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Why won't my new kittens use their litter box in our new home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed

Hi, I have two 8 week-old kittens who were litter trained at their old home, but won't use the box here. We put them in and they just jump out, help?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2016

It can be stressful for cats to move into a new home. There are a few simple things you can do to help them litter train in your house. First, have at least 1 litter box per cat plus one; therefore, if you just have the two kittens, I would recommend 3 litter boxes. Second, make sure the litter box is large. The kittens will keep growing, and if it becomes too small, they won't use it. Third, some cats don't like covered litter boxes and some like them. You can try to boxes covered and uncovered, and see what they like best. I would recommend using the same litter that was used at their old home because they are used to the smell and texture. Make sure their litter boxes aren't close to their food and water, cats don't like to use the bathroom near their food source. While you are litter training them in your house, don't let them have free rein of the house when you are gone. Place them in a small room with their litter boxes while you are away from the house, and provide them with water and a place to sleep at the opposite end of the room from the boxes. Make sure you clean the litter box daily. If they continue to have problems going to the bathroom outside the litter box, it may be a health issue, and I'd recommend bringing them into your vet for a health check.

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14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Contact the previous owner/breeder and ask what type of litter was used. You can also provide several litterboxes and sprinkle some litter attractant into each one.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Toby and Tia. Most kittens will take to litter training fairly easily. A standard size litterbox may be too large for the young kittens though. You need something very low so that they can get in and out. There are kitten size boxes or you can place litter on something flat for them. Place them in the box ir litter area frequently. Have enough litter in there so that they can dig. They may play in the box initially. If they go in the box, give them lots of praise. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 29th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Unity. You can try several things. First, offer her a kitten sized box with a very low lip. This will make it easier for her to get in and out of it. Next, you should have 4 litter boxes if there are 3 cats in the home. Make sure they are in quiet and safe area. Try placing in her the box every hour or two when you are home and rewarding her if she goes. You can also try a different litter substrate if she does not see to prefer what is currently in the box. Finally, ensure she does not have any diarrhea as it can be associated with urgency which will make potty training very difficult. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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