litter box training a kitten

Question
For the first month I had my kitten he was kept in the bathroom when we were not home with his litter box, food and water. He used his litter box without any problems. Then all of a sudden he began to go under one of the chairs in our living room.  He will poop and pee not just one or the other. I tried putting trash bags under the chair to keep him from going there. It helped for a week or so and then he started using it on the bag. His box is cleaned daily and the same litter is being used. Why all of a sudden would he quit using his box?

Answer
Leslee,

It is possible something has changed.  A new addition to the household (2 or 4 legged), a change in the type or brand of litter.  Who knows.  It is also possible the kitten has a minor medical condition which is causing the problem (your vet can check that out).  It is also possible the kitten manages to get himself lost, from time to time, and cannot find the litter box.

Given all these, you will have to do some detective work to find the cause.  BTW, if the kitten has just reached puberty (5-8 months of age), this can also cause the problem.

Here is a link to series of articles on litter box problems which may give you further suggestions:

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html


In any case, the area where he has gone inappropriately must be cleaned with an enzyme based cleaner specifically for pet stains and pet odors.

Instead of trash bags, you might try aluminum foil taped down.  Most cast hate the feel and sound of the stuff.  Hopefully, if he stops, using the one ares, he won't find another to his liking!

Good luck and best regards... Norm.