No matter how much you search, you don't understand why your kitten urinates in its litter box but defecates elsewhere. However, it seems to have understood what use it should make of it! In reality, there can be several reasons for such behavior. Here are the ones!
Good to know: a kitten never does anything with the aim of enraging its owner. it is in no way capable of revenge or malice. If it behaves badly, it's always a sign that something is wrong. In fact, punishing or scolding your kitten for pooping everywhere is of no educational benefit.
Summary
- A medical problem
- Instinct
- The shape or location of the litter box
- Cleanliness of the litter box
- The type of litter
- Stress
1. A medical problem
It happens too often that kitten owners automatically dismiss any medical problem and instead focus on a behavioral issue. In fact, there are many cats illnesses that can cause your new kitten not using litter box. Even more so if it is a sudden change. For example, intestinal problems can cause your feline to relieve itself where it is, particularly because of abdominal cramps which prevent it from moving around.
Likewise, if your kitten is constipated, it may associate his litter box with a painful feeling. And if it suffers from arthritis, it may be particularly difficult for him to find the right position to eliminate his stools in his litter box, especially if the latter is closed or too narrow.
In any case, before considering a behavioral problem, it is better to check your kitten's state of health with a veterinarian.
2. Instinct
Some kitten hate urinating and defecating in the same place. In question ? An instinct that comes to them from their wild ancestors and which is still difficult to understand today. However, it is assumed that this is a way for our feline friends to expand their territories.
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If this is the case for your kitten , the only solution is to buy another litter, specifically for its stools. Do not place it right next to the original litter box but preferably in another room, or at least where your furball has now gotten into the habit of pooping.
In any case, remember that it is necessary to have at least one litter box per kitten!
3. The shape or location of the litter box
As you know, in nature, kittens are predators but also prey. This is why they are always on the lookout and need to control the slightest movement in their environment.
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So, if your kitten's litter box is closed, it's entirely possible that because of that your new kitten not using litter box, it won't feel safe enough to take the time to poop in it. In fact, it would not be able to see a possible enemy or another kitten approaching and would therefore not have time to flee!
Likewise if its litter box is open but it is placed in the corner of a room, hidden in a cupboard or in a passageway. For all these reasons, choose an open litter box that is large enough and has low sides that you place in a quiet place but without being too isolated. The important thing is that your kitten does not feel stuck in its litter box, but on the contrary always has the opportunity to escape in a flash.
4. Cleanliness of the litter box
In order to always keep the litter box clean and make your kitten want to use it, it is recommended to remove excrement using a shovel every day and completely change the litter box 1 to 2 times a week.
But if, despite all your efforts, your kitten decides that its litter box is too dirty for its poop break, it can take the liberty of defecating elsewhere. In this case, it may also be wise to add a second litter box to the house. The objective? Allow your kitten freak to always have access to a clean litter box.
Good to know: conversely, some kitten not using littre box when it is too clean. In fact, they prefer to do their business in already soiled litter. For what ? Quite simply because the smells of their own excrement there reassure them.
5. The type of litter
Yes, some kittens prefer a specific type of litter when it comes to urinating and another when it comes to defecating. Go figure! Given that they spend more time pooping, perhaps this can explain this strange requirement...
So, all you have to do is offer your kitten a second litter box. But with a different substrate from the first. And if that still doesn't work, opt for an empty litter box. If your kitten defecates heavily there, it is because it simply cannot tolerate the litter box when it comes to pooping. And in this case, we are really sorry for you…
For your information, most kittens prefer soft, sandy, unscented litter. In all cases, be sure to choose ecological litter, based on wood pellets, straw or even cereals. From now on, when it comes to plant litter, you have a choice! And so much the better because, as you know, our feline friends are particularly difficult on the subject. For this reason, do not hesitate to try several types of litter.
6. Stress
Just like urinating, defecating can be a way for your kitten to mark its territory. And especially in times of stress.
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So, if your new kittten not using litter box or suddenly starts pooping on the floor following a change in his environment (moving, arrival of a new animal, a baby, change of companion, etc.), it is likely that it is only temporary. The time it adapts to this new situation, in short.
Alternatively, if your kitten had a frightening experience, such as a loud noise, while it was pooping in her litter box, it may have associated that time and place with something stressful. Thus, it will tend to avoid making a big mistake in his litter box.
In the latter case, you will need to be patient to undo the trauma. In particular, you will have to use various stratagems (caresses, encouragement, treats, etc.) to make him want to relieve himself in his litter box.