Help! My kitty won't use her litter box unless she is closed inside her room?

Question

I got my kitty a week ago, she was 5 weeks old (I realize that's young, but they were going to give her to someone anyways so I decided to take her.) The last week has been touch and go, and during the first few days I noticedthat having full reign in my apartment was allowing her to go wherever she wanted. So I set up a room for her, it's big, has a litter box that's low enough for her, her food is across the room, and I have been cleaning her litter once or twice daily to try to get her to go in the pan. When I'm not here, she does fine, but when I'm here and let her out, she goes in the dining room. I'd HATE to have to move her litter to the dining room, but is that my only option? Ij ust tried to get her different smaller less course litter and we're trying that....but anything else would help!

Answer 1

She is pretty young.  I wouldn't stress too much.  Perhaps a small litter box in the dining room temporarily, until she gets a little older.  Cats are pretty clean animals, and it sounds like you are doing everything right.  I would give her a few weeks.  What are you feeding her?  She is a bit young to be fully weened... is she having diarrhea?  If so, you may want to check with your vet about her diet.  If she is eating dry food, consider mixing it with some water to help her digest it properly.  Also, make sure she is getting plenty of water.  Good luck, and congratulations on your kitten.