My new kitten has started doing her business around the flat!

[Japann]

Hi All,

I thought about getting a cat for a few years now. I finally bought a kitten on Monday who is 8 weeks old. I was told that she was litter trained.

I bought her home and used a litter tray that my neighbour lent me. I then went out the next day and bought a covered one. She has used it a couple of times but now she has started doing her business all over the flat.

I read that they do not like the litter tray to be too near where they eat. It was close to where she eats as given the layout of our kitchen I did not have a choice. I decided today to move it into the hall. Is there anything else that I can do to discourage her from doing her business anywhere else? Or will moving location be enough?

[Sarah]

Ewwwwww! That's what puts me off having a kitten. Have you tried picking the poo up and putting it in the litter tray and then showing her? Or maybe grabbing her quick while she's doing it and putting her in the tray?
Sarah x

[Japann]

I actually caught her in the act today. So I picked her up and put her straight in the litter tray but I think that she had finished what she needed to do by then. It has taken a lot of hard work to get the place cleaned up. Thank god I have a carpet cleaner is all I can say!! I am praying that the new location of the tray will work.

[angel1980]

She may not like the litter tray as it has a cover on it and cats like to know that they have more than one escape route if they need it. Also that you've moved it, cats are very fussy like that.

Try getting one the same as the one you borrowed and put it back where it was, then after every time she's eaten place her in it, talking to her calmly so that she doesn't feel under any stress at all. Hopefully that'll work. Good luck.

[rach04]

if shes doing it in the same place move the litter tray there, then gradually move it away leaving some of her scent (litter) in it until its in place you are both happy with. i agree with the covered one they feel to much like a cat carrier get rid and get a normal one.