How can I make my kittens use the litter box?

Question

I have 3 kittens and I can't get any of them to use the litter box. I have done everything I know to get them to use it. The mother is the only one that will.

I've heard that some cats are picky and like to have their own litter box, should I go out and buy other litter boxes for them?

They are almost 3 months old. They won't go near the litter box, they like to use the carpet. It's hard to be patiant when they are making my house smell.

Answer 1

I used to work at a vet hospital and often had to take abandoned kittens in to ween them. The best trick I found is the same method the mother cat uses. take a warm rag and rub their undersides while over the litter box. When they begin to urinate, set them in the box to finish. It takes a few times for them to get used to it, but it had always worked well for me.

Answer 2

maybe they don't like the litter you use. you probably should change it. buy Fresh Step if you don't. that's what I use and my 2 cats haven't had a problem yet. when I got my 4 month old kitten a week ago he went straight into the litter box. they like it. you just have to WAIT and be PATIENT. NEVER yell or hit them. when I got my 4 month old and brought him home to my 2 year old, she never once stopped using her litter box for any reason. (she's a good cat though) how old are they? that may have something to do with it. but buy Fresh Step anyway and see what happens. Oh and buy the bag, not the box. the bag has bigger chuncks which is alot easier to clean up, especially for 3 kittens. It is completly unnessary for you to have to have 3 litter boxes for them. they're going to grow up together. Good Luck ^-^

Answer 3

Litter boxes for cats is instinctive. It may be that the box is too large and intimidating for the kittens. Purchase some of those disposable aluminum pie plates. Put some litter in there and I'll bet they use it.

Answer 4

i would buy an extra litter box for the kittens, set them in the litter box and scratch there paws in it, this is what i did with my 5 and with in a day to my surprise they were all using it, the mother uses her own and wont go in theirs and they wont go in hers, just make sure they don't try to eat the litter, mine did, and don't use clumping litter for the kittens just in case they do try to eat it. my kittens are now 6 weeks old and they learned to use it at 5 weeks. I'm sure its just that they don't want to use the moms litter box, cats are very territorial creatures.

Answer 5

Make sure you put them in the box often, and sometimes you have to scratch the litter to show them how. It could be they need at least one more box, (My 5 cats share two litter maids, but they clean themselves pretty regularly.) or you may need to clean the one you have a little more. Be paitent and they'll get it.

Answer 6

try putting a litter box where you see them going to the bathroom also kittens will meow when they have to go so try paying attention to this and put them in if they get out gently take their paws and show them how to scratch be consistent about putting them back in until they get the hang of it don't smack or scold them cats are consistent and will go where they are use to that is why i suggested putting a box where they are using hope this helps

Answer 7

a few things:
when it comes to using the sand cat's have this instinct they go to it on their own. usually if they are with out their mother they start at about three to four weeks old, if they are with their mother six weeks is about the right time.

could be the mom still do it for them.

and yes you should buy another litter box.
i use clumping sand called ever clean, it's great and my cats love, and it's easy to use.

Answer 8

I used to stuff my kitties nose in the litter box.

Answer 9

Hi,

Try putting cat nip around the box. It will calm the kittens down so they are not afraid of the box.

Bob

Answer 10

yes u should buy difrent litter boxes 4 them