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My kitten pees in the litter box but won't poop. How can I fix it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My four month old foster kitten refuses to poop in the litter box. I have had him crated now for 2 weeks and he will mostly pee in the box when he is crated but still refuses to poop in the box and instead does it on his blanket. He has been checked by the vet is all good health wise. I've tried different litters, feliway spray, putting his poop in the box. Everything. Nothing works. He also doesnt have any testicles (unsure if related). Why will he pre buy not poop in the box?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 19th, 2018

This can be a difficult problem to figure out. Some cats prefer to urinate in one litter box and defecate in another, so if he only has access to one box the first thing I’d recommend is adding a second box. If you haven’t tried Dr Elsey’s Cat Attract litter it may be worth trying that specific brand. Finally, if he seems to prefer fabric you could try lining a litter pan with a disposable potty pad. If at any point his stool doesn’t look normal (i.e. If you see diarrhea, mucous, blood or if it seems very firm) I’d recommend rechecking with your vet. Good luck!

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    Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2017

    Sorry Minx is causing some issues. It sounds like you've done a lot of the things we would normally recommend. Here are a few more suggestions. 1) add another litter box 2) put a litter box where he is defecating 3) try Cat Attract litter 4) if all else fails, confine him to a small room with his food, water, litter and bed to 're-train' him to use the litter box. If these all fail I recommend him being seen by a veterinarian to make sure there isn't a medical condition.

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