Kitten Urinates on Floor...

Question
Hi
My boyfriend recently purchased a kitten (about 4-5 months old) from someone. At first, the kitten wouldn't go near the litter box. It was as though he had never seen one in his life. And when I tried to put him in the box, he lifted his paws up like he really didn't like the way the litter felt on his paws (it's scoopable, indoor formula cat litter by Tidy Cats). After looking up some litter trainging tips online, I started keeping him locked in the bathroom while I'm away from home. And I also started putting him in his box after he eats. At first, this worked like a charm (for about a week). Then he started urinating on the floor (which are hardwood). But he does use his litter box to poo, and I've even scooped clumps of pee...So I really don't understand why he still uses my floor...Any help or advice would be greatly aprreciated. Oh, and I haven't taken him to the vet yet, but he does have an appointment for next week, so are there any questions I should ask the vet when I go?

Answer
Shonda,

There could be a number of reasons for his behavior. It could be emotional reasons, medical reasons, or a combination of both. Cats are basically clean animals so improper elimination is a sign something is definitely wrong in his world, and that is a way for him to let you know.  

He may have been startled or scared by something when he previously used the litterbox (before you got him) and now is afraid to use it.

He may have been 'paper-trained' in a cage and is not used to a litterbox. Can you ask the people who your boyfriend got him from how his behavior was regarding the use of the litterbox when they had him?

I had a cat who refused to use the litterbox because I guess he did not like the feel of it on his paws. He never did use it no matter what was done. He used a newspaper I put next to the litterbox and I didn't have any further problems. Luckily I only have had one in all my cats that had a serious phobia to litter. You may want to go to Home Depot (or similar building supply store) and get some children's play sand. Cats like to play in it but they also use it. If that works then you can gradually start adding regular cat litter to it.

He may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is painful for them to pee and they associate that pain with the litterbox and go elsewhere. Or it could be urinary crystals which are also very painful. And they can cause a blockage which, if not treated, is always fatal to male cats. Crystals are caused by eating too much fish and fish products (too high in magnesium) and from 'bargain brand' cat food (too high in ash). Crystals can be re-occuring.

There is a very slight possiblity that he may be coming into heat. If there is a female in the neighborhood in heat (and male cats can smell it for blocks!) he might be responding to that. He is at the age you should get him neutered (unless he is a pedigreed cat that you are intending to breed).

He may be having separation anxiety from being separated from his mom and/or siblings or littermates and is missing the comfort and company that they provided. Improper elimination is how they commonly show that stress. If that is the problem causing his behavior then locking him in a bathroom for long periods may escalate his feelings of loneliness and separation.

Have you considered getting a kitty companion (maybe another one from the litter)? Kittens need a friend to play kitty games with, for comfort and companionship instead of being all alone when you are not there, and to snuggle with. Two kittens are easier to take care of than one because they don't demand so much of your time and attention because they can amuse each other. And they learn from each other. If one uses the litterbox, the other one more than likely would copy.

I am including a link to a couple of sites that have very good articles on improper elimination. You may find them helpful and informative. Copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar:

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

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=158

It is good that you have an appointment with the vet. You need to rule out a medical problem first before addressing the problem as behaviorial.

I hope this helped. Give me an update after you take him to the vet.

Carol