We got 2 more new kittens and they are adorable in every way except one: They won't use the litter box and it's getting messy. Our other ones used the litter box, no problemo. So why is this batch being so stubborn?





We got 2 more new kittens and they are adorable in every way except one: They won't use the litter box and it's getting messy. Our other ones used the litter box, no problemo. So why is this batch being so stubborn?
"Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
Tempest





Perfect solution: put a photo of the fattie ex (you know who I mean)and tell them that's where to go.
Seriously though I'm starting to have this problem with my older cat. I think he's starting to fail. What I've been trying to do (and I remember this from housebreaking a new dog)is make sure they know where their pottie is and put newspapers all around the litter box. If you catch them outside the box, smack them on the butt and put them in the box. The key though is catching them at the moment they do this. I would also lock them in the area for awhile until they learn that's where they go potty.
Are they too little to climb into the box? I rescued one that was and used a disposable aluminum lasagna pan from the grocery store as a temp box. Then I had to put a brick in front of the regular box for him to use as a step until he grew up a bit.
I propose a toast - to my self control.... I see you crawling, helpless, on the floor.......
-Mark Sandman




You can put them in the litterbox once they have an accident, but don't rub their noses in it or rub their paws in the litter. Doing those things can cause them to have negative associations with using the litterbox.
If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.
You need a separate litter box for the new kittens. I've had tons of cats and had this problem before. Try setting up a brand new letterbox in a small area where you can enclose the kittens in, like a kitchen, bathroom. Some cats wont use a litter box that another cat uses...so u may need too. I think they say your technically supposed to have one box per cat
I can spell damn it! Sorry about my above post. Stupid auto correct!
^This. Cats can be very possessive of their new space, so try getting a new litter box for the new kittens
As soon as they have an accident, put them in the box and "scratch" them back and forth while holding them, so that they can feel themselves scratching their paws through the litter. They have a natural instinct to dig/bury after using the bathroom and it really helped my kitten learn that it was the place to "go"
If you have a ton of spare time on your hands, if you watch them closely, you'll figure out what their individual body language is before they 'go'. Looking anxious, sniffing around certain spots, doing the 'digging in invisible litter' dance. When you see that, very gently place them in their box with a ton of good kitty praise. They oughta catch on pretty quickly, but it only works if you're at home alot.
Hell, one of my adult cats has learned to let me know when he deems his box too full and would like for me to service it. He yells at the offending box for a few minutes, then comes up to me and pretends to be about to pee on the floor in front of me. Then he patiently holds it while I do my duty. It's hilarious
I propose a toast - to my self control.... I see you crawling, helpless, on the floor.......
-Mark Sandman
Yeah, if you only have 1 litter box for 4 cats, that's the problem. You should have at least 2, if not 3 litter boxes for that many cats.





Agree with all the above also I don't know if your place has more than one level but Ive heard of some lazy cats that need a litter box on each level of the house. Cheeky things haha.
Right before I adopted my cat my brother tried to introduce a new cat to the house that claimed the liter box and would kick her ass for going near it. She got a horrible bladder infection because she wouldn't go pee/poo in the house. She is such a good catbut moral of the story if the new kitten isn't dominant enough they wont let him/her use it.





Thanks everyone. We have 2 litter boxes. So far things have been getting better although they have had a couple of accidents.
"Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
Tempest
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