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Do I need to start litterbox bootcamp? Am I a bad kitty mommy?

4.4K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  thch8  
#1 ·
I'm worried I've screwed everything up with my new cat.

I'm in the process of moving back in with my parents, so Sunny has been staying with my parents. They have put her litter box in the basement landing area. They had left the lights on to help the kitty.

I purchased the world's best kitty litter and she didn't take to it at all. I purchased a covered sifting litter box and she didn't like that either.

I contacted the breeder who suggested Pine was used as litter. My father bought fresh step but it was the mulchy type. She wasn't a fan.
My parents simply put the litter in a lasagna foil pan (I didn't know about this) with the mulchy litter.

I came over today for fear that the situation is getting worse.
She has gone poo and pee in two separate areas on the second floor. The poo is dried, so I figure she did this yesterday.

I bought an open litter box, but forgot it at the store and it was too late to go back and get another one. So, I purchased the pellet pine litter (which I think she used at her breeders) I purchased two liners (one with holes to sift the whole pellets) and put them over the foil pan and put the litter on top.

I put the little girl on the litter box several times.

She once again went in another area on the second floor.

I'm worried that I've destroyed my little girl's litter box instinct. I'm constantly visiting little Sunny and she seems to be warming up to me and the rest of the family.

Any advice would be fantastic! I feel so guilty for being a bad kitty mommy!
Thanks!
 
#3 ·
If she's not liking any of the litters - and you've tried several different kinds - it might not be the litter. You might try changing the location of the box.

The fact that the litter was in a foil pan may be a factor too. I think I've read that cats don't like aluminum foil (sound, maybe?), so people use it as a deterrent, like putting some on a counter if they don't want kitty up there.

If the new litter box doesn't work, try putting the box somewhere else. That might do the trick. :)
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the responses!
I'm going to try and change the litter box today.
If not, it seems like this little girl wants to go on the second floor, so I might just change the litter box to the second floor somewhere and see my luck.

Hopefully the little girl will come around. My parents are neat freaks, so this is sending them into panic attacks.
 
#6 ·
Even a short cardboard box..until you get one..low enough for her to get into...you can line that with a cat liner or cling wrap (just so nothing seeps through)

Also cat attract...works...there is litter or there is a powder you can sprinkle over litter...well its not powder..its just ground real fine
 
#7 ·
Aluminum foil is the worst...in fact, its an option to lay down over a place where they pee regularly on the floor to keep them from going there again (when they should be using the box). I don't know which litter to recommend, but agree its best to find what she used before. I would make sure to get big enough boxes so she feels like she has room...and I did say plural. You should always have a box for each cat, plus one, and have them in areas where she feels safe...definitely not the covered box kind, as cats sometimes do not like those and clearly she does not. Cat/Kitten Attract is a great idea, too. good luck!
 
#8 ·
Where ever she is going to do her business, move the litterbox there, if she goes, you know it's just the location. If she is going in the hallway or another place you would prefer not to have the litter - wait until she is using it faithfully and gradually move it little by little. If she still won't go when you move it to her chosen spot it's more likely that she doesn't like it OR she isn't feeling good. My cat started going in the bathtub one day - UTI was to blame! :O

Maybe just stressed/unhappy with moving?
 
#10 ·
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond to my desperate pleas! There will be more I'm sure, but it's always helpful to have informed and caring people to talk you down. These little fluffs are like babies to me, so it's always personal when they have an issue and very close to my heart.

I will look into cat attract. However, I really want to try everything else possible before I dabble with different litters. I have just emailed the breeder to get more information about her litter 'habits' and hopefully I get a response back!

The little girl has now gone three times on the upper floor, twice in the same place. I would almost put the litter box there, but my parents would never allow a litter box on the upper floor.

So, instead they have blocked up all entry to the second floor for the cat and hopefully we can minimize the areas she views are potential places to use as litter box alternatives.

We have gotten her a Tupperware box with liners and her pellets. I am also wondering if the liner is an issue too. I might just put down two boxes (one with liner and one without) and maybe we might get better luck.

Her urine smell is pretty strong on the second floor, despite me trying to wash it down with Petzyme. Any other suggestions would be great.

Thanks again to everyone for their support. I am fighting to get this kitty back on track because she's too wonderful in every other aspect to allow me to give up!
 
#12 ·
I will definitely take everyone's advice regarding getting the enzymatic cleaners. Just supersoak that floor :D

On a happier note, my parents just informed me that little Sunny used her litter box TWICE this morning (number 1 and number 2 on two separate occasions!)

This news has made my day!

Hopefully little Sunny continues her trend.

I will keep everyone posted and I appreciate all of the support and advice people have been willing to give me.