What should i do about my Kitten?

Question

I got him from the store about a month ago litter trained. Out of a sudden for the last week he is been doing his business all over my appartment and it stinks all over the place. What should i do ? should I get rid of him or what? please help

Answer 1

Hi Angela...I hope I can provide some helpful suggestions to get your kitty to improve his potty habits. Because questions can limit the ability the learn as well as share all the necessary details to determine the problematic causes and to provide solutions I will try to assume any possibilities to consider likely reasons as well as some helpful retraining ideas.

My first concern would be to determine if there's a likely chance that a medical reason is the cause for the inappropriate soiling. A veterinarian can take a urine sample to see if your kittens could have a urinary tract infection (UTI)/bladder infection, which isn't uncommon. I strongly encourage by having this test done soon because if left untreated it could develop into a kidney infection which is very painful and at times could cause lifetime problems with inappropriate soiling habits. Therefore, the sooner he's treated it may stop the inappropriate soiling habit as well.

But for now in order to control the inappropriate soiling and retrain your kitty it is best to isolate them into a small room with their litter box (food and water as well) until they consistently uses the box. Please don't fret by keeping them in this small room for awhile (such as a bathroom). As long as you provide them with food, water, fun toys and attention they will not become bored or neglected.

While they are confined to the small room it's imperative to remove the urine odour stains with a urine neutralizer product such as Nature's Miracle (PetSmart or Petco). If any hint of the odour remains a cat will continue to mark this area to cover it up repeatedly especially male cats. Ideally these areas will need to be soaked deeply and thoroughly in order to remove all of the urine scent as animals can smell even the slightest lingering odours which humans cannot detect. This product is considered to be environmentally friendly and effective if used as instructed.

As a feline trainer I have found that any time a cat has an accident it is best to not scold or punish a cat in any manner. The reason is that they will associate that whenever they need to go potty they will be punished for the act that nature intended rather than understanding it is WHERE they are going potty that is bad. Cats are unable to separate these two ideas so it's best to quietly clean up the accident and reward the kitty with favourite food treats whenever you catch them using their litter box. This way they learn that the box is a fun place because they'll be rewarded with yummy treats. This method can also be applied to train cats to scratch appropriate places versus bad places...whenever they scratch somewhere you do not want touched pick them up quietly and place them to the scratch post/toy and reward with food treats.

Finally, I didn't see any information in regards to your kitty's age and wondered if they have been spayed/neutered? At 12 weeks they are at the minimum age which can safely be altered. Male cats "at the earliest" (average being much later) can begin feeling the hormonal urge to spray at 5/6 months and females go into heat. So if they are not altered just yet and is over 5/6 months old this could also be a possibility.

Aside from the above suggestions there are also products such as Feliway to help calm stressed felines, which sometimes may or may not work. Dietary needs can also play a small role. These additional ideas however don't control the inappropriate soiling effectively as well as isolation into a small space and having a UTI exam. They are only supplemental in nature.

It's wonderful that you are trying to learn how to best resolve the inappropriate soiling quickly. I hope you will take into consideration some of the above suggestions.

Answer 2

Take him the the vet. There may be some kind of a problem. Did the store tell you it was litter trained or did you see evidence of litter pan use? Stores will tell you anything to sell a pet. The best is to get a pet from a private owner - not a breeder, though. Keep the litter pan sparkling clean. Some cats will not use a litter pan that is not very, very clean. Try changing the litter brand - if scented, try unscented.

Answer 3

tip to get rid of the odor and prevent him from using the same spot again(if it smells like a litter box they'll use it as one), once you get the underlying issues resolved-clean the area with white vinegar it neutralizes the smell. Also cats do have very sensitive noses(more so than ours) so even if the litter box looks/smells clean to you, it may not to him, try either a litter with baking soda already in it or sprinkle it on the top daily to absorb odors, especially if you use clumping litter.

Answer 4

Just try to watch him as much as possible, when you see him about to do his "business" in the corner...pick him up and take him to his box. Important: leave his box always in one place, if you move it often, you'll confuse the cat and make him feel like he can go everywhere.... also: how old is the cat? maybe he isn't doing business, he could be "spraying" (scent left to attract other cats and mark territory)in those areas of your house..he may just be trying to say he's comfortable where he lives and warn other cats......you might want to get him fixed? Oh well hope this helps.

Answer 5

You should bring him to the vet and see what you should do but if u have other pets that u pay more attention to that might be why to get ur attention ad stuff but if u would get rid of him bring him to me i can train him for u no problam im 13 and i love animals and would help train anyanimal so just talk to me on instant messaging and i will help u with that ok?

Answer 6

See if he has a UTI first, then put him in a kennel with the litter box. May have to retrain him. Good Luck. He is still trying to get used to the new place. He is scared.

Answer 7

Ouch,,,,he is marking his space....lol i would sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet if he has done his business on the carpet.... It may be the cat litter you are using.... Cats are creatures of habit, sort of like we are...I'd try a different cat litter..... and get you a water bottle and if you can catch him, squirt him good..... Don't get rid of him, he is just going through a spell....he will start using his potty...if not you may have to get him fixed....depends on how old he is, male cats spray and it only gets worse if you dont get them fixed....best of luck

Answer 8

Dont get rid of him!!! you can't ever do that, i mean he is cut and cuddle ya know. You have to train kittys, even if you get an older one, you have to train them where the cat litter box is, like if he starts to go on your carpet or something pick him up and put him in the liter box, he will eventually know that, that is where he is supposed to go to the bathroom at. yep yep

Answer 9

Have there been cats there before? Is the litter box in a stressful spot? Yeah, he could have urinary problems. All this should be discussed with a vet. You could call one for advice. It's free.

Answer 10

my cat had a weired problem like that. it turns out that she had some wiered sickness. We took her to the vet and he gave us some pills to give to her daily for about a week and then she was better! that maybe the problem with ur cat. you should just take her to the vet. They'll know whats wrong.