Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi all!

We currently have two kittens that sometimes use the litterbox and sometimes don't. We have tried everything under the sun (different litter boxes/sizes, different litter types, litter attract, tested for fecal parasites, etc etc) and they are still not reliably using the litterbox. We cannot pinpoint the issue and were hoping for some fresh ideas from others! We are going to try separating them to see if that might work, as they are siblings. Please let me know your thoughts and ideas! THANKS!

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Shelby Bundy
Shelter Manager
Longmont Humane Society
303-772-1232 x 265
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We got them when they were about 5 weeks old, unsure of their lives before coming to us :/

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Shelby Stromberger-Bundy
Shelter Manager
Longmont Humane Society
303-772-1232 x 265
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2024 06:02 PM
From: Kim Freeman
Subject: Kitten Litter Box Use!

I've had a few situations of kittens who were not raised by a mother who were actually incontinent.

Do you know if these were bottle babies?

Kim Freeman

Lost Cat Finder

www.lostcatfinder.com/lost-cat-resources

Recovering lost cats in nearly every US state + 24 countries worldwide, these guides combine all the data, science & best practices on lost cat recovery.

We have used dirt from outside before, sometimes if they are used to that texture, it can help transition them into the real litter.

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Wendy Arnold
Animal Programs Manager
Humane Society of Central Oregon
OR
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How are they behaviorally? Shy/sensitive? Did they come in under-socialized? Where are they peeing - in blankets? In a hiding spot? Have they been dealing with diarrhea?  Could they be posturing inside the box, but missing the box?  I have seen issues where kittens felt too exposed trying to get to the litterbox so they just peed where they felt safe. Are there certain times of day where they tend to use the box - like overnight when it's quiet? See if you can find any patterns. I have also seen so much play activity in the litterbox that some kittens will avoid the chaotic spot. Has anyone actually observed the kittens going to the bathroom and what did it look like? They are young and still learning, they've potentially been brought indoors for the 1st time, and any number of things could be throwing them. The weaning process can be stressful and can bring up any number of challenges. I would try and catch them interacting with the litterbox or catch them eliminating and see what it looks like. Good luck!

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Michelle Flowers
Foster Specialist
Seattle Area Feline Rescue
UW-AAB
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