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Cats/Stray kitten doesn't go in litter box

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Expert: - 10/15/2007


Question
I found a stray kitten at the land fill.  She looks to be about 3-4 months old.  She is very friendly and loving.  When I got her home, she had fleas and really bad diarrhea.  I treated her for fleas and they are all gone.  The diarrhea is getting harder to being normal poop.  However, she will only go in her litter box (with no problems at all)  if she is locked in that room.  If I let her out and don't monitor her closely, she will go to the living room right next to her room and poop all over the floors.  Since it is still diarrhea, it is horrible on my beige carpets.  I have only had her for 4 days, so please tell me why she uses the box if she is in the room with it and why if I let her roam free, she will go down and eat her food, but leave the room to go to the bathroom?  Also, this room is huge.  I have the washer and dryer in there, a spare refrigerator and some shelving.  Her food and litter box are all about 15 feet apart and the litter box is by itself and not near anything noisy or not near the door or anything.  What is going on?

Answer
Hi Kristi,

The main reason is that she is a kit. Just like a child sometimes can't hold it because the bathroom is to far, so with kittens. Move a litter box into the main part of the house and show it to her. This should take care of the problem. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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