New cat isn't using litter box?

We adopted a new kitten yesterday afternoon, about 4-5 months old. So far she seems to be adjusting well, she's playing and cuddling, eating and drinking. But she hasn't yet used her litter box. She's gone into it a few times to smell around and occasionally dig her paws in, but she never stays for more than a few seconds. I've never seen her sit/squat/do anything that inplies she's trying to go, but can't.

I don't think she's gone on the carpet somewhere - we have her confined to one room (the office) while she adjusts so it would be hard not to notice.

Is this normal for an adjustment process? Should I be doing something like trying a new type of litter? Maybe she's not used to this brand, or something?

Are you using the same litter the kitten has been using? If not, buy some of that litter and use it for awhile. It's best to limit too many new changes to your new kitten. Are there definitely no pee clumps in the litter box when you check it? It wouldn't hurt to get a black light and check the floor for any dried pee spots in hidden away areas. Any pee spots will need to be cleaned with an enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle.

There are more tips on how to help you kitten to adjust here:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-help-a-new-cat-adjust-to-your-home

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/bringing-home-a-new-cat

Since she has been in the box and investigating I would give it a little more time.  If she hasn't used it by tomorrow morning then I would make sure she isn't going somewhere else that is really out of the way like in behind or under something.  If she hasn't gone anywhere by tomorrow morning then I would schedule a vet visit.

Actually, after I posted this, I noticed her trying to dig around in a cardboard box we had on the other side of the room. I filled that with litter and dug in it with my fingers so she would see, and she climbed in and used that. I had done the digging in the actual litter box before and it didn't seem to interest her, so I'm not sure what it is about the litter box that she doesn't like. Perhaps just seeing me fill the cardboard one helped her understand? Or perhaps it's closer in size to her box at the shelter? Our litter box is bigger with larger sides.

Anyway, I'd like for it not to be a permanent solution. Right now I'm thinking I'll swap the litter box and the cardboard box's places, and see if she uses the right one. If she keeps using the cardboard one, maybe we'll have to find her a box with shorter sides. Of maybe I'll put the cardboard box IN the litter box for a while and see if that helps.

If you can reach the previous owner to confirm what they used that can be a big help, it could be the litter box -covered or not, or the litter or just simply being in a 'new' place.

I experienced that a few times, jumping from clumping to pellets, if you shred up paper and place some ontop of whatever litter you're using, then slowly removing the shreds,  most kittens have been on paper or used paper.  Making motions with their paws for encouragement in the box, I wouldn't be alarmed right away all animals are nervous in a new home it's an adjustment, soiling in a new home the first time deserves lots of cheer and praise    good you're watching. had one lady get back to me kitten is eating drinking but nothing in the box don't know where he's going...yet but must be....doing it something somewhere I'm laughing while typing this because it was so funny!  but it's truly not he was soooo independent,

Congrats on your new furbaby!