i just got a male kitten and caught it urinating on a blanket that was on my sofa.?

Question

Is this something that i should be concerned about or is this a normal thing for cats to do? If it is normal--what can i do about stopping it

Answer 1

It's only normal for kittens that are not already boxed trained. If your kitten is using the litter box and doing this then you'll want to put the blanket somewhere where the kitten can't get to it. If it's not using the box at all then you'll need to retrain the kitten to use the box.

Tips for stopping this from happening: If the kitten is already in the processes of relieving itself simply put the kitten into the box. Never scold or rub your kitten's nose in the urine or dropping when it doesn't use the box. This will actually condition the kitten to use that area as their toilet because they will be attracted to the scent.

Make sure the litter box is accessible to your kitten and your kitten can get in and out of the box easily.

If possible, you can also try putting the litter box where your kitten is going.

Also, if your male isn't neutered you'll want to do so as soon as possible.

If none of these things work you may want to have your kitten checked at a vet, it may have a urinary infection.

Answer 2

Well you don't say how old the kitten is, but no this is not normal. You need to show the kitten it's litter box, put kitten and litter box in a room together until kitten learns to use it. Have it vet checked to be sure not a urinary infection, get it neutered if old enough. If the kitten has urinated in other places in your home it is going to be a battle to re-train him, no matter how much you clean carpet, the smell stays just below the surface and he can smell it even if you don't. If it is just on the blanket, wash it and don't put it back until you have this under control. Be sure cat box is in location kitten has easy access and have more than 1, rule of thumb is always have 1 more cat boxes than you have cats. But my best advice is first off to the vet to be sure not a medical problem, then work on behavior change.

Answer 3

1. does it know where the litter box is?

2. is it too far from the litter box to make it back before it has to pee?

Kittens can't hold it in very long, and if they're too far from the box they'll find what seems an ok place to go, wherever they are.

However if they get into the laundry basket sometimes the heavy smells there say 'do it here', and cats get confused on that.

But no, it's not normal. Kittens under 5 months of age are still learning. Just take him over to the box and set him in and let him see you 'scratching' with the litter scoop there. Don't rub his nose in it or repremand him, he won't know what that's about because he won't connect the two actions as cause and effect.

Positive praise works wonders. A good 'that's great' and light pat as he leaves the box is a good reinforcement.

Answer 4

Yeah, yeah, kittens/cats mark, but male kittens/cats tend to get UTI's (unitary tract infections) often. When this happens, it is painful to pee, and they will go almost anywhere other that a litter box (they associate it with pain). Is he urinating often and small amounts? Have you noticed and pink/red in the urine? Wash the blanket in hot water, and keep a close eye on kitty. If you think it is a UTI, get him to the vet now. This is serious in cats, and can kill them if left untreated.

Answer 5

yep, it's normal
kittens will do that when they first come into a house, because they're a little nervous and want to mark their terroritory.

he'll probably keep urinating in that same spot, until he gets used to living in your house... there are some things you can do to stop it, though.
any time he does it, tell him "NO!" in a very firm voice, and put him into a bathroom for the night... this might seem cruel, but he won't blame you for it... eventually he'll associate urinating with the negative consequence.

also, make sure that he is getting used to using kitty litter... and make sure to put the blanket up for a while so he can't use it again.. (he'll probably be able to smell where he's peed before and think that's his litter box)