switching litter boxes

Question
We have two pure beautiful breed ragdoll kittens, now 16 weeks
and 3 floors in our house and two litter boxes. We've always had
our 2 big cats use only one litter box. We now only have these
two sibling kittens. They really only use one box -- just the
wrong box. We temporarily put a box in the shower for them
when they were slipping on the stairs. Now they are fine going
up and down. They just don't use the downstairs litter box - the
one we want them to use. When is a good time to transition
them to the downstairs litter box? Any ideas on how to do it
without the kittens peeing everywhere? We tried a few weeks ago
by getting rid of the box, and closing the door to the room
where the litter box was, which was on the main floor. My
daughter's bed became that litter box, so we put it back and
there have been no accidents. They don't mind being in the one
box at the same time. We really do need to get them out of the
bathroom.  

Answer
Well, Ragdolls are a lovely, mellow breed but they don't rank too high on the feline intelligence scale. I think they just haven't figured out that the litter box downstairs is a litter box.  My suggestion is to get yourself some of Dr. Elsey's Cat-Attract Litter, which is specially designed to address litter box problems. Most PetSmarts carry it or you can mail order it from them. I don't think Petco has it.  This litter is expensive but well worth it because it has a special scent that cats find irresistible. I have used it myself to get some kittens over a similar hurdle. Just fill the downstairs box with Dr. Elseys. Then either stop cleaning the upstairs one for a while or fill it with some less appealing litter. I think the problem will take care of itself. If it doesn't, there are a lot of good tips in the package with the litter that you may want to try, or write back.

Hope this helps!

iris