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Why does my dwarf kitten refuse the litter box and poop while walking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 2 lbs

Can having dwarfism cause a kitten to refuse to use a litter box, and walk while he poops? I'm 90 percent certain that my little Male foster has dwarfism and he is approaching adoption age so not using the litter box is increasingly concerning as I know that adopters dont wamt cats that arent litterbox trained. If this is caused by dwarfism is there anything I can do to make going I'm the box easiar for him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on July 6th, 2018

If your foster kitten has some abnormality (such as dwarfism) that is affecting his bones, it can also affect the spine, so it can cause problems with normal defecation. I would recommend having a veterinarian perform an examination (including a neurological examination) to determine if there are any abnormalities. If the foster kitten has fecal incontinence because of a neurological condition, then he may be a special needs adoption. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 6th, 2018

    This may be a difficult problem to solve if it’s caused by the deformity. To improve his training I recommend keeping him in a small bathroom with his litter box and no other place for him to go to the bathroom. If he uses the box when in a crate the goal is to get him trained to the box in a little bit larger room. If he continues to use the box, try giving him a little more space. It may be that he wants privacy and that’s why he goes under the couch. Trying a covered litter box may help and please make sure it’s low enough that he can get into it easily. As he matures this may improve but in the meantime don’t let him have access to the house until he consistantly uses the box for several weeks or more. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your kitten.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 8th, 2018

    Poor guy. THe first step is to get him examined by your vet and tested for hypothyroidism. Growth hormone testing can also be done to verify if he truly is a dwarf cat or not, because he won't have the proper growth hormones that other normal growing kitties have. There is reasonably priced treatment for hypothyroidism if he has that concurrently. After treating for the hypothyroid issue, a lot of kitties can start using the litter box properly, although it won't help with his actual growth issue. You can discuss further options for his growth with your vet, if desired. i hope that this helps and best of luck with your possible dwarf kitten. Take care!

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