Litter Training advice needed

[Auntie Debbie]

The basement kittens are the most affectionate batch I've had yet. Only problem is their litter habits. First, they don't always use the box. Sometimes close to it, sometimes wherever they feel like. Second problem is that their poops and gushy. Even with clean litter, when they use it, they step ih the goop and track it all over.
I've taken them out of the spare room last week and put them in the bathroom, but the bathroom is small. They have two boxes and in the bathroom they had been using them, still, tracking litter in there. Poops still gushy.
I had hoped that after spending 5 days in there, and with the progress of them using the boxes they'd stop pooping wherever. Last night we tried the spare room again. At least one is still "doing its own thing" and they will go back into the bathroom later today.
Questions...
Any sure fire way of training them (now almost 6 weeks old) to use the box consistantly?
Any way of firming up the poops. They are currently eating Authority canned kitten food. Science Diet Dry kitten food hasn't been a big hit. I am now trying Purina kitten food to see if they can change over to dry.
Advice please!!!!!

[Traci]

Getting them dewormed would be the first step. If they're having soft stools or diarrhea, it's either because they have worms (coccidia also need to be ruled out) or can't tolerate the food they're eating. In either case, it's not uncommon for them not to use the litterbox, or miss the box, because they can't hold, are uncomfortable, and can't get to the box soon enough.

Physically placing them in the box helps too, whether you think they have to go or not. Be consistent. Directly after or a short time after their meals is when they usually need to use the box, especially morning. Try other times during the day, like after a playtime or exercise session.

As you know, when they are in a small space, they usually use the box because it's in close proximity, so when they are in a larger room or area, take the box (or an extra one) and place it nearby, so they know a box is available to them quickly and easily accessible.

Use unscented litter if possible, and don't make it too deep in the box. Keep it scooped and cleaned, they are usually always curious once you've scooped or cleaned and will generally use it right after.

Keep the routine unchanged. Try to keep their diet consistent and of high quality. Make sure they're getting plenty of fresh water. Deworming by your vet ASAP.

[Auntie Debbie]

The little buggers have already had their first round of dewormer last Wednesday. In either room, they have two boxes. They have been placed in these boxes numerous times. It may be just one or two still doing it outside, not sure who though.
They are currently eating Authority for kittens. Appetites are very good, eyes clear, no sneezes, just runny poops and not getting it in the box and sometimes no where near the box in the spare room. Few to no problems in the bathroom excet for tracking it everywhere.
When I pick up Razzeratz tomorrow from his dental, I will bring a stool sample.
I have switched their dry to purina for kittens as they weren't eating the science diet at all....maybe that will help.
We'll see what the fecal gets us and take it from there...maybe a food change will be in order?

[Traci]

Considering I don't understand what's so special about Authority brands, yeah, food change in order.