How do you get a kitten to use a litter box?

Question

I recently took in a 5-week-old kitten I found on the side of the road. I took her to the vet and was told she had a severe ear infection, but other than that she appeared okay. She's been receiving her antibiotics and is now running, jumping, eating solid food, drinking water, and maintaining a normal life like any kitten would. The only problem is that the kitten has not gone to the bathroom in over 48 hours. What can I do to help with this problem? I've heard of rubbing a warm towel on her rear until she goes to the bathroom, but will this work for a kitten of this age? Will she do it on her own if I get her introduced to the litter box? I'm worried that something may be wrong if she hasn't gone to the bathroom in so long, but she seems fine. Any advice?

Answer 1

She should be able to use a litter box by now. I do fosters where I work and they know what the box is for. If she hasn't gone in 3 or 4 days, give some cat lax or vegetable oil, mineral oil, or non spice pumpkin that has been canned. She most likely is adjusting to the food and environment, so she may not go for a few days.

Answer 2

Something may be wrong. It is not normal for any animal not to urinate daily. Call your vet asap and tell them what is going on. She may have some kidney or bladder or urinary tract problem going on. Also you have not gently placed her in a kitty litter box yet? As soon as you do she may get the idea fast. Cats are very clean animals and do not like to "go" where they live. That also may be the problem. Take her outside asap and see if she goes. Then get some little and a box quickly. If this does not work, call the vet.

Answer 3

Have you seen any 'accidnets' around the house? If not she's going somewhere - either in the litter box or outside.
Chances are a small kitten like that wouldn't leave enough to even notice - but do go to this site http:www.sspca.org/Cats there are tips here on cat behavior and how to get them to use the litter box.

Hope it works out for you.

Answer 4

What you usually do is put its food bowl near where it is usually going to the bathroom and then put the litter box somwhere where he/she can see it. And then just keep the food in the same spot for about a week with the litter box where it can see it and then remove it so they get used to the litter box.

Answer 5

You could try the towel thing, but i got my kitten at 5 weeks old, I just set him in the litter box and gently helped him scratch the litter a little bit, he got the picture and did his business all by himself.

Answer 6

You shouldnt be too worried sweetie....call ur vet and ask wat can you buy at a petstore or buy from the vet..... If you go to the petstore (PETCO, PETSMART,PETLAND) you can ask anyone there if there is a ceratin spray that can be put on the litter box to help the kitty use the litter box....and if you have any plants at floor level or to where kitty can reach it....she/he will dig in and use it there....You can also try calling a good FEED store to see if anyone there would know some kinda remedy....to help kitty use the bathroom.....
good luck, and let me know wat happens

Answer 7

He probaly has gone some where you haven't found it yet. You can find some and put it in the box or take him outside a lot till you can get a sample to put in the box. Usually taking them outside they go right away it's instinct.

Answer 8

Stick their back legs in the litter box a few times. They'll eventually get the idea.

Answer 9

well my case is a bit special since I have a small room (1 x 1 m)just for my Kitty where it's litter, food and water are....so when it came we had to lock her up at night in that room for the first three nights.....haven't seen a single problem since then...

Answer 10

I just rescued a puppy from the local Humane Society. The piles are bigger ! patience is necessary. Like dude said on the 1st response.....