When will my kittens start using the litter tray

Question

my cat had two kittens 6 weeks ago, but they have never acknowledged the litter tray, i don't think the mother as even showed it them. when and how will they learn to do this, will they learn themselves or will the mother show them. theres no evidence of them doing it anywhere else in the house. please help. thanks

Answer 1

You could help them start now. Take them to the box and show them how to dig with their paws. Do this several times a day. We got a kitten at 9 weeks old. She started using the litter box the same day.

Answer 2

Pay close attention to the kittens when they are out of their bedding area. If you see one begin to urinate/defecate, immediately pick it up and put it in the litter box/tray. Usually the mother will show them or they will learn from watching her. But reinforcement is always a good thing.

I agree with the statement that instinct takes over. Put them in the litter and make them paw at it. It also helps if the mother uses the same box/tray. They will associate the use more quickly.

If f***s is found outside of the box, pick it up, put it in the box, and place the kittens in the box. You'll be amazed at how quickly they catch on.

Answer 3

mine started at 4 weeks.  put them in the litter box and show them how to scratch at the sand, they'll get the hang of it...natural instincts kick in.

Answer 4

They're probably doing it where you can't see. If you ever see their droppings in the house, you should probably smack its rear, rub its nose in it, and put it in the litterbox. Try to get a cage for the litterbox so it knows where it's supposed to go and doesn't just walk away.

Answer 5

If the kitten stays with its Mom long enough, (an absolute minimum of eight weeks and preferably 12 weeks) it should be very simple. Kittens taken from their mothers before the proper length of time often develop nursing behavior on themselves, other cats, humans, or fabric, and these habits will often continue throughout adulthood. They also need this time to learn proper cat behavior from their mother cat, including use of the litter box, socializing with humans and other cats. Try to imagine how a human would have turned out if he or she were taken away from their parents as toddlers, and didn’t have the proper role model to learn from. So, usually when a kitten has been observing their mother using the litter box, they will usually copy her which also helps the other kittens learn.

After the kitten has left his mother and he comes home with you for the first time, feed him wet food, (which is what‘s best for him especially before he’s a year old). About thirty minutes after he‘s done eating, place him in the box. If putting him in the box doesn‘t prompt him to use it, then stir the litter with your hands while he’s watching. Never restrain him in the box; you should always let the kitten jump out if he wants to. Kittens will often have accidents, and the best thing to do is to pick up the f***s and put it in the litter box. This will help him make an association with his f***s and the litter box.  Also one of the most important tips to prevent him from going in the same spot is to thoroughly clean it. I added strain and odor removing tips at the bottom. Never yell at or scold the kitten for accidents, as you wouldn't scold a potty training toddler for an accident. Punishment does not help a cat‘s behavior. All it does is make your cat fear and resent you.

Each day about a half an hour after mealtime and playtime, put him in the box as you did the first time. Cats are creatures of habit, so teach them the routine and you should have no problem.

Good luck!