What to do if my 4-month-old foster kitten won't use the litter box?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1lb
I have a foster kitten about 4 or 5 months old. Vet says she thinks he is mildly mentally challenged/delayed. He doesnt seem challenged and plays and runs and eats all normal but he will not use the litter box no matter what I do. I've crated him, used feliway, attract litter, puppy pads, everything. When I notice hes about to go I put him in the box and he fights me to get away then pees/poops on the carpet in a diff spot each time. Is there any way to litter train a "challenged" kitten?!?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 7th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a hard one. You have tried a lot. Mentally challenged cats use the box, so I don't think we can blame that. I think this is a behavioral problem or preference to this particular kitten. I would crate him 100% of the time with minimal bedding (1 think towel to lay on), his food/water and a box. He should stay in there until you find a substrate he will go on IN the litter box: astro turf, piece of carpet, empty box, newspaper, etc. I wouldn't allow him to go all over your house. Put his urine and poop in the box with him. Show him how to dig around in the box and cover it up. He should be confined until he has used the box for 2 weeks then can be let out under supervision only. Once you see him use the box consistently can he be out with out supervision. All soiled areas must be cleaned with an enzymatic pet cleaner and if you can block access to as many rooms as possible that would prevent him from wandering off privately. I really wish you the best, this is not going to be easy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 13th, 2018
If he is crated and urinates on the blanket I would take it out. This seems harsh, but he needs to learn to use a litter box if he is going to be adopted to a new home. You should set the crate up with the litter box, food, water and a place to lay without a blanket, and as recommended previously keep him there until he is consistently urinating and defecating in the box. If he urinates or defecates outside the box in the crate you could try having an empty box or a box with a disposable potty pad to see if he prefers these substrates. It does seem like this kitten has a severe behavioral problem, and there is a chance that you may not be able to train him to use the box - but know that it doesn't seem to be for lack of trying. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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