We recently rescued a kitten from a lady who kept her cats in filthy conditions. Poor guy cries very loudly when he poops, and has begun to avoid the litter box. When he does go it's very loose. We've tried giving him a little fiber supplement, more water, he eats mostly canned food... My parents are taking care of him and I can tell they're getting impatient. They've got him in a large dog crate when they can't keep an eye on him, but he'll just go on the newspaper right next to the box. He pees in there alright, but...

Any other tricks you've used to train a problem kitten?

I don't think it's a matter of training. I'm willing to bet he has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. I would take him in and also take in a stool sample with you.

He does have an appointment coming up... I was wondering what things they might suggest we test for?

Worms, first of all.

He's being given Strongid for worms. We're using Kitten Attract litter but it isn't really helping.

Sounds like this poor little guy hasn't had the best start in life. I agree with Marcia. I also agree he should be tested for worms. He might be missing the litter box right now but please remember he is only a baby!

We are keeping that in mind. His progress has certainly been slowed by how he's been raised up until now. We have a follow up appointment at the vet in 2 weeks - does that seem like too long to wait and see?

I guess if the vet thought he was good for just a wormer then he'll be ok. I'd say if you are concerned about him though it might be worth a second vets opinion. Usually after a wormer they can be runny and have bloody mucousy poop - in my experience. There is every chance he has worms if he wasn't being looked after properly. Hope it clears up for him soon! I tend to find kittens in small confined spaces tend to learn to use the litter tray in time. It's natural for them to want to dig and cover their poop. If their arn't other places to hide it (as they are in a small area) the litter tray should be a good idea for him and will eventually become a habit ! Really hoping all goes well!

With one of my kittens it took a second, different antibiotic to get rid of the worms. Luckily, he was using the box, but it was very loose. If it were me, I'd try to get him in sooner.

Small update: Yesterday we withheld food from Gus for 12 hours. Last night my mom gave him a little canned pumpkin and some boiled chicken. This morning he pooped on the paper again, but he didn't cry and it looked like a normal poo, not loose at all. So hopefully if we keep feeding him things that are easy on his system, he'll learn to use the litter box normally... Wish us luck!