Kitten Litter Box Issues

jmta

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Hello!

My girlfriend and I adopted a 6 week old kitten this week. Her name is Blackberry. She is very sweet and playful and we are absolutely in love, except for one small problem: the litter box. We have it in our second bathroom, it's out of the way and in a quiet area of our apartment. I've read now on several sites that it's often best to confine a new cat to a small area of the home and only allow her out when directly supervised. This is what we've been doing. When she is confined she seems to use the box with no issues. However, when we do let her out she will sneak away and eliminate in another corner of our home.

What else can be done? Every time she has done so we've thoroughly cleaned the area. Should we leave a little of the urine/feces in the box so she can smell her way back? Should we bring her to her box periodically (eg. After meals and playtime)?

Just looking for feedback on what we've done so far and if we're missing anything, and as well if there's any accepted timeline for when this concept will click with her, so to speak.
 

riley1

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You don't say how long you have had her.  My first thought is that you might need more boxes.  Kittens get lost & sometimes forget where the box is or it is too far away.  Also, if they are not used to their new territory they might be afraid of the spot where the box is located.  I would start by putting litter boxes in the areas that she is using to pee.    If she uses the relocated boxes you will know that this is the problem.  Are you sure she is 6 weeks?  I work at a shelter & we have to move kittens out very quickly but never before they are 8 -10 weeks old.  I would like us to keep them at least 12 weeks & with their mom if they come with one.  This just seems way to young to be away from litter mates, etc.
 

jcat

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I agree that more boxes spread around would help. Young kittens are like little kids or puppies. They play or explore, wait till the last minute and then have to go fast! You can gradually reduce the number of boxes as she gets older and has better bladder control.
 
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jmta

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Okay, thanks for all the suggestions! We'll have to give those a try. I've read that sometimes leaving a bit of urine/feces in her box and bringing her to the box at regular intervals can help her recognize where the box is and that that's the place to go, not in a tucked away corner. Would you guys agree? Or is that going to create negative associations with her box if she doesn't want to go there?

@Riley1: we've had her a week. We are sure she's 6 weeks (7 weeks tomorrow) as we personally know the family she came from. In hindsight, though, 6 weeks is a fair bit early. Unfortunately I don't think we could (or want) to give her back, if her mother would even accept her back at this point. We have her now and just want her to be happy and healthy.
 

catpack

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Adding extra litter boxes is likely going to solve your problem. Especially since she uses the box appropriately when confined to the bathroom.

At this point, I really don't think the accidents are happening because she doesn't know what the litter box is for. It's because she just isn't able to get to the box in time.

I agree with putting a box in all of the places around the house that she has had an accident. You can start to take litter boxes away when she is 10-12 weeks old.
 
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jmta

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@LTS3: we're going to give the litter a shot. Reviews look great and it seems to have worked well for people with similar issues.

@CatPack: We'll definitely give that a try as well.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. This is all stuff we've both read before, it's just one of those cases where a bit of human input is reassuring amidst the many thousands of pieces of information out there . We'll report back when our kitty has figured it out. Thanks again! :)
 
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jmta

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An update in case anyone is interested/curious: we bought the Kitten Attract litter a few days ago and, within 10 minutes, our kitten was using the box like a pro. No more accidents at all! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Couldn't be happier!
 
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