SLEEPS IN LITTER BOX?.

I have a kitten which likes to sleep or hide in his litter box. Will he continue doing this as he gets older or will this stop. If not, how can I change this behavior?

The enclosed sides of the box make him feel safe (a reason many cats like to sit in sinks, too). Give him another box (a cardboard box is fine), and see if he switches to that.

I agree, he needs to feel safe, if you get him a heated pad, I can guarantee he'll be on it!   

Di and Bob said:

 
I agree, he needs to feel safe, if you get him a heated pad, I can guarantee he'll be on it! 

 

Click to expand...

To clarify, a pet heating pad or mat, not one for people as those can get too hot and can burn a pet, even on a low setting.

Cats love to hide in dark places so offer a cardboard box. Shipping boxes that you get in the mail (Amazon orders, etc) , the freebie sturdy ones at warehouse stores like Costco and BJs and even just the supermarket are all good. You may even find boxes around the neighborhood on trash or recycling day.. Remove any tape that may be on the open end of the box. Some cats will chew on it and even eat it.

Sleeping/hiding in his litterbox could also be a sign of stress/insecurity. If giving him a box (or condo or igloo bed...or even a cat carrier with the door removed) doesn't alter the behaviour, you might want to get him checked by a vet. Sometimes hiding in the litterbox can be a sign they're not feeling well.

Another alternative to heat pads is a heat reflective blanket. They're not too expensive, and my girl loves hers.

In terms of stress management Feliway is a good start, and interactive play is a great street buster that will also build confidence.[article="30307"][/article][article="30274"][/article][article="30316"][/article][article="0"][/article][article="0"][/article]

Might be a good opportunity to start crate training too... this is something we never did with our cats (didn't see any need).  Then we adopted a cat who loves her crate and found how useful it can be to have a cat that is crate trained.  She is deaf, and she likes to sleep in her crate because it makes her feel more secure because it is so hard for anything to sneak up on her with only the front opening.  She also enjoys her crate when she wants alone time.  If you mess with her when she is in her crate, you are asking for trouble... sometimes she just doesn't want to be petted.  If it is time to go to the vets, or for a car ride, her crate is not a source of stress, but more like a security blanket and it keeps her safe.

If you have a crate, I would see if you can transition the kitty from the litter box to the crate.  And, as Columbine mentioned, you probably want to check with a vet and make sure it is not an indication of any underlying condition.