My new kitten (Louis) has been living with me for a week and a half now, and he's only using the litter box that's in the bathroom (I've taken the swinging door off because it's a covered litter box and he's still too small to use the door). My older cat, Flo (1 and a half years) has stopped using the second litter box (which still has the door on it) and is now only using the litter box that Louis is using. Flo used to use both boxes before Louis arrived. I never had this issue with an older cat I had when Flo came to live with me when she was a kitten. Does it have to do with the door being off the litter box? Has anyone else out there ever had this issue? Has/will it developed into something worse (like spraying!!)?
2006-09-08 02:55:41 · 12 answers · asked by polydactylmoggie 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
It might be that Flo is establishing dominance by marking her territory this way. Try moving some of the kitten's droppings or dirty litter into the other litter box, and see what happens.
I can't say if this will progress to something worse. It depends on how the cats get along. We had 2 adults in the house, and brought in a kitten. All eventually worked out well, and they seem to all use the same litter boxes.
2006-09-08 03:02:32 · answer #1 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 cats and 3 litter boxes. They only use one no matter what. I have seen that one look like it has a waiting line. I know that sounds funny. But when we brought Wee-Wee home this is when it all began. Two of them have the doors like yours. The vet said it is because the one they are using doesn't have the door. It is easier for them to get into and out of. Even after replacing the door they continue to use that one. It comes down to that is the box they perfer. (Yes, they are all by the same manufacturer too.) When Louis gets older and you can replace the door, both may still use just that one or they may pick one box each. They may pick one box to urinate in and the other for other business. Just depends on the cats.
I have never had it turn into anything other than that but I always have my kittens fixed at an early age. The sooner the better.
2006-09-08 03:09:38 · answer #2 · answered by misstigeress 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible the Flo prefers the litter box with the door removed because it doesn't smell as much. Covered litter boxes tend to keep the odors inside (which is probably the point) and some cats are more sensitive to their box odors than others.
2006-09-08 03:01:07 · answer #3 · answered by searchpup 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although it may have something to do with the door, most likely Flo is telling the new kitten that Flo reigns supreme! :-)
Just a territorial/dominance thing, and no, this doesn't mean it will turn into something worse, like spraying
2006-09-08 03:16:08 · answer #4 · answered by Ragdoll Kitty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our male, Blaze, has had the same litter box since we adopted him 15 months ago. When we adopted our female, Lotus, two weeks ago, we bought a larger box for both of them to use. I kept both boxes down, however, knowing that we might have problems trying to force both of them to use one (especially since Blaze was used to his own).....well, I've noticed they're both using Blaze's old box now. Actually, Lotus has been pooping in hers, but peeing in Blaze's, lol. He doesn't seem to care, so whatever!
I'd say it could be either/or or both; she either likes the box without the door, is trying to cover up Louis' smell with hers (dominance)....or both.
Get Louis neutered as soon as possible to try and prevent spraying from either cat. A lot of vets still recommend 6 months for neutering, but it's being done earlier more and more now. Some places neuter as early as 2 months.
2006-09-08 05:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she never liked the door? Louis may or may not spray when he gets older, but it's best to have him neutered at 4-5 mo. because he will be less likely to stray, or if stricktly indoor, be too agressive toward Flo.
2006-09-08 03:05:03 · answer #6 · answered by Suze 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A 6-7 week previous kitten could nonetheless be with the mummy, who might have taught the kitten to apply a muddle container. If the kitten actually has fleas, purely a classic tub won't get rid of them and that they're going to infest your place if no longer dealt with ideal. The container could be to extreme for the kitten to very actually get in and out of. Get a muddle container it incredibly is low sufficient on one area for him to get in and out much less annoying. One with a lid is right.
2016-09-30 11:28:04 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flo is marking her territory. Eventually she will go back to using both. Cats are funny like that.
2006-09-09 12:58:46 · answer #8 · answered by kimba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probable that Flo doesn't care for the door on the litterpan. Also the area the new litterpan is in maybe more accessible.
2006-09-08 03:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by joythegreat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of cats don't like the covered boxes. Even if they are well taken care of and emptied frequently the smell gets too concentrated in there for them.
Maybe she just likes the open box and always has been hoping for one!
2006-09-08 03:25:33 · answer #10 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋