I have had a cat for a year and we just got a new kitten. The new kitten will use her litter box but will not cover it up. She just goes and leaves it. Why is this and how can I make her cover it?
2007-10-20 13:25:56 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats naturally should cover their waste to hide their scent. But over the years, domestic house cats have lost the need to do it. I have had cats that have done it from kitten hood, learned gradually, or never do it. Quite often, this isn't something most cats strive to do on their own, especially if their really finicky (one of my cats jumps out and runs away as soon as she goes as though the box was on fire). If you want to be sure your cat will do it, you must teach it how. It's great that she is so young, it will be easier to learn for her. Next time you see that she goes to the bathroom, wait until she's done, and then kneel down and gently stimulate the digging with her paw. Make this experience as pleasent as you can for her. I have seen people do this with their cat screaming and wondering what's wrong. If she resists and runs away, camly bring her back and do it again. You can also use the scooper to bury waste if she's watching. And you your other cat shares th litter box, the chance of her learning from him/her are even greater. After you see her even digging a tiny bit, reward her with a treat or lots of fuss, whatever you normally do. Never try to punish her!
2007-10-20 13:45:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're obsessing a bit too much over this. Just be happy that she uses the litter box.
BTW - do they both use the same litter box? My vet recommends one box per cat, plus one spare, in case someone gets their whiskers out of joint if someone uses "her" box. Who knows? Maybe the kitten is leaving everything out on display to make a point to the other cat. Or maybe her mother just never taught her to cover up.
2007-10-20 20:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its just a baby they will do this for a while before they "learn" to cover it. i don't think its a big deal, just not a pretty sight! i say give her time the older one may even teach her how.
2007-10-20 20:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by ~~Sami~~ 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my kitten did that,but eventullay she will cover it up
2007-10-20 20:33:31 · answer #4 · answered by Nicole B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋