New rescue hasn't used litter box.

We just rescued a lost cat found near a construction site and he has yet to use the litter box. The vet estimates that he is 8-10 years old and was a house cat (we're searching for the real owner). It's been almost 24 hours and he keeps crying by the door; I'm worried that he's used to going outside but am afraid to let him out.

Any ideas on how to get him to go? He's had wet/dry food and water already. The litterbox is open and filled about and inch or two. Its unscented litter and it's located under a table against a wall. I'm also scared that all the crying is him having to go.

You could try closing him up in a small room such as a bathroom, leaving the litter box and his food and water and a bed for him in there. It make take a couple days but eventually he will have to go. Is he making accidents elsewhere? If that happens and it's the kind you can pick up, put it in the box and show him. I've also heard good things about a litter called Cat Attract. It just speaks to kitties "Go Here!"

Here is an article from this site regarding litter box issues:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-solve-litterbox-problems-in-cats-the-ultimate-guide

No accidents anywhere and he doesn't seem to be straining. I worry because I had a male cat growing up that got blocked frequently. This guy isn't cowering or anything, in fact all he wants to do is be cuddled and played with, but his crying and hard abdomen have me a little concerned.

I'll try confining him to the bathroom and see if that helps!

I would say your next step is a trip to vet vet to make sure he is medically okay and doesn't have a blockage then. You don't want him to get too backed up and cause other problems. Thank you for taking him in! He is lucky to have you. Would love to see some pictures

I've taken in cats that didn't use the litter box for the first 24 hours. If they haven't been eating regularly or they are a little dehydrated it can take a while for things to go back to normal. Some cats just need that first 24 hours to get comfortable too.

Of course take him to the vet. He'll need to be checked over and scanned for a chip, just in case he has got lost, but don't worry if he doesn't use his box straight away.

Just make sure he has enough water and food.

Thank you for trying to help him. keep us updated on how things turn out.

He finally went! But no pee yet, which makes sense because he hasn't had too much water. He won't drink out of a bowl, cup, or the tap--only from the toliet haha

Thanks for the reassurance! He's been to the vet and has a chip, but the owners haven't picked up their phones. We're kind of fostering him until they can be reached. And he has finally pooped, just waiting on him to pee so that I know he isn't blocked or anything.

He is gorgeous! Very glad he went

Beautiful boy. His family are going to be very happy to get him back again.

I had a feral kitten who didn't know how to use the litter box...she played in it and ate the litter! I had another cat that was put with the kitten and the kitten watched him use the litter box...the kitten learned by watching and has never had another problem! I love happy endings like that!!

Jim