HELP - Covered litter box issues

[annegirl]

Hi I have two 8 month old kittens and introduced them to a covered litter tray about 3 weeks ago. They are really messy and kick the litter all over the place. I know they are only covering their waste enthusiasticaly. Well last night I added the flap door onto the box, and put each cat in and let them figure out how to get out. Both cats managed to.get out in seconds. But to my dismay today I found poo on the floor behind the box There was also poo in the box. So advice needed. Do I remove flap immediately or wait for a few days? Using litter box has never been a problem so don't want to start now. Thanks for the help. r .flap

[grrawritsjordi]

I had to take the lid off of my boxes and get another one because of this. My older cat would attack the younger one. Plus, she couldn't figure out how to get out even though she had done it before. I just have to clean the box more and sweep up a few times a day.

Sorry I am not any help

[britishvixen21]

I had to remove the flap too. Bee just couldnt figure the in and out bit. she went in and then meowed to get out. it still does the trick but i also have to sweep in front of the box.

[Carmel]

The only suggestion besides removing the flap is to tape it up and slowly lower it, so the cats get used to it.

[annegirl]

Thanks for the suggestions. I took the door off. Didn't want to risk starting the habit of pooing on the floor. Will have a think about it and maybe try again later. Again if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. Thanks.

[Marcia]

Originally Posted by Carmel

The only suggestion besides removing the flap is to tape it up and slowly lower it, so the cats get used to it.

That is how I introduced all of my cats to the kitty door that leads to the screened in porch. Two cats never really accepted it though. I would remove it and replace it with something soft like a piece of cloth or clear plastic (old piece of shower curtain liner) see if they don't accept that better.

[Robin1109]

There are no flaps on my litter boxes. They can't stand them and the flaps have always been a little wonky. If you keep the box clean, you shouldn't smell much without the flap.

[razzle]

Many cats don't like a covered litter box. You could try getting something like a sweater container (or something like that)-it's long and has high sides. It doesn't have to be specfically a litter box. It could be the litter your using that causes it to track. I use special kitty from wal mart. I have rugs and i don't have that problem.

Kathy

[annegirl]

Again thanks for the responses. My cats are really ok with the cover over the box it is just the door. I have figured out that Lola is fine with the door but Tigerlily is the one struggling. I have taken the door off for the moment. Every now and again I put it back on and put the girls in and again they have to get out. Tiger struggles with it so will just keep at it and eventually she may get more used to it and then can leave it on full time. Thanks

[Marcia]

yes, she may figure it out. Jack had trouble with our cat door to the porch, but after a couple months he's got it down pat now. His biggest problem is squeezing his 20 pound girth through a 15 pound cat door!!!!!