How do you get a kitten to use a litter box?
Kristen asked:
I recently took in a 5-week-old kitten I found on the side of the road. I took her to the vet and was told she had a severe ear infection, but other than that she appeared okay. She’s been receiving her antibiotics and is now running, jumping, eating solid food, drinking water, and maintaining a normal life like any kitten would. The only problem is that the kitten has not gone to the bathroom in over 48 hours. What can I do to help with this problem? I’ve heard of rubbing a warm towel on her rear until she goes to the bathroom, but will this work for a kitten of this age? Will she do it on her own if I get her introduced to the litter box? I’m worried that something may be wrong if she hasn’t gone to the bathroom in so long, but she seems fine. Any advice?
I recently took in a 5-week-old kitten I found on the side of the road. I took her to the vet and was told she had a severe ear infection, but other than that she appeared okay. She’s been receiving her antibiotics and is now running, jumping, eating solid food, drinking water, and maintaining a normal life like any kitten would. The only problem is that the kitten has not gone to the bathroom in over 48 hours. What can I do to help with this problem? I’ve heard of rubbing a warm towel on her rear until she goes to the bathroom, but will this work for a kitten of this age? Will she do it on her own if I get her introduced to the litter box? I’m worried that something may be wrong if she hasn’t gone to the bathroom in so long, but she seems fine. Any advice?
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January 30th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
HOW adorable! How could anyone leave a little dear like that alone…. So happy you saved it!
February 1st, 2009 at 1:02 pm
keep putting him in it
February 2nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
kitten food is really high in protein, so this could be it, call your vet ASAP (or a 24 hour one), she could have a bowel obstrution and need mineral oil on her food
February 4th, 2009 at 8:38 am
He probaly has gone some where you haven’t found it yet. You can find some and put it in the box or take him outside a lot till you can get a sample to put in the box. Usually taking them outside they go right away it’s instinct.
February 6th, 2009 at 5:09 am
i would definetly take her to the vet if the kitten doesn’t go to the bathroom. she’s probably constipated or something and they will probably give her a medication for it
February 9th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Something may be wrong. It is not normal for any animal not to urinate daily. Call your vet asap and tell them what is going on. She may have some kidney or bladder or urinary tract problem going on. Also you have not gently placed her in a kitty litter box yet? As soon as you do she may get the idea fast. Cats are very clean animals and do not like to “go” where they live. That also may be the problem. Take her outside asap and see if she goes. Then get some little and a box quickly. If this does not work, call the vet.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
What you usually do is put its food bowl near where it is usually going to the bathroom and then put the litter box somwhere where he/she can see it. And then just keep the food in the same spot for about a week with the litter box where it can see it and then remove it so they get used to the litter box.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
You shouldnt be too worried sweetie….call ur vet and ask wat can you buy at a petstore or buy from the vet….. If you go to the petstore (PETCO, PETSMART,PETLAND) you can ask anyone there if there is a ceratin spray that can be put on the litter box to help the kitty use the litter box….and if you have any plants at floor level or to where kitty can reach it….she/he will dig in and use it there….You can also try calling a good FEED store to see if anyone there would know some kinda remedy….to help kitty use the bathroom…..
good luck, and let me know wat happens
February 13th, 2009 at 7:31 am
I just rescued a puppy from the local Humane Society. The piles are bigger ! patience is necessary. Like dude said on the 1st response…..
February 13th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
You could try the towel thing, but i got my kitten at 5 weeks old, I just set him in the litter box and gently helped him scratch the litter a little bit, he got the picture and did his business all by himself.
February 15th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
She should be able to use a litter box by now. I do fosters where I work and they know what the box is for. If she hasn’t gone in 3 or 4 days, give some cat lax or vegetable oil, mineral oil, or non spice pumpkin that has been canned. She most likely is adjusting to the food and environment, so she may not go for a few days.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Have you seen any ‘accidnets’ around the house? If not she’s going somewhere - either in the litter box or outside.
Chances are a small kitten like that wouldn’t leave enough to even notice - but do go to this site http:www.sspca.org/Cats there are tips here on cat behavior and how to get them to use the litter box.
Hope it works out for you.
February 20th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
My cat was the same way but then he learned. she’ll lurn. you just got to keep putting him in the litter box and see what happens.
February 20th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
well my case is a bit special since I have a small room (1 x 1 m)just for my Kitty where it’s litter, food and water are….so when it came we had to lock her up at night in that room for the first three nights…..haven’t seen a single problem since then…
February 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
you put her in the litter box and make her paws dig around in it for about a minute. it might help if you put some cat (or some other animal) poop in it so she’ll recognize the smell and know thats what its for. trust me. i have 3 cats! =)
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 am
Stick their back legs in the litter box a few times. They’ll eventually get the idea.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:25 am
it is probably not ready yeat. I think that it is to young and when it get older it will be more used to it and it will go there