My 3 month old kitten is having "accidents" all of a sudden. Can someone help?

Question

We have a 3 month old kitten and a 2 year old cat. They have both been using the same large litter box with no problems. A couple of weeks ago the kitten started using a corner of our dining room (both pee and poo). It happens about once a week. Then last week he used the duvet on our bed! My husband cleans the litter every other day so it is always fresh. The two cats have been using the same box for a couple of months now. Any ideas as to what might be wrong and what we can do to correct it? Both are male cats. I have heard of female cats using blankets, pillows, etc. to do this but not male cats. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

so, you have a three month old kitten who has been at your house for "a couple of months"  so you got this kitten when it was four weeks old?  that is very very young..

Several things could be going on here.  First of all, a three month old kitten is much like a toddler, they play and play until they HAVE TO GO NOW!!  so providing boxes around the house might solve this issue.  As he gets older, you can start eliminating boxes to the two you want to have left.

And yes, I said and meant two.  General rule is one box per cat plus one.  Cats hate walking over their own urine and f***s to go, and hate walking over someone else's even more.  They are very clean animals and their very sensitive noses are so much closer to the ground then ours, so they are more sensitive to what is clean and dirty than you are.  Chances are your older cat is preventing the kitten from using the one box you have provided.  Putting down a second should help out, putting down several will help even more.

inappropriate elimination isn't a male vs female thing.  Female cats aren't more likely to use blankets or pillows.  any time you have a cat that is dealing with inappropriate elimination, there is something wrong in that kitty's life.  Be it a health issue (it hurts when they pee so they associate that pain with the box and search out alternate places to go) or a territorial one (as explained above)   Since he is altered, then you aren't dealing with marking of territory (which males are more inclined to do, but females also mark if unaltered)

Answer 2

it's because 3month kitten can't walk very fast like an adult cat. so what's happening is. here it is ur kitten wanting to go to restroom. he tries to go to litter but he can't walk very fast and can't reach the litter box. and just goes on wherever he is. why don't u try putting the kitten in a litter box now and then to prevent him from urinating in furniture? and try getting him neauter when he reaches 6 month of age and the problem will be solved.

Answer 3

If your kitten has not seen a vet, do it now to rule out any medical problems.

If he is okay, I suggest setting up his own, distinct litter box away from the first one.  Perhaps in the corner he has been using.  The older cat may be intimidating the kitten.  Or the kitten may be reaching maturity and needs to be neutered.

First to the vet to get her needed shots and an exam. Good luck.

Answer 4

Hm im really not sure, why a kitten would be doing this. I think the other thing it could be, Is Marking his scent. To make sure the other cat knows he lives there.

Answer 5

You might have to get a seperate litter box for the 3 month old kitten.  Or maybe she is having a stomach problem where she does not feel comfortable using the litter box.  The first time I got my kitten she was using the litter box then she started pooing on the carpet.  You should also try changing the litter for that might cause problems.  

Answer 6

I know that when cats have a medical issues (UTI, etc.) they'll go everywhere. This is not normal behavior and he needs to see a vet right away to rule out any medical problems. Not using the litter box is usually the first behavioral tip off that something's up with the cat and he should be seen by a vet, right away if possible. You can google local emergency vets in your area. Best of luck, I hope he gets better :)

Answer 7

if they aren't neutered, that may be a cause. your little guy may be feeling territorial but he's too young to get snipped. try getting another litter box. i know it's annoying having more than one but that usually solves the problem.

it might be a psychological thing too. has anything changed recently? any work being done on the house? new furniture? carpets? some cats get stressed very easily. you might say they have ocd. i was fortunate enough to get cats that enjoy change but for some cats it can cause health problems. my friend's cat actually developed a bladder infection because they were having some minor work done on the house.