9m Old Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

[Melorin]

Hello,
we have 3 cats and 1 dog- all of them are boys and recently- about two weeks ago we've gotten a kitten from a shelter, he's 9 months old- at least according to the shelter- he's really small and thin (we've got a kitten that age and he's nowhere near as big as him). He's got problems with his teeth, but we couldn't risk anaesthetizing him because he's too small. He started to eat and slowly gains weight, but he never leaves his bed and everything around him scares him, even after the two weeks. He pretty much never moves. We understand that he needs time. On the other hand his potty habits are not the best. We've tried to move the litter box closer to him so he pretty much just walks down and is where he needs to be, but he still hardly ever pees there. Pooping is fine, he goes into the litter box as he should, not when he pees though. Usually he just sits on his bed and pees there. We put towels underneath so he doesn't destroy the bed. We hope it's not the kidneys. What are the best ways to potty train him? Every time we take him out of his bed he panics and runs back. Also, should we just wait or is there any way to help him feel more comfortable walking around the house? Thanks.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. It will take time to get him used to his environment, so just be patient. I have attached a few articles (below) about things you might try to get him more comfortable with his surroundings, as well as the other animals in the house - which could be a big part of his problem.

Regarding his peeing elsewhere than the litterbox, you can try to get a cardboard box lid and place puppy pee pads in it, and see if that might be a way to stop him from peeing on his bed. At this point, put it next to the litter box. If he does start to use it, you can always start to add a tad bit of litter on top of the pad and see how that goes, etc. He also might be one of the cats that doesn't like to use the same litterbox for pee and poo (yes, weird but true). Also, included an article about litter box training.

How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home

How To Successfully Introduce Cats: The Ultimate Guide

How To Safely Introduce A Cat And A Dog
How To Train Kittens To Use The Litter Box

Sorry to inundate you with information, but hopefully you will find it worth your while to read through the articles.

The only other thing to keep in mind, is that sometimes when cats don't use their litterbox for peeing, but do so for pooping, it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. So, he might need to see a vet in order to be checked, and treated as applicable.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi!
You could also try low volume classical harp music. It's known to relax cats, or there is an app Relax My Cat or MusicForCats . com

Take a look at these recipes, they may help with extra nutrition to get his weight up

Kitten-Rescue.com

 

[kissthisangel]

well, you already moved the litter closer to him, and I can see that he is thin and weak. What you might try is putting him in the litter once he's had a bit to eat/drink. Move your hands through the litter at first and basically *show* him how to dig the litter. If he doesn't go, don't force him back there. Wait until he vacates his bed again and then cover the bed with a pillowcase, when he pees on the case, you take this off and then place that soiled case in the litter tray. Again place him in the tray after a meal and drink/ any intake and move the litter around like you're digging. (its going to take a few tries and he might not like an audience) As he gains weight and strength he should favor somewhere away from his bed that carries his own scent. If he does use the box, excellent. Keep some of his used litter back to sprinkle on the clean stuff and remind him that's the loo. But If he doesn't, then maybe a trip to the vet to get some expert advice might be a good move.