How to Keep Kittens From Pooping on the Floor

According to veterinarian Katharine Hillestad, the problem associated with using the litter box is the top reason why cats are turned in to animal shelters. Training your kitten to use the litter box should be the number-one priority when you bring it into your home. Once you have trained your kitten to use the litter box, you won't have to deal with the issue again -- except, of course, for daily cleanings of the box. Learn to notice the telltale signs when your kitten needs to move its bowels so you can train it to use the litter box properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Cat litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your kitten confined to one general area. Close the doors to rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms so you can monitor your kitten at all times.

    • 2

      Introduce the kitten to the litter box. Choose a smaller one so that it can get in and out easily. Place it in the litter box a few minutes after eating and after waking up, which are the most likely times it will need to move its bowels.

    • 3

      Simulate the scratching motion with its paw if it does not do it on its own. Praise the kitten whenever it uses the litter box, but do not scold it when it doesn't

    • 4

      Keep a litter box close by near the spot where it is moving its bowels on the floor; a cat is a creature of habit and will return to the same place again and again because it recognizes its own scent.

    • 5

      Pick up the kitten gently and move it to the litter box if you see it start to move its bowels on the floor or scratching at the floor, which is an indication that it is about to occur. Do not scold or spank the kitten when it moves its bowels on the floor as this will make it fear you and will only cause the accidents to continue. Use a stern "No!" when you see it happening.