Litter training a kitten

1. 78

   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   Hello cat behavior specialists.
   Here's my dilemma: The new addition to our household is NOT litter trained.
   I was told by the woman I got her from that she used the litter box there (shared with one other cat).
   She has yet to use the litter box here. She's lived here 1 week now.
   
   I've isolated her own litter box and put it within a larger box for privacy and put both in a private room away from the other cats' toileting areas.
   Have tried to catch her "mid-stream" so to speak and put her in there.
   Have tried simulating scratching the litter with her paws.
   No interest.
   
   
   Is the ONLY way to do this to isolate her completely in the bathroom for 3 days? That's what I've read.
   Is there another method that works?
   
   Thanks.
   MM

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   1. 0

      Daniella Lopezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Cats are very particular to the kind of litter that you use. I would ask the previous owner what kind she used and use that kind. I know the one time I changed the litter on my cat, he refused to use his box, and he's been potty trained for quite a while now.

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2. 91

   wordscribe43posted 12 years ago

   Place her in there after she eats.
   
   It's gross, but if she poops outside the box, put her poo-poo in the box for her to see.
   
   Maybe she doesn't like the litter you're using.  Are you using the same litter she was accustomed to?
   
   How old is she, MM?

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3. 78

   Rising Carenposted 12 years ago

   I concur with the others. The litter you use makes a world of difference. Sometimes cats are so picky, they have to have the EXACT same - brand and all! Others are less picky but still want something similar. For example, kf the previous was a pebble litter, any pebble litter might do and all pellet litter will be rejected.
   
   If not, scooping the cat's poo into the litter, followed by thoroughly disinfecting the area where the poop used to be so as to remove all odor traces of it, might work.

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4. 78

   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   Those are all great suggestions!
   She is 10 weeks.
   Was part of a litter dropped off in my friend's condo complex.
   This little feisty miss walked right up to my friend's door and demanded to be let in!
   She wasn't there more than a couple of days before I adopted her.
   I will check on the type of litter. That's entirely possible as I use corn litter (Arm & Hammer) for my other cats. It's pretty clear she's not "relating" to it as litter. I'll find out what kind her cat uses and try that type.
   And will put her in there after she eats.
   And put her poop in there (what's one extra stop on the way into the toilet anyway, eh?)
   
   Thank you all so much for the great ideas.
   I will keep you posted.
   Miss Tina Louise Finch Schneidereid thanks you.
   And her Mommy and Daddy and brothers Jimmy and Gremlin and sister Storm thank you, too!

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5. 91

   wordscribe43posted 12 years ago

   I am so jealous.  I am waiting for a picture, by the way.  Oh, and congrats!  Is she climbing the curtains yet?
   
   Some cats don't like corn litter, I have one of those.  It's too bad because I really like it, it's so light and clumps well.  Plus, you can flush it.

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