterbox?

Okay, technically they're my brother's kittens (and it's not my fault, I tried to have the cat spayed). Still, about six or seven weeks ago--I can't remember which--the cat gave birth to five babies (and they were freaking HUGE!!!!). Anyway, the kittens have not been using the litter box. Instead they seem to prefer under the computer desk (in the cords), by the entertainment center (next to the surge protector), and behind the corner cabinet (somehow they can get in through the tiny little crack between the wood and the wall). Now, my mom has said that their mother (the first cat) will teach them how to use the litterbox. I've seen her; when they eliminate bodily waste (pee or poop) she will watch them with wide eyes and groom them as soon as they're done. Now, I've tried spraying the areas in question with lemon scented spray to keep them away, but it doesn't work. (Momma cat likes the scent of lemon, and the babies don't seem to care.) What do I do?

get Dr Elseys Kitten Attract for the litter box and an enzyme cleaner  for cleaning

http://www.preciouscat.com/litter-box-solutions/

you can also put the kittens in the litter box

The kittens are in too large of an area.

Kittens this age will not hold it to seek out the litterbox, it literally needs to be right there under their noses, or they will make their own spot.

Either closing them in to one smaller space with a couple boxes out in plain view, or a ton of boxes all over the place, including right in the middle of the room.

Whichever way you choose, you'll see, both work, because of the age. As they get older you can remove some of the boxes gradually, or allow them full access but box still needs to be clearly seen while they're still so young.

By 10-12 weeks old they will seek out the box. 

Technically the moms don't teach them to use the box either, it's learned by observing her. Also instinct to hide their scent, which comes soon.

So your brother is okay with having one litter after the next? She WILL get preg again if not already.

catwoman707 said:

The kittens are in too large of an area.
Kittens this age will not hold it to seek out the litterbox, it literally needs to be right there under their noses, or they will make their own spot.

Either closing them in to one smaller space with a couple boxes out in plain view, or a ton of boxes all over the place, including right in the middle of the room.

Whichever way you choose, you'll see, both work, because of the age. As they get older you can remove some of the boxes gradually, or allow them full access but box still needs to be clearly seen while they're still so young.

By 10-12 weeks old they will seek out the box. 

Technically the moms don't teach them to use the box either, it's learned by observing her. Also instinct to hide their scent, which comes soon.

So your brother is okay with having one litter after the next? She WILL get preg again if not already.

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She hasn't finished weaning them yet. And I'm not sure what he wants, but I'm taking care of them. I intend to make sure she gets spayed. When do I need to lay down the law?

Tallyollyopia said:

She hasn't finished weaning them yet. And I'm not sure what he wants, but I'm taking care of them. I intend to make sure she gets spayed. When do I need to lay down the law?

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  Good for you, I'm so glad to hear!

So 6 or 7 weeks old, if she goes outside at all, she is likely pregnant again, or will be very soon,  they will usually go into heat somewhere around 3-4 weeks after having kittens.

So you want to get her butt fixed as soon as she is able to dry up somewhat. It takes 10-14 days after she is done nursing the kittens for her milk supply to dry enough for spay, but you might want to give it one more week and then they are completely capable of eating on their own 100%, so she might need to be separated from them, as some kittens will just keep trying to nurse everytime they see her, which means impossible to get her dried up, and bigger chance of her being prego again, which means either aborting or yet another litter, which is super hard on mom's body, will be very depleting for her.

catwoman707 said:

:high5:   Good for you, I'm so glad to hear!

So 6 or 7 weeks old, if she goes outside at all, she is likely pregnant again, or will be very soon,  they will usually go into heat somewhere around 3-4 weeks after having kittens.

So you want to get her butt fixed as soon as she is able to dry up somewhat. It takes 10-14 days after she is done nursing the kittens for her milk supply to dry enough for spay, but you might want to give it one more week and then they are completely capable of eating on their own 100%, so she might need to be separated from them, as some kittens will just keep trying to nurse everytime they see her, which means impossible to get her dried up, and bigger chance of her being prego again, which means either aborting or yet another litter, which is super hard on mom's body, will be very depleting for her.

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That actually doesn't seem to be the problem. She'll wander around heavy with milk and call for the kittens, but they don't seem to be trying to solicit nursing at all.

Oh that's good to hear! It makes it so much harder when you have one or two kittens who just won't give it up!  

It worked! The kitten attract litter is working! I haven't had to clean a mess outside the litter box in three days! [emoji]9786[/emoji]

Tallyollyopia said:

It worked! The kitten attract litter is working! I haven't had to clean a mess outside the litter box in three days! [emoji]9786[/emoji]

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